York County leaders and youth advocates gathered at the York County 911 Center to raise awareness of the continuing fight against child abuse and neglect.

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month throughout April, Pa. Family Support Alliance (PFSA) and York County hosted a flag-planting ceremony to honor and memorialize the 270 victims of child abuse and neglect in the county in 2023, the most recent year of available data.

“April is a crucial time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect, serious problems that remain deeply rooted in our society,” said Angela Liddle, President and CEO of PFSA. “Flag plantings help illustrate the problem, and we greatly appreciate York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler for asking us to host one in the county.”

York County Commissioners recognized Joanne Godfrey, family advocate at Children’s Aid Society – The Lehman Center, with a proclamation acknowledging her work and nearly 40 years of service. Godfrey retires in June after serving over 3,500 York County families as an advocate. She was named a Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids by PFSA, with the award presented to her during an April 2 ceremony at the Capitol.

On the grounds of the 911 Center, advocates planted 270 blue flags to symbolize the substantiated cases of child abuse in York County in 2023, according to the 2023 Child Protective Services Report from the Pa. Department of Human Services, and two black flags to symbolize those whose lives were lost to abuse and neglect in 2023.

“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to fight the serious issue of child abuse in York County,” said York County Commissioner President Julie Wheeler. “We must be vigilant in our efforts to protect children and ensure they are kept safe from abuse and neglect. Because it truly takes a village to keep our community – and especially our children – safe.”

Wheeler also thanked community partners, such as PFSA, York County Children’s Advocacy Center and Children’s Home of York for their work to support and protect children and families across York County.

“The 270 blue flags and two black flags here at the York County 911 Center are a stark reminder that although we have made much progress, we still have work to do,” said Deb Harrison, executive director of York County Children’s Advocacy Center. “Let us remember that our work does not end on April 30, nor should it.”

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, contact ChildLine at 1 (800) 932-0313.

From Penn Watch, April 10, 2025