February 2, 2010: Lucas County Children Services, the governmental agency responsible for protecting children from abuse and neglect, is sponsoring an essay contest open to all children in grades 7 and 8 in Lucas County, Ohio.

The contest theme, “What makes a family, and how does it keep me safe?” is in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month, recognized nationwide each April. The contest winner and runner-up will have the opportunity to read their essays aloud during LCCS’ annual Child Memorial, scheduled for April 30 in downtown Toledo. The winner and runner-up will also receive $50 and $25 gift certificates, respectively.

The essay contest will be judged by a panel of LCCS agency staff, and it provides an opportunity for young people in Lucas County to become more aware of the issue of child abuse and neglect. “Child abuse and neglect occurs in all kinds of families, regardless of the neighborhood they live in, how much money they make or their ethnic or religious background.

By asking young people to think about this serious issue in our essay contest, we hope to empower them to speak up if they become aware of abuse or neglect among their own family or friends,” says Dean Sparks, LCCS Executive Director.

All Lucas County schools serving students in grades 7 and 8 will receive information about the contest, and students are encouraged to work with their teachers to prepare their entries. Home-schooled students may enter directly to the agency.

Contest rules are posted on the Lucas County Children Services website, http://lucaskids.net, or can be obtained by calling 419-213-3253. Entries can be submitted starting March 1, and must be received at LCCS by April 6.