April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Sierra County

             National Child Abuse Prevention Month is dedicated to raising awareness of, and preventing child abuse.  On March 15th, the Sierra County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution declaring April 2022 "Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month" in Sierra County.

            Incidents of child abuse often go unreported, or are unsubstantiated and unprosecuted, making it  difficult to paint a clear picture of how big the problem really is.  According to one source, over 2.5% of children in our county were involved in a substantiated case of child abuse in 2020.  That means that of our approximately 550 children in Sierra County, fourteen of them were involved in a case of child abuse or neglect that was reported, investigated, and supported by state law or policy.  
               It is the responsibility of every resident of Sierra County to do our best as individuals and a community to bring those numbers down.  Among the many steps we can take to help, here are three from the Child Abuse Prevention Center:

• If you work with children in any capacity, obtain Mandated Child Abuse Reporting training to learn about the risk factors and warning signs of child abuse.
  
• Report child abuse and neglect when you become aware of, or suspect it.
  
• Get involved! Volunteer your time at community agencies that promote positive supportive services for families (libraries, community resource centers, nonprofit agencies that work with families and children).            
  

At the High Sierras Family Resource Center we believe that all children are entitled to a safe and healthy upbringing.  We do whatever we can to make that belief a reality and are striving to provide resources to improve the lives of our county's kids.  We also work to increase the resiliency and general well being of every member of our mountain community.  We do this in a wide variety of ways that you will see this April.  Keep an eye out around the county for our blue pinwheels, which represent innocence, and reflect the bright future that all children deserve. We will also be hosting and promoting several events over the course of the month!  
If you are interested in helping us in this noble cause we are always looking for volunteers to serve in a variety of capacities.  Together we can make a powerful difference in the lives of the children of Sierra County.
For more information, please call, email, or drop into our office!  Our phone number is 530-993-1110, our email is highsierrasfrc@gmail.com, and our address is 315 Main St. Loyalton.
 
April Events
All Month-  Art Contest 
We are having a month-long art contest in Sierra County!  Winners will be chosen at the Family Fun Fest on April 30th!  There is also a statewide contest, and entries for that contest are due to us by April 6th! Check out our Facebook Page for more info!
April 9th, 10-11AM - Mini Music Makers
Musica Sierra will be holding their April 9th class, for kids ages 0-5 and their parents, at the High Sierras Family Resource Center!  For more information and to RSVP, please go to musicasierra.com
April 19th- Child Abuse Prevention Month Presentation to the County Board of Supervisors
The High Sierras Family Resource Center will be making a presentation to the Board of Supervisors at approximately 10:45 AM, during their regularly scheduled meeting.  Everyone is invited. 
April 30th,  11AM-2PM - FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL!
The High Sierras Family Resource Center is partnering with Musica Sierra and others to bring a day of fun for families to the Loyalton City Park!  We will be having free hot dogs provided by the Chilcoot Frosty, free music classes with Musica Sierra, and free helmets, life jackets, games, treats, and all sorts of goodies!  Everyone is welcome!

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