Baldwin County proclaims April Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, highlights rising demand for services

The Baldwin County Commission on April 7 unanimously proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month and Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month, drawing attention to local agencies that provide crisis lines, hospital accompaniment and court advocacy for victims.

The proclamation — read into the record by the commission chair — recited national statistics and urged residents to ‘‘believe them and support them’’ when victims come forward. Representatives from area nonprofits spoke to commissioners about rising demand: a spokesperson for the Care House said the organization has more than tripled the number of children it serves and has more than doubled its budget over her 15 years with the group. The Lighthouse and other advocates described services including 24‑hour crisis lines, hospital accompaniment for rape victims, counseling, support groups and court advocacy.

Shannon, representing the Lighthouse board of directors, thanked the commission for the recognition and highlighted coordination between victim‑service providers and law enforcement. A Care House representative said fundraisers and community visitation help the public understand services; the nonprofit announced an “Under the Stars” benefit scheduled for April 24 and asked for donations and sponsorships.

Commissioners who spoke at the meeting emphasized that local agencies frequently handle cases that do not get reported to law enforcement and stressed the importance of outreach. The proclamation encouraged residents to contact the Lighthouse, Care House or the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center for support and information.

The commission adopted the proclamation by voice vote; no formal staff allocations or new county funding were recorded in the meeting minutes.