BOC approves ‘Child Abuse Prevention Month’

“During April we publicly remember the victims of child abuse and neglect, but focus on ways that every citizen of Madison County can prevent child abuse,” the proclamation stated.

Plank said three shirts on the line by the county courthouse are black and represent child fatalities in 2010.

One death was a “co-sleeping related death” that occurred on April 12 last year. No charges were filed in the case, according to Ravae Graham, Deputy Director, Legislative Affairs and Communications Department of Human Services.

The two other fatalities occurred in Jackson County on May 3 last year when a father shot two Madison County children before taking his own life. Thirty six year old Keith Gresham killed his 4-year-old son, Keionte Gresham, and Keionte’s half-brother, 7-year-old Keion Gresham.

Like other social service organizations across the state and nation, Madison County DFCS is short-staffed and facing budget constraints. But Plank said that Madison County DFCS is doing better than services in some other counties.

“We have a veteran staff that stays with it,” said Plank.

BOC chairman Anthony Dove praised the DFCS board and staff, saying Madison County DFCS is working hard to keep county kids safe.