Child-abuse awareness fair is planned today

A fair to raise public awareness of child abuse and what can be done to prevent it is scheduled today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The fair highlights National Child Abuse Prevention Month, said Elizabeth Sollis, spokeswoman for the state Department of Family Services.

The department said it fields about 19,000 abuse allegation calls annually, and about 2,000 children are in state foster care at any given time in Utah. Sollis said the fair is an effective way to raise awareness as well as provide contacts and education on how to prevent child abuse and neglect.

"Community awareness and involvement is essential to preventing child abuse in Utah," she said.

Child identification kits will be available courtesy of South Jordan Police Department. Representatives from child welfare agencies will be on hand to distribute information and answer questions.

The free fair is being held at Mulligan's, 10600 S. 692 West, South Jordan. For more information, call 538-3991.