Hurst proclaims April 2025 Child Abuse Prevention Month; Alliance for Children thanks city for support

Hurst City Council on Monday read a proclamation declaring April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and heard from a regional child advocacy organization about services for abused and neglected children.

The proclamation, read aloud during the meeting, said every child deserves a nurturing family and a safe environment and cited local statistics: 4,719 Tarrant County children were confirmed victims of child abuse or neglect in 2024, and Alliance for Children provided trauma-informed services to 3,025 children in February 2024.

The proclamation noted that effective prevention, investigation and treatment depend on partnerships among community organizations and citizens. Emma, MDT coordinator with Alliance for Children, thanked the council and the Hurst Police Department for a partnership dating to 1999 and described the agency's free services.

"Every service such as case coordination, forensic interviews, case management, and trauma-focused mental health is provided at no cost to the children and families in our area," Emma said. "The support we receive from our partner cities, local law enforcement, and Tarrant County is critical to our agency and makes those services possible."

A councilmember with a policing background spoke at length about the emotional toll of responding to child abuse cases and expressed support for continued community efforts to protect children.

The council indicated its support for the proclamation; a copy will be provided by the city secretary and retained with the meeting record.

Council members and staff also highlighted related calendar items and local outreach events tied to family services during the meeting.