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Adopt and present a resolution proclaiming April 2019 as “Children’s Month” to support celebrations that raise awareness of critical children’s issues and commemorate observances for children (Chairwoman 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 2019 as “Children’s Month” in Solano County to support celebrations that raise awareness of critical children’s issues and commemorate observances for children, including:
• Child Abuse Prevention Month
• Children’s Light of Hope Day (April 9)
• Children’s Memorial Flag Day (April 26)
• National Library Week (April 7-13) and El Dia de los Niños/El Dia de los Libros (April 30)
• Month of the Military Child
SUMMARY
Each year since 2006, the Solano County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed April to be “Children’s Month” in Solano County in support of the many designated observances related to children’s issues that occur. The month highlights the impact of all County residents in ensuring the nearly 100,000 children and youth in Solano County are supported in order to achieve their highest potential.
Supporting children and youth through their early years prepares them for becoming productive citizens in our community. A recent focus of many local community agencies and state has been on preventing and treating Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to increase long-term health outcomes and success. Studies have shown that one caring adult in the life of a child can counteract ACEs and positively impact the trajectory of a child’s health and well-being.
The month of April is a time to be reminded of that each Solano resident and community agency has a role to play in raising awareness of children’s issues and increasing positive childhood experiences for all of Solano’s children.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission sponsors community events during April of up to $300 each for up to 10 events celebrating or commemorating children in Solano County during April 2019. First 5 Solano is funded by Proposition 10 tobacco tax funds. Other agencies are also sponsoring or co-sponsoring community events for children in this month. The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget. There is no financial impact associated with the adoption of the resolution.
DISCUSSION:
Recognizing April 2019 as “Children’s Month” in Solano County acknowledges 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 2019, as in years past, community partners across the County are working together to sponsor a host of public education and community engagement activities to honor children during the month of April. These recognitions/events include:
• The Solano Children’s Alliance/Solano Child Abuse Prevention Council sponsors the Solano Blue Ribbon Campaign each April during Child Abuse Prevention Month to heighten Solano residents’ awareness of child abuse. A Pinwheels for Prevention event will take place April 1st at 11am at Child Haven, 801 Empire St, Fairfield.
• Children’s Light of Hope Day will be recognized by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Solano Youth Voices to recognize and acknowledge the CASA volunteers, and the foster and adoptive parents who have opened their hearts and homes to abused and neglected children in our community. A recognition will occur April 9th at 6pm at 601 Texas St., Fairfield.
• Each year, on the last Friday in April, communities across the United States raise the Children's Memorial Flag honoring each lost child and raising public awareness about the continuing problem of violence against children. The flag raising in Solano County will occur Friday, April 26th at noon at 275 Beck Ave, Fairfield.
• Solano County Library is celebrating National Library Week and El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros which emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Various library locations will be hosting events for national library week April 7-13. El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros will be celebrated at the Vallejo John F Kennedy Library, 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo on April 27th at 11am.
• The Month of the Military Child is a time to honor the sacrifices made by military families worldwide, with an emphasis on the experience of the dependent children of military members serving at home and overseas. Residents are encouraged to wear purple on April 10th to show support of our military families.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt the resolution proclaiming April 2019 as “Children’s Month” in Solano County and acknowledgement of related observances for children. This is not recommended as the resolution 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.