April declared Child Abuse Prevention Month

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Warren County Board of Supervisors officially declared April 2026 the 41st Child Abuse Prevention Month. 

Avis Phillis of the Exchange Club of Vicksburg approached the Board asking for the official proclamation at the regular meeting held Monday, April 6. 

“It’s unfortunate that we have to have a month like this,” said Phillis. “However, I will say that for the first time we have more parents in the prevention side of things than we do CASA. We have a waiting list of parents who want to take classes on the prevention side of things.”

Court Appointed Special Advocates, CASA, is a program by the Exchange Club to help children involved in abusive households. 

BOS President Dr. Kelle Barfield agreed it was necessary to have the month declared in order to bring recognition to child abuse. 

“That’s a good thing. What do you need in order to move those parents from a waiting list into actually taking the classes?” asked Dr. Barfield. 

“Honestly, more room. We just don’t have a large enough space at the moment,” said Phillis. 

“Well this is a good problem to have and the positive momentum is encouraging,” said Dr. Barfield. 

Phillis also attended the City of Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting where the City of Vicksburg also declared a proclamation recognizing the month of April as Child Abuse Awareness Month.

For more information on the Exchange Club of Vicksburg, visit here.