Ransom presents proclamation at Atlanta CPS

Judge Travis Ransom issued a proclamation at the Atlanta CPS office on April 18. Child abuse, according to the Child Advocacy Center, “estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be victims of sexual abuse before their 18th birthday.” Of those numbers, only one in ten will ever tell someone about their abuse. Also, more than 90% of child victims are abused by someone they know and trust. Almost one million reports of child abuse are confirmed each year in the U.S.

A staggering statistic from the National Call to Action states that the rate of child abuse is ten times the rate of cancer. An estimated 39 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse exist in America today.

With that in mind, and in honor of the 2023 Child Abuse Prevention Month, Judge Ransom issued the following proclamation: “There is a consensus across the country that it is necessary to build strong prevention systems as part of a robust family well-being system that not only supports families when they are in a crisis but is intentional in supporting families before they are in crisis. The universal challenges faced over the past three years have compounded the struggles children and families in our communities were already facing and heighten the urgency for us to consider what a robust family well-being system in Cass County could and should look like.

“In Cass County, we believe that children thrive in safe, stable, nurturing families, within their own communities. Through establishing partnerships with families that capitalize on the collective strengths of parents and their children we can build strong, healthy families and resilient communities where children can thrive. Sadly, child maltreatment is still a significant public health issue. Communities that lack accessible supports and resources and are disproportionately affected by poverty can experience increased risk factors that lead to child abuse and neglect. Despite the complex factors that can lead to child maltreatment, it can be prevented.

“Each year, the month of April is dedicated to recognizing the critical work being done across our great state to meet families upstream, before a crisis occurs, and offer them accessible lifelines that mitigate the challenges they face. Child abuse prevention occurs every day through the diligent work and tireless advocacy undertaken by Cass County families, friends, neighbors, houses of faith, advocacy groups, nonprofit organizations, schools, health-care providers, social workers, and government agencies to support children and families in every community.

“Child abuse prevention cannot be tasked to one community, agency, or system. Behind many families that succeeded on their own is a strong community that provided a way for the family to meet their needs. We must all work together to strengthen our communities and build localized supports that are accessible, contribute to the well-being of the entire community, and keep children and families safe and together. I encourage everyone to learn more about the many aspects of our communities working hard to create positive, healthy environments for the future leaders of our great state and nation. Together, we can create a brighter future for children, families, and communities in Cass County and ensure tomorrow’s leaders have the support they need to thrive and reach their potential.

“Therefore, I, Travis Ransom, Cass County Judge, do hereby proclaim April 2023 to be Child Abuse Prevention Month in Cass County, and urge the appropriate recognition whereof.

In official recognition whereof, I hereby affix my signature this the 18th day of April 2023.”