In observance of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Garden Grove Police Department’s School Resource Officers were recently honored for efforts in bringing awareness and preventing child abuse and neglect in Garden Grove by the non-profit Raise Foundation, during their 25th Annual Blue Ribbon Kick-Off Ceremony.
“The GGPD’s School Resource Officers’ passion and drive come from knowing that children are truly innocent victims of circumstances beyond their control,” said Garden Grove Police Chief Todd Elgin.
The SROs honored with the Raise Foundation’s Shining Light Award were: Captain Ed Leiva; Lieutenant William Allison; Sergeant Jon Wainwright; Officers Gary Elkins, Andy Flaws, Jason Fulton, Robert Kivler; and Detective David Young.
Four full-time SROs assigned to Garden Grove Unified School District intermediate and high schools help provide campus safety and create a positive connection between the community and the police department. The SROs also work closely with the Boys and Girls Club of Garden Grove and several other non-profit groups that support children’s needs.
In addition, the City of Garden Grove actively places efforts in raising awareness and preventing child abuse through family support services and events offered by the Magnolia Park Family Resource Center and the Buena Clinton Youth and Family Center. One example is Family Fun Day, at Magnolia Park, on Thursday, April 25, where families can enjoy activities geared towards quality family time.
Other activities observing the Blue Ribbon month include a proclamation designating April 2019 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Garden Grove to be placed on the Tuesday, April 9 regular Garden Grove City Council meeting agenda; and a pinwheel garden “planted” at the Garden Grove Chapman Library to raise awareness and memorialize children who died last year from abuse and neglect.
The Raise Foundation is officially designated as Orange County’s Child Abuse Prevention Council. For more information about the Raise Foundation’s Blue Ribbon awareness campaign, visit www.theraisefoundation.org.
