'Do not take any time for granted'

NORWALK — There is no time off when you work for the Huron County Department of Job and Family Services. "Our staff, along with our partners, work 24/7 to prevent abuse and neglect," said Lenora Minor, executive director of the Huron County Department of Job and Family Services "We are so blessed to have such great support systems in place throughout our community." The group held its annual Huron County Child Abuse Prevention Walk on Wednesday, hoping to get the word out. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. They came young and old for the Huron County Child Abuse Prevention Walk on Main Street in uptown Norwalk. Reflector photo/JOE CENTERS Huron County Children Services received 1,867 reports regarding child and families in 2022; requiring 635 further assessments of children and families; although 48 children spent time in foster care, 6 of those children were successfully placed with family and/or non-relatives; one child reaching the age of majority and 7 children were adopted. To see more log onto: https://vimeo.com/user104587239/download/815457835/a3ad6f1e7d Huron County commissioners Terry Boose, Harry Brady and Skip Wilde presented a proclamation to the group, stating, in part, "Each child has the right as a human being, to live and grow in a safe and supportive environment. ... Children who are loved and nurtured grow up to love and nurture others, giving back to their own family, their community and their state the care that was bestowed upon them." John Ward spoke at the event. He has been involved with the child welfare system since age 13 and was adopted prior to turning 18 years old. Ward has held many social services positions throughout his career, most recently as a trainer for the state of Ohio. "One of the takeaways this morning was to be present with children, your peers, and loved ones … do not take any time for granted," Minor said.