Lanham, MD – On August 23, 2012 the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services and the Prince George’s County Police Department co-sponsored a workshop for parents, educators, care givers and children living and working in the Glen Dale community. The free event was open to the public at Du Val High School located at 9880 Good Luck Road in Lanham, MD.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children in Prince George’s County,” said Gloria L. Brown, Director of Prince George’s County Department of Social Services. “Child abuse and neglect impacts the entire community and requires a community response. This partnership with law enforcement, the schools and the community is important in our efforts to raise awareness by educating parents and children regarding taking an active role in preventing child abuse and neglect.”
Trained professional social workers addressed the risk factors relating to child abuse, signs of abuse, and the importance of protecting children by establishing boundaries. Residents learned about the role of the Department of Social Services and were given resource materials to assist in establishing criteria used by the Department and the key distinction between the vital role of law enforcement.
Detective Fennel and Pfc. Jamie Boulware of the Prince George’s County Police Department provided insight on the relationship between abuse and children running away from abusive situations. The officers also stressed the importance of timeliness in reporting a missing child and how GPS technology has been useful in recent incidents. The officers also cautioned parents about creating safe mechanisms for monitoring Internet use and ways to protect children from being lured away from home by sexual predators.
The departments will continue to collaborate in order to increase awareness about protecting children. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, please contact the Prince George’s County Department of Social Service Abuse Hotline at 301-909-2450. If you suspect a child is missing, immediately call of 911. If you are interested in holding an information session in your community, call 301-909-7022.
For more information:
Lavette S. Sims, Public Education and Community Outreach, 301-909-7022, lsims@dhr.state.md.us
