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Adopt and present a resolution proclaiming April 2026 as “Children’s Month” to commemorate observances for children during the month of April; and Adopt and present a resolution proclaiming April 2026 as “National Child Abuse Prevention Month” to recognize the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect (Supervisor James)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
First 5 Solano recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution proclaiming April 2026 as “Children’s Month” to commemorate observances for children during the month of April and adopt a resolution proclaiming April 2026 as “National Child Abuse Prevention Month” to recognize the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect.
SUMMARY:
Since 2006, the Solano County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed April as “Children’s Month” in recognition of the numerous national and local observances dedicated to children’s health, education, safety, and well-being. These observances provide an opportunity to highlight programs and partnerships that support children and families throughout Solano County.
This agenda item also includes a separate resolution proclaiming April as “National Child Abuse Prevention Month,” which recognizes the importance of strengthening families and promoting community awareness to prevent child abuse and neglect.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with the preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
Each April, community partners across Solano County participate in Children’s Month activities to raise awareness about important issues affecting children and families while celebrating the contributions of programs, educators, caregivers, and community organizations that support the healthy development of young children.
Several key observances take place during the month, including:
Autism Acceptance Month: Autism Acceptance Month, previously known as Autism Awareness Month, emphasizes the importance of promoting acceptance, celebrating differences, and fostering inclusive communities for individuals with autism. Community members are encouraged to show support throughout the month, including participating in activities such as displaying blue lights to promote awareness and acceptance.
Week of the Young Child (April 11-17, 2026):The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This observance recognizes the importance of early learning and celebrates young children, their families, educators, and communities. The Solano County Office of Education’s Early Learning Division and First 5 Solano will participate through social media and community engagement activities that highlight the value of high-quality early learning.
National Library Week (April 19-25, 2026) and El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros (April 30):
In partnership with Solano County Library, National Library Week recognizes the essential role libraries play in providing access to books, technology, and lifelong learning opportunities. On April 30, libraries will celebrate El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros (Día), a national initiative that promotes literacy for children of all cultural and linguistic backgrounds and connects families to diverse books, languages, and cultures through special programming across local library branches.
Month of the Military Child: April is also recognized as the Month of the Military Child, honoring the resilience and sacrifices of children in military families. Travis Air Force Base and community partners recognize April 22, 2026 as “Purple Up! Day” which raises awareness of the unique experiences of military-connected youth and promotes community support networks and programs that serve military families.
In addition to Children’s Month observances, the Board is asked to proclaim April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Solano Child Abuse Prevention Council leads the Solano Blue Ribbon Campaign each April to raise awareness about child abuse prevention and to promote community efforts to support families and protect children.
Observances during Child Abuse Prevention Month include:
Children’s Memorial Flag Day (April 24, 2026): The Children’s Memorial Day was established by the California Assembly in April 1997, which formally declares the fourth Friday in April as a statewide annual observance day. On the fourth Friday in April every year the Children’s Memorial Flag is to be flown statewide in memory of all the young lives lost in California due to violence in the previous year. This is a day of remembrance set aside to recognize the national tragedy of violence against children. The Children’s Memorial Flag will be raised in the courtyard at Solano County Health and Social Services at 275 Beck Ave. in Fairfield on April 24, with a small gathering to observe a moment of silence and reflection to honor the Californians' young lives lost to violence.
Children’s Light of Hope Day (April 18, 2026): Children’s Light of Hope Day was established by the National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)/Guardian ad Litem Association to recognize and acknowledge the Court Appointed Special Advocates, foster parents, and adoptive parents who have opened their hearts and homes to abused and neglected children in our community. CASA of Solano invites you to recognize Children’s Light of Hope Day in Solano County by lighting a virtual candle and posting it on Social media throughout the day on April 18th
Together, these observances highlight the importance of community partnerships, public awareness, and coordinated services that promote the safety, well-being, and success of children throughout Solano County.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt the resolutions proclaiming April 2026 as “Children’s Month” and “National Child Abuse Prevention Month” in Solano County. This option is not recommended, as these proclamations support community awareness of children’s issues, highlight available services for families, and encourage residents to participate in efforts that strengthen programs and policies benefiting Solano County’s children.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano County Library, Solano County Health and Social Services, Solano County Office of Education, Solano Child Abuse Prevention Council, Children’s Network of Solano County, Solano County Local Child Care Planning Council, Travis Air Force Base, the Solano County Licensed Family Child Care Association, local school districts, and many other community partners collaborate to promote awareness of children’s issues through activities and observances during the month of April.
Children’s Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month activities are coordinated among numerous local agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community service providers dedicated to supporting children and families in Solano County.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION