DYS-Child Protective Services kicks off roadside waving activities

In recognition of April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Awareness Month, members of the Division of Youth Services-Child Protective Services under the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs gathered in front of the Guma Hustisia court in Susupe for a roadside waving last Friday.

DYS director Vivian Sablan said the roadside waving had been strategically planned to reach parents and families on their way to drop their children off to school or for those going to work.

“This is part of our monthlong campaign against child abuse and neglect. We usually have our roadside waving once a month, but we decided to kind of break it apart this time around and do it next to the schools where parents and students are making their way to school. This is just part of our efforts to bring awareness out to the community. Just like our proclamation, we decided to do it a little bit different this year and try and reach out to as much families as we can.”

The Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Awareness Month proclamation ceremony took place last Thursday, April 4, at the Capitol Hill Softball Field and it was followed by the start of the DYS Co-Ed Strikeout Child Abuse Softball Tournament.

“We wanted to reach out to the families. Us being able to host a softball tournament that’s like a couple hundred more people to bring awareness to because we have our players. Our players have their fans and families that joined us.”

DYS-Child Protection Services’ Mariah Barcinas said the roadside waving and upcoming programs are all to raise awareness and hopefully help more children who suffer from abuse.

“It symbolizes our commitment and dedication to the well-being and safety of our CNMI children. This month, we have a lot of activities. We have our first-ever child abuse softball tournament, these roadside waving, and also mandated reporter presentations. There’s something for everyone this month, so reach out to us.”

DYS-Child Protection Services plans to continue its roadside waving campaign every Friday from 7:30am to 8:30am. This upcoming Friday’s roadside waving will be at Mobil Chalan Piao and on April 19 the roadside waving will be at the Guangdong Hardware intersection. The last Friday of this month, April 26, two roadside waving activities will happen concurrently at the Kagman Community Center and the Mobil Sadog Tasi.

“We continue to fight and campaign against child abuse and neglect in the CNMI. Anyone who wants to make a report, please call us. If they want us to come and check them, call us. We’re here for them. That’s what I want them to know. DYS is really here to help. We’re not here to take your kids away. We’re here to provide that support. Just let us know how we can help you,” said Barcinas.

To contact DYS-Child Protection Services, call (670) 237-1005 to 1014 or (670) 285-2780/81. You can also visit their office, from Monday to Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm, on Capitol Hill 12784 Atchu St., House #1354.