Left to right are:  Kelley R. Wilson-Service Caseworker; Carmeshia Gibson-Adult Service Worker; Modesta Smiley-Service Caseworker; LaTonya H Wooley-Service Supervisor;  & Wilson Morgan-Director. Center sitting: Judge Rolonda M. Wedgeworth.   Ms. Takeshia Knox-Quality Assurance/Resource Supervisor who was not pictured.

By Rolonda M. Wedgeworth, Probate Judge of Greene County, Alabama

Whereas, our children are our most valuable resource and will shape the future of Alabama; and

Whereas, positive childhood experiences (PCES) – like loving caregivers and safe, stable and nurturing relationships – can help mitigate trauma and the negative impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) to promote the social emotional and developmental wellbeing of children; and

Whereas, childhood trauma can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects throughout an individual’s lifetime and impact future generations of their family; and

Whereas, childhood trauma, including abuse and neglect, is serious problem affecting every community in the U.S. and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone and

Whereas, children who live in families with access to concrete economic and social supports are less likely to experience abuse and neglect and

Whereas, we acknowledge that in order to solve the public health issue of abuse and neglect we must work together to change hearts and mindsets through storytelling and sharing, center the needs of families, break down bias and barriers and inspire action for expected and unexpected partners in prevention; and

Whereas, we are committed to advancing equitable, responsive and effective systems that ensure all children and family are healthy and thriving; and

Whereas, we recognize the need to prioritize kids and invest in more prevention initiatives like home visiting and family-strengthening policies, economic supports and community-based child abuse prevention programs at the national, state and local levels;

Now Therefore, on this 21st day of April 2025, I, Rolonda M. Wedgeworth, Probate Judge of Greene County Alabama, do hereby proclaim April 2025 as National Children Abuse Prevention Month.