LANSING, Mich. — The number of children being abused and neglected in Michigan is rising at an alarming rate.
A new report shows the number of cases has jumped nearly 30 percent since 2012.
The state says nearly 38 thousand children were confirmed victims of abuse or neglect in Michigan last year.
Thursday, the 11th annual child abuse prevention awareness day rally will be held on the steps of the State Capitol.
April has been nationally recognized as child abuse prevention month since 1985.
The theme of this year's rally is "The power of one," which encourages people in Michigan to become involved by doing their part to protect children from abuse and neglect.
At the end of the rally child abuse prevention advocates will be planting hundreds of silver and blue pinwheels that'll line the walks at the Capitol.
The pinwheel is the national symbol of child abuse and neglect prevention.
Michigan congresswoman Debbie Stabenow, state lawmakers and health officials will speak at Thursday's event.
The rally starts at 11 a.m. on the Capitol steps followed by the planting of the pinwheels.
To coincide with the rally, the State Department of Health and Human Services will hold the first of several public hearings on child abuse or neglect.
It's happening at Central United Methodist church starting at 1:30 p.m.
The hearings will focus on substance abuse, child abuse and neglect.
This hearing will be the first of six.
The other meetings will happen across the state.
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