As part of its community outreach and education efforts, the Amador County Child Abuse Prevention Council is hosting several free Child Abuse Mandated Reporter and Shaken Baby presentations during October and November.

These presentations are designed to teach adults working with children how to recognize the warning signs of child abuse and neglect, to encourage the reporting of suspected child abuse, and most importantly, to learn ways to prevent child abuse and neglect. ACCAPC's newly adopted life-sized baby demonstration doll, "Mikey," whose head lights up in the areas of the brain that are damaged when shaken, creates a powerful visual reinforcement to never shake a baby.

The Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency's Upcountry Community Center in collaboration with Foster & Kinship Care Education and HRC Childcare Resources will host a Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training/ Shaken Baby presentation Thursday, Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the center, 19999 Highway 88, Pine Grove. This training is geared toward childcare providers, baby sitters, foster parents, parents/grandparents and anyone who works with children. Call Site Coordinator Ruthella Turner at 296-2785 to reserve your spot or for more information.

St. Patrick Parish in Jackson is hosting Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training Thursday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. in St. Patrick Hall, 115 Court St. All area clergy, church staff and church volunteers are invited and encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be provided, and limited childcare space is available. Call Jeannine Crew at 223-0168 to confirm childcare space and to R.S.V.P.  

HRC Childcare Resources is sponsoring a Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training/Shaken Baby presentation at the GSA Building, 12200 B Airport Road, Sutter Hill, Thursday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. This training and presentation is geared toward anyone providing childcare or who works with children. Teens are also encouraged to attend. For more information or to R.S.V.P., call Brenda Bullington at 223-1624. 

Contact the council if you would like more information, to schedule a workshop, to become involved or make a donation. ACCAPC meets on the third Monday of odd months from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the GSA Building in Sutter Hill. Call 223-5921 or e-mail info@amadorcapc.org for more information.