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WARREN -- With 1,256 pinwheels representing the total number of cases of child abuse and neglect reported in 2022 in Trumbull County, organizers and speakers at the 18th annual Pinwheels for Prevention said they want that number to decrease this year.
More than 40 people gathered Tuesday afternoon at city hall, where the pinwheels had been placed on the lawn and will remain throughout the month as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Tim Schaffner, executive director of Trumbull County Children Services, said Pinwheels for Prevention has become a national movement, and the local event promotes awareness of child abuse and neglect in partnership with the city.
"The pinwheels are symbolic of two things. The pinwheels celebrate what a childhood should be, that children and many adults get joy out of a pinwheel. It is a symbol of that joy that every child deserves.
"The pinwheels are also a direct reflection of all the people in the community from educators, police, neighbors and others who keep kids safe. It takes a village to raise a child and our village works very, very well to help children," he said.
Schaffner said in 2022 the agency received 1,256 calls of child maltreatment in Trumbull County, which represents 80 percent of the cases handled.
Mayor Doug Franklin said the work children services does makes a difference in lives of children and families and also raises awareness.
"Child abuse continues to be a major social problem both nationally and locally. Each pinwheel represents a report of child abuse and neglect in 2022 in Trumbull County. Reports are for children of all ages. With everyone making a commitment to be an active and caring member of the community, a safer future for our children is possible," he said.
Trumbull County commissioners Denny Malloy and Mauro Cantalamessa said everyone working together can help reduce the number of pinwheels.
"The Trumbull County commissioners will give full support as we all strive for a day where there will be less and less and less pinwheels, until we find that day when there are none," Malloy said.
Trumbull Sheriff Paul Monroe said local law enforcement has always had a good working relationship with children services, assisting with investigation of abuse and neglect and working with caseworkers and other staff as they meet with families and check on cases. He said it can become dangerous for case workers when a child needs to be removed from a home.
"This is a strong partnership," he said.
Monroe said a full-time investigator from sheriff's office is on staff at children services, assisting where needed.
Pastor Paul Armitage of North-Mar Church in Warren said it is a tragedy to hear that 1,256 children have been abused.
"Our hearts break when we see all these pinwheels. Each pinwheel represents a real person with a real heartbeat," he said.
Officials said the pinwheels also represent adults who have become advocates for a child by reporting suspected abuse or neglect.
Members of Touch of Class 4-H Club spent Sunday morning putting up the pinwheels. The club has done so as a community service project for several years.
Also, city hall and the Trumbull County courthouse will be lit with blue lights throughout April to recognize child abuse prevention.