Saline County Marks April as Child Abuse Prevention Month

Local officials issue proclamations and display blue pinwheels to raise awareness

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:13pm

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A soft, blurred photograph of a child's hand holding a blue pinwheel, representing the symbol of child abuse prevention and the community's efforts to protect vulnerable children.The display of blue pinwheels around the Saline County Courthouse serves as a poignant symbol of the community's commitment to child abuse prevention.Marshall Today

Marshall Mayor Craig Thompson and the Saline County Commission presented proclamations on Friday morning at a ceremony marking April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The ceremony, held in the rotunda of the Saline County Courthouse, was attended by 50 people and featured the display of blue pinwheels as a symbol of awareness and support for victims of child abuse.

Why it matters

The proclamations and public awareness campaign aim to encourage the community to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. Child abuse and neglect are serious issues that can have long-lasting impacts on victims, and raising awareness is an important step in addressing the problem.

The details

In their proclamations, Thompson and Presiding Commissioner Becky Plattner noted that the state hotline handled 527 reports of suspected abuse in Saline County last year. The display of blue pinwheels around the courthouse throughout the month is meant to serve as a visual reminder of the issue and to show support for victims.

  • The ceremony took place on April 10, 2026.
  • The blue pinwheels will be on display around the courthouse throughout the month of April.

The players

Craig Thompson

The mayor of Marshall, Missouri.

Becky Plattner

The presiding commissioner of Saline County, Missouri.

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The takeaway

The proclamations and public awareness campaign in Saline County are an important step in addressing the issue of child abuse and neglect in the community. By encouraging residents to remain vigilant and report suspected cases, the local officials are working to protect vulnerable children and provide support for victims.