By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com


The nomination period is coming to a close for an award recognizing those who have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact on kid’s lives.

LACASA Center’s Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Council and Great Start Livingston are asking residents to help identify the 2021 Champion for Children. The nomination period for the award is open to the public through this Monday, March 22nd. Nominees may be a person whose support for children and families is evident in the work they do or in the way they spend their time. This includes people who act as mentors, foster parents, or advocates for vulnerable kids. Past recipients have also included educators, coaches, public employees, and community volunteers.

LACASA’s Director of Family Prevention and Education Holly Naylor said, in a release, that child abuse prevention goes beyond identifying and protecting kids in abusive homes. With all the stress and disruption in the world over the past year, Naylor said that being a stable adult for a child and even their family that is experiencing turmoil can make a huge impact on the kid’s life.

The person chosen as the 2021 Champion for Children will be recognized at the virtual Plant a Pinwheel Celebration, on April 7th. That event kicks off National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Livingston County.