Laurens County First Steps Champions Child Abuse Prevention Month with Awareness Event and Community Initiatives

Laurens County First Steps is committed to raising awareness and preventing child abuse, especially during Child Abuse Prevention Month. As of March 3, 2025, 163 children in Laurens County are involved in 73 active Child Protective Service investigations. During the 2023-2024 state fiscal year, 1,130 children were part of open investigations. Of these, 167 cases were substantiated, and 257 children were referred to family-centered community support services. Each case represents a tragic disruption of childhood innocence.

Residents of Laurens, SC, can take several steps to help prevent child abuse and neglect in their community:

1. Report Suspected Abuse

2. Support Families in Need

3. Educate Yourself and Others

4. Get Involved with Local Organizations

5. Advocate for Policies that Support Children

6. Be a Positive Influence in a Child’s Life

By taking these steps, Laurens County residents can help create a safer, more supportive environment for children and families in their community.

We invite residents to stop by our office at 1029 West Main Street, Laurens, and drive around the cul-de-sac throughout April for a powerful visual representation of these 587 children. Over 1,500 pinwheels will be displayed throughout Laurens County, symbolizing the joyful and safe childhood that every child deserves and the essential role we all play in fostering a loving and supportive environment for them.

Laurens County First Steps invites children and families to join us on Thursday, April 10, at the YMCA in Clinton (100 YMCA Drive) for the Child Abuse Prevention/Celebrate Safe Children event from 4 PM to 7 PM.  This fun and educational event brings families together to raise awareness about child abuse prevention and celebrate safe and happy children. Food vendors, games, activities, and valuable resources for parents and children will be available. Local children’s performances, engaging speakers, and an interactive Imagination Playground from The Children’s Museum of the Upstate will also be featured.  For a complete list of participating organizations, visit the Laurens County First Steps Facebook page.

Laurens County First Steps proudly joins organizations across South Carolina as a Child Abuse Prevention Month partner and grant recipient through the Children’s Trust of South Carolina. Held every April, this awareness campaign encourages communities statewide to foster positive childhood experiences and build a foundation for lifelong well-being.

In support of this mission, Laurens County First Steps has placed over 20 donation boxes in businesses throughout the county to collect diapers, wipes, canned goods, and non-perishable food for C4 Ministries (formerly Family Promise of Laurens County). This initiative has made a meaningful impact on many local families.

Executive Director Toni Able emphasized the power of collective action, stating, “Now more than ever, our families need us – organizations, government agencies, businesses, communities, neighborhoods, faith-based groups, and individuals – to come together. By supporting families, we strengthen our community, build resilience, and ensure children grow up happy, healthy, and safe.”

What happens in childhood lasts a lifetime. Adverse childhood experiences can have long-term negative health effects, but research shows that children who grow up in safe, nurturing environments are more likely to become healthy, thriving adults.  

Laurens County First Steps is joining prevention partners across the state to show their commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect.