Over 20 Valley Mountain Regional Center staff and managers were among the 300 plus attendees at the San Joaquin County Children’s Services Coordinating Commission’s 19th Annual Child Abuse Prevention Symposium, on Wednesday, April 10th, at the Stockton Hilton.

This annual symposium, which brings together the county’s agencies, service providers and volunteers who work together to prevent child abuse, is a day of reflection, education, and celebration to further promote the importance of child abuse prevention.

Cultural Specialist, Carlos Hernandez, also attended and was a member of the many agencies who set up a resource table at the event.  “Inter-agency collaboration is a key to success in order to make San Joaquin County a safe place for children”, said Hernandez.

Valley Mountain Regional Center parent, Victoria Serrano, was honored as the 2019 “Volunteer of the Year.”  Guest speakers spoke of “resiliency” and the “science of hope” in working with children who have been victims of abuse.  A presentation about the reality of human trafficking in San Joaquin County shed a real light on a serious issue. 

All in all, the day was informative and productive.  Other awards handed out were “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year” and “Service Employee of the Year.” 

“This is always a great day,” said Hernandez.  “These are some of the best service providers and volunteers in San Joaquin County, and VMRC was happy to be a partner in helping prevent child abuse.”

For more information, please contact Doug Bonnet, Special Assistant to the Executive Director, at 209-955-3677, email DBonnet@vmrc.net .

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