West Liberty University Social Work Program and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-WV) Upper Ohio Valley Branch will present a panel discussion to address Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention, at 1:30 p.m., Friday, April 5, at West Liberty University’s Highlands Campus.

The panel will feature distinguished guests and experts.

Dr. Sylvia Senften

• Susan Harrison, Executive Director, CASA for Children, Inc.
• John LaRoche ’93, Supervisor Belmont County, Ohio, DJFS CPS
• Jason Prettyman ’95, Supervisor Ohio County, W.Va. DHHR CPS
• Judge Arthur Recht, Ohio County Senior Status Judge

Planned to coincide with the national observance of child abuse prevention, the panel discussion will allow for audience participation and questions.

In 1983, Congress declared April to be National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since that time, communities across the country have taken the opportunity to raise awareness of issues surrounding child maltreatment and abuse through proclamations, ceremonies, educational forums, tributes and candlelight vigils.

April is a time to look back, to acknowledge the children who have suffered and the losses sustained throughout our communities because of that suffering, but it is also a time to look forward to a time when children no longer have to live in fear, according to the National Children’s Alliance website.

West Liberty University makes it a priority to support victims of child abuse through its social work programming. WLU offers a bachelor’s degree in social work and a full schedule of classes.

West Liberty’s Highlands Campus is located at 355 Wharton Circle Triadelphia, W.Va., near the Marquee Cinema and the panel discussion program will take place in room 213. Light refreshments will be served.

Two Social Work Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be provided to those in attendance and there is no fee for attending.

For more information, please contact, Social Work Field Education Coordinator Brenda Rinkes at 304-336-8280 or brenda.rinkes@westliberty.edu.

For more information on West Liberty’s College of Liberal Arts and its Social Work program of study, please contact Dr. Sylvia Senften, associate professor of social work.