Preventing child abuse: It’s a job for all of us

ASHEBORO — The job of protecting children “belongs to all of us.”

That was the message of Jaynetta Butler, founder of the Child Abuse Prevention Walk & Block Party, the fourth edition of which was held April 16 at the Asheboro Recreation Center on North Street.

Butler, who is retiring as assistant director of the Randolph County Department of Social Services, told an audience in the Rec Center gymnasium that she talked with others four years ago about a walk to remind everyone that “protecting children belongs to all of us.”

Holding a walk, which this year included a block party on North Street, would bring people in the community together to talk about child abuse.

“Survivors depend on agencies to get through the worst times of their life,” Butler said. “The idea has turned into the commitment of the community.”

She referred to a figure given by a previous speaker, Darrell Frye, chair of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners. He said that last year there were 1,392 reported cases of child abuse in the county. And that didn’t count cases that weren’t reported.

Butler repeated that number, adding that statewide there were more than 120,000 children abused. “Each one is a real kid. Each has a story, a need. Each depends on an adult to take care of them.

“I have worked in child welfare for 30 years,” she said. “I’m retiring, with joy from the work done but sadness in leaving work. I don’t want to put it down. The work is not done.”

During her years at Butler DSS, Butler said she has “seen families do the hard work to make changes. I’ve seen families reunite. There are not always clear answers. But you do the work and stay focused. It’s about people.

“This work is hard, emotionally hard,” she said. “But these three decades have been worth it.”

Butler then addressed what average people can do to prevent child abuse. 

“Prevention matters,” she said. “Every adult is required (by the state) to report child abuse. This community has shown it’s willing to do that. Our role is to take care of our most vulnerable ones.

“What can you do?” Butler asked. “You can help where you are, help those around you. Make sure they have the services to manage. Just be a support. We can drop the number (of cases).”

In his remarks, Frye noted that the commissioners had passed a resolution making April Child Abuse Prevention Month in the county. He thanked all those present who work for agencies to prevent the problem.

DSS social work program administrator Walker Brown said the purpose for the Child Abuse Prevention Walk and Block Party is twofold. First, it’s to raise awareness of the problem in the community. Second, it’s to provide solutions and to share resources to build strong families.

After the program, dozens of walkers took to the streets of downtown, circling the block for approximately one mile before returning to the Rec Center. The block party included several law enforcement vehicles, an Asheboro Police Department therapy dog, corn hole games and a Kona Ice truck.