During the Brown County Commissioners Court meeting on Monday, April 4, Brown County Judge, Dr. Paul Lilly, signed a proclamation designating April to be “Child Abuse Prevention” month.

April was first declared Child Abuse Prevention Month by presidential proclamation in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan.  Since then, April has been a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child maltreatment.

The Child Welfare Board is made up of a group of fifteen volunteers appointed by the Brown County Commissioners to provide support to children placed in foster care homes, particularly kinship placements.  Also, during the County Commissioner’s meeting, they approved appointment of Carole Jane McNabb and Rowanna McNeely as the newest members of the Brown County Child Welfare Board.

C.A.S.A. is the “Court Appointed Special Advocates” volunteer program which is comprised of individuals from all walks of life who speak up for a child’s best interests in court.  Not a foster parent, they are helping to ensure that a child’s voice is heard. This is to help in making of a real difference at a critical turning point in the child’s life.  CASA in the Heart of Texas can be reached at 325-643-2557.

“Children and families are our greatest natural resource,” said Dr. Lilly, Brown County Judge. “We all have a stake in preparing children to grow up to be healthy and thriving members of our community. The best time to plant seeds of support for all children is now. Every season presents a new opportunity to promote a young person’s physical, emotional and social development.”

IN THE PHOTO:  County Judge Dr. Paul Lilly reads the proclamation while members of the Brown County Child Welfare Board and CASA look on.   Judy Brownlee, next to Judge Lilly, is the Chairperson of the Brownwood-Brown County Child Welfare Board.