Amarillo Globe-News The reminder that “it shouldn’t hurt to be a child” was plain to understand last week during a gathering at The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center. On the grounds of the agency’s front lawn are more than 1,100 pinwheels. Each represents a child from within the top 26 counties of the Panhandle who needed The Bridge’s services last year. April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month with organizations like The Bridge, Family Support Services and the Amarillo Area CASA working tirelessly to raise awareness regarding child abuse and neglect in the region. The observation couldn’t come at a better time with the country slowly emerging from a pandemic that has lasted more than a year. The result has been numerous impacts, some of which are still not fully grasped, including the pandemic’s effect on abuse and neglect reporting following lockdowns, quarantine, isolation and remote instruction by schools. Often, it is an educator, counselor or coach who notice possible abuse and neglect and report it accordingly.