News Detail

Franklin County Commissioners Underscore Shared Responsibility Of Protecting Children

Human Services

April 06, 2026

The Franklin County Commissioners joined staff from the county’s children and youth services department in proclaiming April 2026 to be Child Abuse Prevention Month in Franklin County during the commissioners’ April 1 public board meeting.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (April 6, 2026) – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed April 2026 to be Child Abuse Prevention Month and are encouraging all residents, community leaders and stakeholders to do their part to stop the mistreatment of children and to provide families with the necessary supports to be successful.

Locally, Franklin County Children and Youth Services (CYS) received 3,708 referrals in 2025, 2,252 of which were accepted for assessment or investigation. Of those referrals, 488 were investigations into child abuse. Twenty-eight were substantiated for physical abuse, 20 cases were substantiated for sexual abuse, and five cases were substantiated for physical neglect.

While Child Abuse Prevention Month draws attention to the mistreatment of children, its greater purpose is to inspire others to take the necessary steps to prevent and reduce instances of child abuse and neglect in their communities.

Increasing social supports, sharing best practices for parenting and child development, and providing resources to help families cope with stress are keys to reducing the risk of abuse and increasing children’s ability to grow and reach their full potential. These strategies are most effective when citizens, human service agencies, schools, faith-based communities, health care providers, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies and the business community work together.

“We all share the responsibility to protect, support and care for children so they can grow into confident, healthy and happy members of our community,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “As commissioners, it is our duty to safeguard all residents, especially our youngest and most vulnerable. We are proud that our children and youth services team is committed to empowering families and connecting them with the resources they need to thrive while helping to prevent child abuse and neglect.”

By recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month in Franklin County, the commissioners are urging residents and local agencies to do their part to promote the healthy growth and development of Franklin County’s youth and to recognize and report all instances of abuse and neglect within their communities.

Locally, Franklin County CYS works to protect children, preserve families and ensure that every child has a permanent home. For more information, call 717-263-1900 or visit www.franklincountypa.gov/departments/children-and-youth-services. To report child abuse or neglect, contact the Pennsylvania Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-932-0313.