Goshen, N.Y. - Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus announced that the County Attorney’s Office has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo).
The County Attorney’s Office earned the award for its program “Cyberbullying and Sexting: When is it criminal? How to stop your child from becoming a victim in the category of Civic Education and Public Information.
“We are honored that the County’s Law Department has been recognized by NACo,” Neuhaus said. “Any child can be the victim of cyberbullying and texting. Everyone must do all we can to raise awareness about and prevent this behavior and I’m proud that the Law Department took the initiative to implement this important program. I’m committed to providing fellow parents and guardians of our youth with resources to help prevent children from engaging in or becoming a victim of this type of behavior.”
The County Attorney’s Office has hosted several seminars for parents and guardians to educate about cyberbullying and sexting, including making presentations to various law enforcement officials at State Police Troop F in Middletown, to military personnel at the 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, and at public forums and schools throughout Orange County.
Cyberbullying takes place using electronic technology; including devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets, as well as communication tools like social media sites, text messages, chats, and websites. It can be perpetrated through inappropriate text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles. This results in victims being tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or targeted at all hours of the day and night.
“The internet can provide a wealth of information, but having the knowledge to help keep our children safe from the inherent dangers of the internet is a top priority for Orange County,” Neuhaus said.
Started in 1970, NACo’s annual Achievement Award Program is designed to recognize innovative county government programs. NACo awards are presented in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services that counties provide, including children and youth, criminal justice, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more. NACo will recognize award-winning counties at its 2018 Annual Conference and Exposition on July 15 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Please contact the Orange County Attorney’s office at 845-291-2650 to schedule a presentation for your organization.
###