Children's Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis at the University of Missouri-St. Louis will hold the "Keep Kids Safe and Families Strong Walk/Run" at 10 a.m. April 12 at Forest Park in St. Louis. The walk will kick off April's Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, as known as Blue Ribbon Month.

"Our goal is to register enough walkers so that each of the 963 abused and neglected children of the region will have someone walking for them," said Jerry Dunn, executive director of CASGSL. "When a child is victimized, they need a safe haven to tell their story and receive counseling, and that's why we are here."

CASGSL provides forensic interviews, medical exams and ongoing treatment for children ages 3 through 17 who have been the victims of child abuse, as well as their non-offending family members.

In 2007, there were 963 reported cases of child abuse in the St. Louis area. Many of these children would have undergone further trauma through unresolved conflict, a complicated legal system and multiple interviews. According to Dunn, services provided by CASGL helped reduce the effects of trauma on these children and adolescents.

Registration is $25 per person, and includes a T-shirt and other giveaways. Proceeds from the walk will benefit the CASGSL.

Face painting and other activities will be available for children throughout the day, including an area where safety identification cards can be made. Police and fire officials will be on hand to speak with children and parents.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. in the upper parking lot at The Muny in Forest Park. To register or for more information, call (314) 516-6798 or visit http://www.stlouiscac.org/.

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