Cullman Caring for Kids is taking its message to stop child abuse to the courthouse steps Wednesday.

At noon, a Prayer Walk will commence at the front steps of the Cullman County Courthouse, followed by a planting of a pinwheel garden in memory of 28 Alabama children who died from abuse in 2017 and in honor of the thousands of survivors.

“We hope people will join us for the event so that we can remember those children who died and those who still suffer, and in this event remember to pray for them and work to end child abuse in our community,” said Javon Daniel, director of Cullman Caring for Kids.

Daniel said the Alabama Department of Human Resources investigated more than 1,000 cases of neglect and abuse in Cullman County in 2017. He also said DHR has custody of more than 200 local children.

“Every child deserves a happy childhood, but as a community we have to be vigilant, to learn the signs and how to report it so that children who are in neglectful and abusive homes can find help,” Daniel said.

The finale of the event will be the planting of a pinwheel garden recognizing the 28 children who died.