Highland Shores Children’s Aid took its Purple Day campaign to Hastings County Council on Thursday.
Every October, Children’s Aid Societies across the province raise awareness about the important role they play in supporting vulnerable children, youth and families.
Jennifer Bishop of Highland Shores Children’s Aid told council that on Dress Purple Day, Children’s Aid Societies collaborate with community partners to speak up for every child and youth on rights, safety and well-being in all spaces and to celebrate the community that cares for kids.
Bishop say as only 20% of referrals are related to the extreme abuse that most people associate with Children’s Aid.
“The majority of children in family service from Highland Shores is the result of their families not being able to meet the children’s physical and emotional needs. Some of the difficulties that families face include mental health concerns, addictions, social isolation, trauma, and extreme financial stress.
Bishop added, “What we know is nearly 50% of all …children investigations of child abuse in Ontario involve exposure to intimate partner events.”
“In twenty-one per cent of substantiated investigations report neglect was identified as the over-riding concern while physical abuse was the primary form of maltreatment in 19% of families.”
She said, “The geographical breakdown shows Belleville and Quinte West are where the higher numbers of families are receiving services, then Centre Hastings and Northumberland.”
