Child Abuse Prevention Month kicks off in blue

Supporters and advocates lined the steps of the Cascade County Courthouse on Wednesday, braving wind and cool weather to pose for a photo while wearing blue. "Wear Blue Day" was the first event of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

It's an issue of great importance to the community, with multiple government agencies and nonprofit organizations gathering together to show solidarity and support in the fight against child abuse.

The Cascade County Commission issued a proclamation recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month at its last meeting. The proclamation lists the organizations planning to place "Pinwheels for Prevention" at the Cascade County Courthouse and Great Falls College Montana State University "as a reminder that not all children have safe, forever homes in which they can thrive."

Those groups include: the Exchange Club of Great Falls, the CARE Center, the Kiwanis Club of Great Falls, the Child Abuse Prevention Committee and the Dandelion Foundation.

CASA-CAN organized the group photo and provided awareness bracelets to participants. Victim-Witness Assistance Services provided blue ribbon cutouts for supporters to hold, and the Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) Little Belts Charter also attended the event.

Reach Tribune Staff Writer Andrea Fisher-Nitschke at 791-6527.

Follow her on Twitter @GFTrib_Andrea.