READING, Pa. – The Berks County Commissioners made a proclamation Thursday to officially recognize April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The commissioners presented the proclamation to Barbara Jakubek, the administrator of the county’s Children and Youth Services, who made a brief presentation about her department.
Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach called it one of the toughest departments for which to work, but also the most important because of having to deal with families under the worst circumstances.
“We really appreciate you and the entire team at Children and Youth Services, but additionally we want to make a proclamation,” Leinbach said. “(This proclamation) brings this to the attention of the public so that they are aware and we are also bringing it to the attention of moms and dads and relatives. We want to protect our children; they are our next generation.”
Commissioner Michael S. Rivera said it is very hard work and stressful to go into a house where you know that you are probably not wanted.
“But I do want to reemphasize something,” Rivera added. “If you see something; if you think it’s abuse or if you think it’s neglect and you’re not sure, reach out and let them determine whether it is or not. Because you never know if that could help save a child’s life or not, or help keep a family together.”
Commission Dante Santoni, Jr. said that although April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, it is important to remember the importance taking care of youth every month of the year.
“But it’s good that we are able to focus this month and put the spotlight on the importance of all the work that you do,” Santoni said.
Jakubek said that although all data from 2025 remains incomplete, in 2024, the department received 1,186 reports of child abuse, which can be a nature of sexual abuse, physical abuse or serious physical neglect.
Jakubek said 122 of those reports were able to be meet the requirements of the criteria as defined by law.
Also in 2024, Jakubek said there were 5,935 reports of child neglect.
Of those, Jakubek said 956 reports were substantiated that child neglect was occurring.