TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Florida Capital Bureau ) – Blue and white pinwheels now fill the front lawn of the Florida Capitol to advocate for children.
On Friday, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) planted those pinwheels to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month.
State leaders spoke about the importance of restoring families and empowering parents through counseling. They also encouraged people to get involved in local foster care and child welfare programs.
Florida Politics
Taylor Hatch, secretary of DCF, emphasized the importance of this month in her speech.
“What a beautiful morning it is to gather, bring awareness, but also bring action to a topic of great importance because protecting children is more than a responsibility, it’s a reflection of who we are and what we believe,” she said.
This year, state lawmakers passed bills that discuss child protection and medical examination when claims of abuse are made.
Those bills have not reached the governor’s desk yet.
Less than two weeks ago, he signed a new law that will increase penalties for child predators.
Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.