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Clearwater Marine Aquarium

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Blog & News

Winter’s Rescue Mission

Announcements Updated May 8, 2020 Posted August 10, 2017

On August 10, 2017, Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) and local law enforcement and first responders honored Officer Jody Thompson of Oklahoma’s Poteau Police Department and his family for their stand against child abuse. Officer Thompson and his family came to Clearwater to be honored and meet Winter the dolphin.

Thompson Family

The Story of Officer Jody Thompson and John

Two years ago Officer Thompson made national news when he rescued an eight-year-old boy named John from severe abuse. Officer Thompson stayed with John all night at the hospital after saving him from the horrific scene. Officer Thompson and his wife decided to adopt John into their family. Months later, John’s biological mother had a baby girl in prison and the Thompson family adopted her into their family so she could be raised with her biological brother.

Act

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please call the national hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD.

If you are a Florida resident, call 1-800-96-ABUSE.

What can you do if you suspect a child is being abused?

It is important to report concerns if you suspect a child is being harmed. You can report your concerns to your state child welfare authorities and a trained professional will determine the help and services needed. The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides a list of numbers and information found here: State child abuse and neglect reporting numbers .

Learn

Statistics from the National Children’s Alliance

  • Nearly 700,000 children are abused in the U.S annually.
  • CPS protects more than 3 million children.
  • The youngest children were most vulnerable to maltreatment.
  • Neglect is the most common form of maltreatment.
  • About four out of five abusers are the victims’ parents.

Statistics from Childhelp

  • Every year more than 3.6 million referrals are made to child protection agencies involving more than 6.6 million children (a referral can include multiple children).
  • The United States has one of the worst records among industrialized nations – losing on average between four and seven children every day to child abuse and neglect.
  • A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds.
  • Yearly, referrals to state child protective services involve 6.6 million children, and around 3.2 million of those children are subject to an investigated report.
Angels Against Abuse logo

Angels Against Abuse

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is partnered with Angels Against Abuse, a local non-profit that educates the community on potential abuse and supports abused and neglected children in the community. CMA recently designed themed rooms and hallways at the facility.

Please consider making a charitable donation to Angels Against Abuse.

Donate

CMA Themed Rooms at Angels Against Abuse Center

Dolphin Design for Angels Against AbuseWinter the Dolphin room for Angels Against AbuseWinter the Dolphin room designRufus the Pelican wall design
Previous Post: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach Partners with Clearwater Marine Aquarium to offer Winter the Dolphin Themed Guest Rooms
Next Post: 2018 Calendar Contest

We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790
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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

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