The Erie Department of Social Services (“ECDSS”) will present a discussion regarding child abuse prevention on Friday, April 21st from 12:30-3:00PM at the ECC South Campus, 4041 Southwestern Boulevard in Orchard Park. “Before the Hotline…Building a Community, Building Hope” will focus on the programs and services available to families in crisis before child abuse or maltreatment occurs.

“By the time a call is made to the CPS hotline, a child often is already the victim of abuse and/or neglect. This maltreatment can have a lifelong impact as this trauma can impair proper brain development,” said Social Services Commissioner Al Dirschberger. “Our ‘Before the Hotline’ event will focus on the opportunities available to families with challenges before their children suffer from abuse or neglect.”

"Before the Hotline..." will include:

• A resource fair where organizations and community partners will provide information about their preventive services;

• A panel presentation on the CPS school colocation program; the Erie County Family Services Team; Erie County Youth Services programs; and the Say Yes Partnership.

• Additional resource providers available to answer questions.

All are welcome to the event, but community educators, teachers, mandated reporters, providers, peace officers, social work students and alumni, faith community leaders, and medical professionals are especially encouraged to attend. A boxed lunch will be provided free for the first 100 pre-registered attendees and there is no charge to park. The event will be held in Room 202 of ECC South’s Building 5.

“This event is being held in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, when people across the country join to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect prevention. Be helping publicize the resources available to families with challenges, we hope to prevent child abuse in our community,” said First Deputy Commissioner of Social Services Sharon Rochelle.

RSVP to Hannah Holden, ECDSS at (716) 858-8679 or via email at hannah.holden@erie.gov. Registration is also available online here.