Laurens County First Steps Leads
Child Abuse Prevention Month
in Laurens County Awareness
Event; Encourages Everyone to
Support Families and Children
Laurens County – 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 County can take several steps to help prevent child abuse and neglect in their community:
1. Report Suspected Abuse
•If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, report it to the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) by calling 1-888-CARE4US (1-888-227-3487) or contacting local law enforcement.
2. Support Families in Need
•Offer help to families who may be struggling by providing babysitting, meals, or emotional support.
•Donate to or volunteer with organizations that provide resources to at-risk families, such as Laurens County First Steps, local food banks, or shelters.
3. Educate Yourself and Others
•Learn the signs of child abuse and neglect, which can include unexplained injuries, withdrawal, fear of certain adults, or poor hygiene.
•Share information about prevention programs and community resources with friends, neighbors, and family members.
4. Get Involved with Local Organizations
•Volunteer with Laurens County First Steps, Guardian ad Litem programs, or other child advocacy groups.
•Participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month activities and events to raise awareness.
5. Advocate for Policies that Support Children
•Support local and state policies that improve child welfare, such as funding for early childhood education, mental health services, and family support programs.
•Encourage workplaces, schools, and faith communities to promote safe environments for children.
6. Be a Positive Influence in a Child’s Life
•Be a mentor, coach, or trusted adult for children in the community.
•Offer encouragement and guidance to parents who may need support.
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 invited 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 to 7 p.m. This fun and educational event brought 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 also was 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.
Children’s Trust is South Carolina’s prevention leader and the state chapter for Prevent Child Abuse America. It supports a network that shares our belief that all children should thrive, live in secure families, and be surrounded by supportive communities. Sue Williams, CEO of Children’s Trust, applauded Laurens County First Steps for participating in Child Abuse Prevention Month. “As South Carolina strives to give every child the opportunity to grow up healthy and happy, we know we must all work together,” Williams said. “There is no single public agency, community organization or individual that can ensure success for our children. Together, we create a better tomorrow for South Carolina. “We are proud to be standing with these leaders in our community,” said Toni Able. “We ask that everyone join us to cultivate the relationships, connections, and places that help every child thrive. Your participation in this month’s activities signals that we are united as advocates working toward a common goal of supporting families and children.”
Laurens County First Steps is a local nonprofit that collaborates to ensure all children begin school prepared to reach their full potential. We accomplish this by involving families, caregivers, and community partners in high-quality programs and services that foster early childhood development from prenatal stages to age five. Additionally, we act as a connector and convenor for all early childhood stakeholders in Laurens County.
