On April 18, Lucas County Children Services hosted its annual Child Memorial near its offices in downtown Toledo.
LCCS staff, elected officials and community partners gathered to remember the 14 children who lost their lives in the past year due to child abuse, neglect or community violence.
Seven of them, mostly infants, died due to abuse or neglect, and seven teens lost their lives to gun violence.
Dr. Matthew Armstrong, a single dad who adopted two sons, now adults, recounted his experiences after losing his brother as a young man in a drowning accident, along with the joys of raising two boys who had suffered the trauma of child abuse.
The somber and solemn ceremony is a traditional way the child protection agency marks Child Abuse Prevention Month.
LCCS served 1,433 confirmed victims of child abuse or neglect in 2023, which is down 10 percent from the previous year. Agency leaders credit a larger focus on prevention programs with families as a major reason for the decline in cases.
Above, candles are lit and held in remembrance of the children. At left is one of the candles used during the ceremony.
