High Sierra Family Resources Center presents statewide child‑welfare figures; Sierra County proclaims April 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month

Michael McMillan, executive director of the Sierra County Child Abuse Council doing business as High Sierra Family Resource Center, presented the 2025 statewide children's welfare report card and asked the county board to adopt a proclamation declaring April 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month.

McMillan cited state and local figures for context: he said California’s child population is about 8,622,468 and summarized 2025 figures of roughly 418,198 allegations, 269,459 investigations and 47,851 substantiations statewide. For Sierra County, he said the county’s small child population (about 485 children) produced a much lower allegation rate — about one allegation per 34.8 children — and noted that small absolute numbers can swing percentages year to year.

"Because we have such small numbers, the numbers kind of swing," McMillan said, urging cautious interpretation of year‑to‑year changes.

McMillan outlined local prevention plans for April, including distributing pinwheels, honoring two local 'Be the One' honorees, promoting a countywide 'wear blue' day, launching a Children’s Memorial Day observance, and a Family Fun Day on May 2 in partnership with Sierra Valley Little League. Board members praised the work and thanked McMillan for the presentation; the board adopted the resolution proclaiming April 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month via roll call.

Speakers quoted: Michael McMillan; Supervisor (speaker 8) offered praise for local programming. McMillan and other presenters noted the limits of small‑sample statistics and emphasized continued investment in evidence‑based family supports.

Ending: The board adopted the proclamation and staff and community partners will proceed with planned April events and a May family day.