Clay County proclaims April Child Abuse Prevention Month; Synergy Services urges public participation

The Clay County Commission on Tuesday adopted a proclamation designating April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and received remarks from Synergy Services' Children's Advocacy Center about local coordination to support children and families.

Chair (of the Clay County Commission) introduced proclamation 2026-87 and said protecting vulnerable children is a test of the community's values, urging commissioners and residents to "be cognizant" of that responsibility. Pastor Randy Mitchell offered an invocation asking for wisdom for county leaders and protection for first responders.

Tiffany Clark, vice president of the Children's Advocacy Center at Synergy Services, told the commission her organization acts as "the hub" coordinating law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys and other local programs to get families timely services. She thanked the commission for support from the Clay County Children's Services Fund and described outreach plans for the month, including a public visibility campaign: "Tomorrow, April 10 is the official Go Blue Day," Clark said, asking residents to wear blue and post photos to show support.

The administrator noted Synergy is one of several groups working on child-protection initiatives and the commission invited attendees for photos after the proclamation. No formal action was required beyond the proclamation; commissioners thanked Synergy Services and reaffirmed the county's financial support through the Children's Services Fund.

The commission moved on to other business after the short ceremonial item; administrators and commissioners said they appreciated the organization's work and encouraged public engagement during April.