LAKE COUNTY – April is nationally recognized Child Abuse Prevention month and Month of the Young Child.

This year, Lake County agencies are joining forces to proclaim April as “Lake County Cares for Our Kids” month.

Several special events and programs are scheduled to take place throughout the entire month.

The goals of this campaign are:

• Remind our communities that taking care of our children is everyone’s business,

• Raise awareness of how to recognize and prevent child abuse,

• Make a county-wide commitment to making our children our top priority,

• Raise awareness in Lake County that quality early childhood education helps kids succeed in school and in life, raises high school graduation rates and reduces future dependence on public assistance.

There are several opportunities for the community to be involved.

Child Abuse Awareness Flag Raising Ceremony, beginning at noon on Tuesday, March 23: Lake will join with counties all across California in proclaiming April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and Month of the Young Child. The Board of Supervisors' proclamations will be followed by a special ceremony in Library Park, during which we honor the children who have suffered, and commit to preventing abuse in Lake County. A special presentation and lunch is included.

Advocacy Walk in Lakeport beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 10: Register to join the fun in a special advocacy walk beginning at Natural High at 10 a.m. in Lakeport and concluding at Library Park. Children, families, teachers, groups, agencies and community members are welcome to show your public commitment to children. Registration is free. Call 707-994-4795 for more information.

Children’s Art Festival, Library Park in Lakeport begins at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 10: Join a day of celebration. Admission is free. There will be art activities for all kids, jump house, music, information about family resources, advocacy and child abuse prevention. Children’s artwork will also be for sale. If you are an organization or agency, please contact us for information about booths and participation. Call 707-994-4795 for more information.

If you would like more information on any of these programs, or more information on child abuse prevention or the importance of quality early childhood education, please contact the Lake County Child Care Planning Council, 707-994-4795, www.lakecountychildcareplanning.com , or the Lake County Children’s Council at 707-262-4146.