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Lawrence County proclaims April as Child Abuse Prevention Month; student winners honored
Summary
The board proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Awareness Month, cited local child-welfare statistics, and awarded winners of an expanded student art and writing contest; the proclamation passed unanimously.
The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Awareness Month and recognized winners of the county's fourth annual student art contest on April 7.
Commissioner Deanna Holliday read the proclamation, citing county figures: "there were 1,056 reports of suspected child abuse and neglect in Lawrence County, with over 450 reports screened in for assessment or investigation, resulting in more than 100 confirmed victims," and saying "approximately 66 children are currently in the custody of children services," language included in the board's formal proclamation. The proclamation called on residents, agencies and community partners to increase awareness and prevention efforts.
Missy Evans, director of the Lawrence County Department of Job and Family Services, described the contest and the expanded grade bands. A student group from Ironton — the Tiger Wellness Network — outlined a five-part framework for school wellness, including peer leadership, community resource boards, monthly wellness challenges and a kindness wall meant to increase connection and mental-health supports for students in rural communities.
The board moved, seconded and adopted the proclamation unanimously during the meeting, and commissioners then recognized the contest winners and invited participants to photograph on the courthouse lawn.
What happens next: the proclamation encourages local agencies and residents to increase awareness and participate in prevention activities throughout April. The county will publish contest and program materials online and in local media.
