The recent Hernandez case, involving injuries to a 4-year-old child, focused our community s attention on the horrific reality of child abuse. In a recent editorial piece, the Record-Bee staff listed the social and psychological damage and far-reaching negative affects that child abuse has on the individual, their family and the safety and health of our community.
The Lake County Children s Council is your local Child Abuse Prevention Council and brings together service professionals, the business community, parents, teachers and community leaders to find solutions and take action on behalf of children. The Children s Council coordinates efforts to prevent and respond to local child abuse. The council seeks community involvement and all meetings are open to the public.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and offers the opportunity to remind the public that prevention involves action. It takes political will, community engagement and your own individual involvement to end child abuse in our county, and to ensure that all our children are safe, healthy and cherished.
You can make a difference for children in Lake County. Come and join the next Children s Council meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 17 at Pomo Elementary School, 3350 Acacia St. in Clearlake. We will discuss our 2006 activities, which include:
” Respite care for overwhelmed families at risk for abuse.
” Mandated reporter trainings (free) for those needing to learn about reporting suspected child abuse.
” Training scholarships for parents and community members on child abuse prevention and treatment options.
” Parent support groups to develop nurturing skills for parents of children 0-18 years.
” Legislative advocacy for child abuse prevention.
” Candidates forum scheduled for early May in Clearlake, to engage the community and candidates running for public office in a discussion of local issues that affect children and families.
” A regional conference at Konocti Harbor Inn on June 19th The Meth in our Own Backyard: Impact on Children and Families followed by an action planning meeting for Lake County citizens.
We invite your participation in this important meeting. Become part of the solution and make a positive difference in your community!
Joan Reynolds is chair of the Lake County Children s Council.
