NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) – April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Last year, 439 cases of child abuse were reported in Lincoln County. Now, a local nonprofit is partnering with the monthly pantry to raise awareness about child protection. Child abuse is more common than people think.

“It’s the law and by state law, everyone in Nebraska is a required reporter, so basically if you see it, say something,” said Lincoln County Child Abuse Prevention member Carolline Sabin. Council.

The Bridge of Hope Advocacy Center has reported 156 cases of child abuse so far this year.

“The number of children coming into CASA and needing to be placed in foster care, guardianship or even foster care has really increased since COVID,” Sabin said.

Sabin here, the team of volunteers come together to try and prevent child abuse by handing out magnets to start those important conversations.

“Prevention work is always a challenge because you’re trying to fix the problem before it happens,” Sabin said. “It’s really important to engage with families and help them understand that there are supports in the community to suggest the best options for finding parenting support or support to pay their bills, because a lot of those things are that kind of escalates and then things kind of explode with the family.

The council encourages all agencies and the community to wear blue on Fridays to show their support for ending child abuse.

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