April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and to help raise awareness, CASA of the Bluegrass (Court Appointed Special Advocates) have planted 151 blue pinwheels in front of the Boyle County Courthouse and Danville City Hall. The number 151 is for each case of child abuse or neglect in Boyle County in 2023.

“Blue pinwheels are the national symbol of child abuse prevention,” said CASA Program Development Coordinator Casey Atwood. “The pinwheel is a childish symbol to sort of restore the childhood of those who have had it taken from them.”

Before the pinwheels were placed in front of the courthouse, County Attorney Christopher Herron spoke on the widespread effects of child abuse.

“Child abuse is everywhere,” Herron said. “It doesn’t matter if you are poor or rich. We should be very aware of it. Last year we had 151 child abuse cases filed in Boyle County; just think there are probably a lot more that we don’t know about. It is very important for us to be aware and know the signs so we can report abuse when we see it. We need to protect our children today for tomorrow.”

2023 did see a decline in cases from 2022; but Atwood said that even one is too many.

“We are noticing a steady decline, which is good but it is still far more than we would like to see,” Atwood said. “There is still such a need for child abuse awareness, like what signs to look for and who to call.”

For more information about CASA, Child Abuse Prevention Month, or ways to volunteer, go to casaofthebluegrass.org.