The signing was held at the Governor s Office and attended by Commissioner George Hattaway of the Department of Children s Services and his staff, Representative John Hood of Murfreesboro, and representatives of several Tennessee organizations that work with children and families. In signing the proclamation, Governor Sundquist recognized child abuse and neglect as a serious problem that ranks as one of the greatest risks to the health and well being of children in Tennessee. Last year, DCS received more than 32,000 reports of child abuse and neglect. Child abuse and neglect occurs when a child is mistreated or not provided with the basic necessities of life, resulting in injury or risk of harm.
Abuse can be physical, verbal, emotional or sexual.
During the month of April DCS will work with various agencies throughout the state to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and services that are available to children and families in local communities. Unicoi Unicoi County Children and Youth Symposium featuring some fifty presenters who work with children and families. To schedule an interview, call the contact person listed above or Ava Philson in the Public Information Office.