Families are invited to attend the annual STAND Up 4 Children event on April 24 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at Smothers Park in downtown Owensboro.
The free event is designed to raise awareness about child abuse prevention while offering a variety of family-friendly activities. Organizers said the event will feature a bouncy house, petting zoo, face painting, food and giveaways, along with educational resources from community partners focused on supporting children and families.
“The STAND is a great event for the whole family,” said GRADD’s Community Collaboration for Children (CCC) Program Administrator Maria Shyver. “Everyone has a fun time while also getting resources about preventing child abuse and neglect. We are grateful to our community partners who help make the STAND possible by bringing information and fun activities.
The event is sponsored by GRADD’s Community Collaboration for Children Regional Network and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ Department for Community Based Services. It is held annually in April in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Supporting sponsors include Five Star Food Services, Independence Bank, Specialty Foods Group, Sunrise Children Services and Owensboro Health.
As part of the month’s observance, Daviess County Family Court Judge Jennifer Hendricks will read a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month on April 1 at 10 a.m. on the front steps of the Daviess County Courthouse. Following the proclamation, students from Owensboro Innovation Academy and community leaders will plant pinwheels along the courthouse sidewalks.
Those wishing to anonymously report suspected abuse or neglect can call the Kentucky Child Protection Hotline at 1-877-597-2331 or contact local law enforcement.
