“I’m proud of the work we do,” Children, Youth & Families Administrator Shannon Tucker told those gathering for the annual event. “And I’m blessed with good staff who I can absolutely trust to answer the call of a child in need.”

The county’s CYF office continues to operate with a provisional license the state Department of Human Services issued in November based on a report showing operational shortcomings that included some repeat findings. But that could change next month, as the current provisional license is due to expire May 23 and the state has the option of restoring the agency’s operational license.

Tucker, who praised her department’s personnel for improvements she sees within CYF operations, said the decision on the license rests with the state, but she is hopeful.

In her remarks, Tucker also thanked the community for its role in CYF’s improvements achieved by working harder, by making extra phone calls and by working extra hours.

Children from the Kids First Lily Pond Child Development Center say the Pledge of Allegiance during the Child Abuse Prevention Month ceremony. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

“You made us better and we stand here before you today, a stronger, better team and a stronger, better Blair County,” Tucker said.

Jeff Colbert, who chairs the county’s CYF Advisory Board, also applauded Tucker for her leadership as he spoke favorably of CYF operations and operational improvements.

Blair County Commissioner Amy Webster’s remarks included references to statistics the state released in 2025. They showed Blair County generating 594 reports of suspected child abuse in 2024, with 56 of the reports substantiated.

The same report indicated that Blair County also generated 2,812 general protective service reports with child welfare concerns. The top three reasons for those reports, Webster said, were linked to a caretaker’s substance abuse, a caretaker’s behavior or homelessness.

Webster urged communities to take an active role in preventing child abuse and making those numbers go down.

The Child Abuse Prevention Month flag was raised during a ceremony at the Blair County Courthouse on Thursday morning. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

“It’s important to think about this not just once a year, but every day,” the commissioner said.

Thursday’s ceremony was highlighted by the Kids First Child Development Center’s preschool children, who led the Pledge of Allegiance before singing, “Oh What a Miracle Am I.”

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.

A Child Abuse Prevention Month sign is planted in front of the Blair County Courthouse. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Children from the Kids First Lily Pond Child Development Center sing during the Child Abuse Prevention Month ceremony in front of the Blair County Courthouse on Thursday morning. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Blair County CYF Advisory Board chairman Jeff Colbert speaks during the Child Abuse Prevention Month ceremony in front of the Blair County Courthouse on Thursday morning. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski