The Office of Child Advocate (OCA) was established by the Missouri Legislature in 2002 as an agent
of accountability with Missouri's Children's Division (CD). The OCA operates under the Office of Administration (OA) and is independent of the Missouri Department of Social Services, Children’s Division, the Department of Mental Health, and the juvenile court. Former State Rep. Becky Ruth (R-Festus) is the director of the Office of Child Advocate. She joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" to discuss child abuse awareness month, which is in April. Then-President Ronald Reagan first observed child abuse awareness month in 1983. Director Ruth spoke about the trauma and the external and internal scars that victims of child abuse face. She's helping to organize Saturday's parade in downtown Jefferson City to observe child abuse awareness month. Director Ruth tells listeners that at least 60 entries will be in the parade, adding that you'll also see Batman, Superman and the
Chick-fil-A cow. The parade, which begins Saturday morning at 10, will start on High street and go to Capitol Avenue. Director Ruth hopes for a good turnout and invites you to attend. She also says the rural southeast Missouri town of Potosi helped give her and others the idea of Saturday's parade. Potosi has had a parade to observe child abuse awareness month for years:

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