By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—At today’s reception to honor those who work for children in Henry County, County Mayor Brent Greer read a proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and gave an emotional plea for everyone to work together on these issues.
Carl Perkins Center Director Carly Wheat said the reception is a way for the Center to give back to those with whom it works. Those in attendance included staff from the Henry Co. Sheriff’s Office, Paris Police, Department of Children’s Services, the local courts, county commissioners, REAL Hope Center, first responders, Henry Co. Medical Center and Center board members.
Greer noted that he originally is from Dickson Co. and the situation with the little boy with Autism who was killed by his father has been on his mind. “We all need to keep that community in our prayers,” he said. “The community is having such a difficult job dealing with this and the law enforcement there will continue to have a difficult job to do.”
Greer said that situation is an example of how people need to come together. “I don’t know how to solve these issues unless we all work together,” he said.
Wheat agreed, asking that everyone in the room continue to advocate for the Carl Perkins Center “so that we can continue to advocate for these kids who need protection.”
Wheat noted that free training in issues of child abuse is available from her Center for local church and community groups. “People who work with kids need to be prepared for this when it happens and we do this training whenever we are asked,” she said.
You can contact the Carl Perkins Center at 642 8455.
Today’s reception was held at the Henry Co. 911/EMA building on Brewer St. in Paris, which is where the Carl Perkins Center also is located.
Photo: County Mayor Brent Greer reads the proclamation, while (from left): Julia Burrow, Americorps staff; Nikki Klopfenstein, victim advocate; and Director Carly Wheat. (Shannon McFarlin photo).
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