What’s with the Blue Kids?

What’s with the Blue Kids?

The City of Carbondale Police Department is proud to be a sponsor of a “Blue Kid.”  The “Blue Kids” are new to this area; however, they have been utilized in various locations throughout the nation for several years.  The Blue Ribbon campaign began in 1989 as one woman’s tribute to her grandson.  She tied a blue ribbon on her car antenna to symbolize his bruises after he died at the hands of his mother’s abusive partner.  In addition to Child Abuse Awareness, the Blue Ribbon Campaign also focuses on educating individuals and groups on how to better protect children in their community from the horrors of child abuse.  Similarly, the Blue Kids symbolize abused and neglected children and are used throughout the month of April to bring attention to child abuse and neglect.

It is important for the community to realize the role they play in preventing child abuse and neglect.  When people begin to ask the question, “What are those blue kids that I am seeing everywhere?” please help tell their story by letting them know a “blue kid” gives us the opportunity to raise awareness and to educate the community on the need to prevent child abuse and neglect.