Pinwheels set out on Kaua‘i police lawn in recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month

The Kaua‘i Police Department partnered with the Children’s Justice Center of Kaua‘i to host a child abuse prevention and awareness event for Child Abuse Awareness Month.

On April 23, participants were invited to place blue pinwheels on the police department’s lawn as a visible reminder that every child deserves love, happiness and a future free of abuse or neglect. Last year, Kaua‘i police responded to 134 cases related to child welfare.

Building a secure and supportive environment for children and their families requires a collaboration between law enforcement, advocacy agencies and the community.

“Ensuring the safety of our keiki is and always will be our top priority, but we cannot do it alone,” shared Assistant Chief Kalani Ke.

Ke encouraged residents to make a report if they have concerns about a child’s wellbeing by calling KPD Dispatch at 808-241-1711. If the situation is an emergency, call 911.

“We all have a role to play as guardians of our keiki’s safety,” Ke added.

Any intentional harm or maltreatment inflicted upon a minor is classified as child abuse and is a punishable offense. Types of child abuse may include physical abuse, sexual abuse or emotional abuse. Neglect is a failure to provide adequate food, shelter, supervision, educational or medical care that can cause physical or emotional harm.

Signs of abuse aren’t always obvious and can vary, but some red flags may include:

• Changes in a child’s behavior
• Frequent absences from school
• Poor hygiene
• Unexplained or unusual bruises and injuries

For more information on how to recognize and report child abuse or neglect and to support families and safe communities, check out the following resources:

Child and Family Services
2970 Kele St. Suite 203, Līhu‘e
808-245-5914
www.childandfamilyservice.org/kauai/

Services provided include comprehensive counseling and support services, crisis mobile outreach, domestic violence services for families, family centers and more.

Child Welfare Services
To report child abuse and neglect call 1-888-380-3088
www.humanservices.hawaii.gov/ssd/home/child-welfare-services/

Make a report anonymously, hotline available 24/7. Please provide as much detail as possible, including the name of the child, age, address, etc.

Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Kaua‘i
4473 Pahe‘e St Ste M, Līhu‘e
808-246-0923 or email [email protected]
www.kauaifcjc.org

Making a positive difference for Kauai’s abused and neglected children through awareness, advocacy, assistance, and support of the Children’s Justice Center.

Hale ‘Ōpio Kaua‘i
2959 Umi St. Suite #300, Līhuʻe
808-245-2873
www.haleopio.org

Provides resources and programs for youth and foster children.

Kaua‘i Family Guidance Center
3059 Umi Street, Room A-014, Līhu‘e
808-274-3883 or email [email protected]
https://health.hawaii.gov/camhd/kauai-family-guidance-center/

Intensive mental health treatment and case management services to the children and families of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.

Parents and Children Together Kaua‘i
4-1579 Kūhiō Hwy. Suite 210A, Kapa‘a
808-821-0574 or email [email protected]
www.pacthawaii.org/kauai-programs/

Provides services such as the Family Visitation Center, Intensive Support Services and more.

YWCA Kaua‘i
3094 Elua Street, Līhu‘e
808-245-5959 or email [email protected]
Domestic violence or sexual assault 24-hour hotline: 808-245-6362
www.ywcakauai.org

Provides resources for both domestic violence and sexual assault victims.