Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind all members of the House that October is child abuse prevention month.
Unfortunately, some parents struggle with mental health issues, substance abuse, family violence or other serious issues. This impacts their ability to care for their children, and often abuse and neglect are the result.
Family and Children's Services Niagara, which has a branch in my riding of Niagara Centre, will be participating in the 11th annual purple ribbon campaign to help raise public awareness about the issue of child neglect and abuse. In the past year FACS responded to nearly 5,200 child protection concerns.
Agencies such as FACS need our support so they can raise awareness of this problem. Let us do what we can to protect our children.