Each spring Junior’s House Inc., Child Advocacy Center (CAC) holds two impactful events advocating for the protection of children.

Junior’s House recognizes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month with the planting of the Pinwheel Garden. The event is followed weeks later by the Annual Junior’s House Blue Ribbon Walk. The 22nd Annual Blue Ribbon Walk will be held at 9:30 a.m. on May 7 at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds.

The pinwheel planting was recently held on the front lawn of Junior’s House on West Maple Street. Gathering for the event were volunteers, employees, representatives from the District Attorney’s Office, Junior’s House Board members, city and county representatives and Allin, the therapy dog. Each person planted pinwheels representing children.

“Each pinwheel represents 10 abused or neglected children,” said Crystal Guess, executive director of Junior’s House, referring to the number of children the organization served. “The Pinwheel Garden reminds us that every child deserves a safe, happy childhood. Each pinwheel represents a child and our shared responsibility to protect them.”

Following the Pinwheel planting, Mayor Donna Hartman signed a proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Junior’s House served a total of 657 child abuse victims in 2025 in Lincoln, Marshall and Bedford counties. District wide they provided 222 forensic interviews, 6,000 students received body safety classes, 551 were served with free mental health sessions and 41 Child Investigative Team meetings were held.

Just in Lincoln County, Junior’s House served 132 children. They also provided free therapy for 42 children and conducted 83 forensic interviews. Once each month members of local law enforcement officers, the 17th District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Children’s Services in this area meet to review child abuse cases.

Junior’s House Children’s Advocacy Center and the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program provides free services to victims of child abuse. The organization educates and engages the community to help raise awareness about child abuse. Junior’s House offers evidenced-based training for parents and adults who want to keep children safe from sexual abuse. CASA Volunteers are trained and appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of an abused or neglected child in court. Contact Junior’s House to find out more information about training at 931-438-3233.

According to Tennessee law, everyone must immediately report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the State of Tennessee Department of Children’s Services or law enforcement. Failure to report is a misdemeanor. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 to report it. The DCS Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline is 1-877-237-0004. Local law enforcement numbers include the Fayetteville Police Department 931-438-7771 and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 931-433-9821.

Those who would like to participate in the 22nd Annual Blue Ribbon Walk and/or donate can go to their website: juniorshousecac. org. Your on-going support helps Junior’s House remain a child-friendly, safe space to tell their story.