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Adopt and present a resolution proclaiming April 2018 as “Children’s Month” in Solano County to commemorate observances for children during the month of April (Supervisor Hannigan)
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Published Notice Required? Yes_______ No___X___
Public Hearing Required? Yes_______ No ___X___
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution proclaiming April 2018 as “Children’s Month” in Solano County to support celebrations that raise awareness of critical children’s issues and commemorate observances for children, including:
• Month of the Military Child
• Child Abuse Prevention Month
• National Library Week (April 8-14) and El Día de los Niños/Libros (April 30)
• Children’s Light of Hope Day (April 24)
• Children’s Memorial Flag Day (April 27)
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Board of Supervisors is being asked to adopt a Resolution recognizing April 2018 as “Children’s Month” in Solano County, to support celebrations and observances for children and acknowledge the importance of all County residents in supporting the health, safety and well-being of Solano’s children by ensuring that children have a safe and nurturing environment to reach their full potential.
In 1986, Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger designated April as the “Month of the Military Child” as a way to honor military children for their sacrifices and courage and to share with the world the important role military children play in the armed forces community. This brings the opportunity for community partnerships between organizations educating the public on the impact of deployment, creating community support networks, delivering educational, recreational and social outreach programs and ensuring that military youth become part of ongoing programs offered in the communities where they live.
The Solano Children’s Alliance/Solano Child Abuse Prevention Council along with the Family Resource Center Network and other community partners, sponsor the Solano Blue Ribbon Campaign each April during Child Abuse Prevention Month to heighten Solano residents’ awareness of child abuse and the need to support families to help prevent it.
Solano County Library provides library materials, resources, information, entertainment and life-long learning opportunities to enrich the lives of people of all ages in Solano County. Literacy and reading are the main underpinnings of the service goals of Solano County Library, two themes which are also celebrated during National Library Week. El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all cultural and linguistic backgrounds and celebrates children, families and reading.
Children’s Light of Hope Day was established by the National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association to recognize and acknowledge the CASA volunteers, foster and adoptive parents who have opened up their hearts and homes to abused and neglected children in our community.
Children’s Memorial Flag Day is a remembrance of all the children whose lives were lost over the past year, but particularly those lost by violence.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost to prepare this resolution is included in the FY2017/18 Adopted Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt the resolution proclaiming April 2018 as “Children’s Month” in Solano County and acknowledging related observances for children. This is not recommended as this declaration recognizes and supports awareness of children’s issues, promotes services available for children, their parents and other caregivers in the County and provides ways that community residents can support improvements in the programs and policies that enrich the quality of life for Solano’s children.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano County Library, Solano County Health & Social Services Public Health Division, Solano County Office of Education, Solano Children’s Alliance, Help Me Grow Solano, Children’s Network of Solano County, Solano County Local Child Care Planning Council, Travis Air Force Base, Solano County Licensed Family Child Care Association, Solano District Attorney’s Office of Family Violence Prevention, Solano Coalition for Better Health, Child Haven, local school districts and many other partners have joined together to promote awareness of young children’s issues by supporting observances for the many children and families issues commemorated in April of each year. “April Children’s Month” activities are being coordinated among numerous local children’s agencies and service provider organizations.