LAKE COUNTY – April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Lake County Children’s Council would like to invite Lake County citizens to join together to make a difference in the lives of children.

The Children’s Council asks the public to attend the Board of Supervisors meeting on April 1 at 10:25 a.m. for the reading of the proclamation declaring the month.

Following the reading, there will be a brief ceremony in Library Park at 12:15 p.m. to raise the Child Abuse Prevention flag and join together in remembrance of Lake County children affected by abuse. The Children’s Council will host a light lunch for attendees.

The council also is sponsoring Lake County Lights for Children by providing strands of blue lights for businesses and organizations to light in their windows during the month. Blue is the color of Child Abuse Prevention Month ribbons, so this is a way to remind everyone that keeping our children safe is the job everyone.

The Lake County Children’s Council and Prevent Child Abuse American offer the following suggestions that you can help prevent child abuse:

♥ Be a nurturing parent. Children need to know they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams.

♥ Help a friend, neighbor or relative. Being a parent isn’t easy. Offer a helping hand – take care of the children, so the parent(s) can rest or spend time together.

♥ Help yourself. When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control – take time out. Don’t take it out on your kid.

♥ If your baby cries. . . It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry. Learn what to do if your baby won’t stop crying. Never shake a baby-shaking a child may result in severe injury or death.

♥ Get Involved. Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families.

♥ Help to develop parenting resources at your local library.

♥ Promote programs in school. Teaching children, parents and teachers prevention strategies can help to keep children safe.

♥ Monitor your child’s television and video viewing. Watching violent films and TV programs can harm young children.

♥ Volunteer at a local child abuse prevention program. For information about volunteer opportunities, call Lake County Office of Education or Lake Family Resource Center.

♥ Report suspected abuse or neglect. If you have reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, call Child Welfare Services at 707-262-0235, or your local law enforcement agency.

The Lake County Children’s Council is a coalition of local public and private agencies and individuals striving to create an environment where children are nurtured and thrive. It welcomes new members on a continuing basis.

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