York County leaders, law enforcement and advocates came together on Wednesday to plant flags in honor of child abuse victims.

In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Pa. Family Support Alliance (PFSA) and the County of York hosted the second annual flag-planting ceremony at the York County Emergency Services Center.

York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler presented PFSA with a proclamation marking April as Child Abuse Prevention Month during the ceremony. Other community partners and leaders attended the ceremony, including York County District Attorney Tim Barker and police chiefs from across the county.

“York County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have a strong network of partners to protect children from abuse and neglect and to raise awareness across the community of the importance of ensuring all children are safe, secure and cared for,” the proclamation says. “Our communities are stronger when all citizens become aware of child abuse prevention and become involved in supporting parents to raise their children in a safe and nurturing environment.”

Advocates planted 260 flags on Wednesday, honoring the 260 victims of child abuse the county had in 2024, according to a Child Protective Services Report. Two black flags were planted, representing those who have died from abuse and neglect.

“Every flag we plant is a reminder that there is still so much work to be done to protect the children in our communities,” Angela Liddle, president and CEO of PFSA, said. “We are grateful to Commissioner Wheeler for welcoming us back to York County, and to the law enforcement leaders, child advocates and local officials who continue to show up for the kids who need someone who cares the most.”

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

“We need to make sure we’re doing all we can to give families the tools they need to ensure children have a safe, nurturing environment where they can grow and thrive,” Wheeler said. “But we also need to take swift action when children are put at risk. It’s our collective responsibility to keep kids safe from neglect and abuse.”

From Fox 43, April 8, 2026