What are the pinwheel gardens?

Gardens of blue pinwheels are blooming across Wayne County during the month of April in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
 
Planted by the Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center and supporting partners, the blue pinwheels are a symbol of hope and healing, representing joy, safety and the whimsy of childhood. They represent the one in six children in Michigan who suffer abuse and neglect and highlight the role that the entire community plays in fostering safe, supportive environments for children.
 

What is Kids-TALK?

The Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center was established 25 years ago based on the conviction that children who endure abuse deserve better care that is rooted in compassion and fosters hope and healing. As the only accredited children’s advocacy center in Wayne County, each year Kids-TALK helps 2,000 children ranging in age from birth to 17 years through our two locations in Detroit and Southgate. Kids-TALK serves as a vital component of the investigative process in the most critical child abuse cases, ensuring children and families are supported throughout the investigation and connected to services that promote healing.
 
In Wayne County, there are approximately 6,000 verified cases of child abuse and/or neglect each year. It is also estimated that one in four girls and one in 13 boys have experienced some sort of sexual abuse by the age of 18. Ninety percent of abuse is perpetrated by someone known and trusted by the child or child’s family. Many wait years to report the abuse or never will.
 
We know that child abuse happens in all zip codes and crosses all races, genders and socio-economic statuses. It’s our problem, not someone else’s. We all need to work together to stand up for children.
 

How can I get involved? What can I do to help?