By Daisy Rodriguez, student news writer, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Although blue and silver pinwheels shine brightly on Campbellsville University's Stapp Lawn, they represent a serious issue.
Dr. Kimberly N. Mudd-Fegett, associate professor of social work at Campbellsville University, is the director of the Public Child Certification Program (PCWCP). The PCWCP is a scholarship program for undergraduate students that trains them for child protection work upon their graduation.
Mudd-Fegett previously worked in child protection for 12 years and continues to as a child forensic interviewer. Child welfare work is a lifelong passion for hers. She encourages each of us to do something to positively impact the life of a child.
Kate Broaddus is executive director Court Appointed Special Advocate CASA Nelson County (CASA). Since becoming the director of NelCASA in December 2016, Broaddus has increased the number of volunteers from three to 34. Each of these volunteers works directly with their assigned child, advocating on behalf of their best interest, visiting them in their home, foster home or placement.
Broaddus earned her Master's of Social Work degree from Campbellsville University and worked previously for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. “She is passionate about impacting the policies and laws that specifically impact child maltreatment,” Mudd-Fegett said.
“A pinwheel represents what childhood should be. It's whimsical, it's fun, they are colorful; it's everything you want childhood to be for a local child,” Broaddus said.
Kentucky has one of the highest rates of child maltreatment in the nation. Last year there were 16,985 cases of child abuse, neglect and dependency in Kentucky. April serves as Child Abuse Awareness Month and throughout the month you will see bright blue pinwheels displayed to remind you of the children and families impacted by child maltreatment.
She said blue was chosen as the color of child abuse awareness, as it symbolizes the color of the bruises many children endure. Pinwheels specifically were selected to display in this campaign because of their whimsical, childlike nature invoking a positive response.
Mudd-Fegett said, “This too reminds us all of the vital role we all play a role in children's lives. Each of us can do our part to impact child maltreatment. If we see something or suspect something, you are mandated by law in Kentucky to report it.”
NelCASA is Court Appointed Special Advocates. They support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglect children so they can thrive in a safe, permanent home. CASA recruits and trains community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children.
If interested, you can call (502) 331-6325.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 13,500 students offering over 100 programs of studying including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.