San Patricio County Judge David Krebs and the Commissioners Court on March 31 unanimously approved a proclamation declaring April 2025 as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month and recognized the San Patricio County Child Welfare Board’s 50th anniversary.

The proclamation, moved by Commissioner Tommy Yardley and seconded by Commissioner Zagorski, says the county’s Child Welfare Board was formed in 1975 and works with the Department of Family and Protective Services to meet children’s tangible needs. The court voted to approve the proclamation by voice vote.

The proclamation text presented to the court recited statewide statistics on child abuse investigations and confirmed victims in 2024 and urged community participation in prevention programs. Judge Krebs and commissioners praised the board’s service while court members signed the proclamation for public display.

Heather Marks, vice president of the San Patricio Child Welfare Board, told the court the board relies on community support and on a locally offered juror-donation option. “We exist because [the court] appoints us and allow us to do what we do,” Marks said. She described funds raised from juror-donation and other community contributions as a primary source that the board uses to help children and caregivers in the county.

Marks introduced board members who attended the meeting and said the board planned a pinwheel display on the courthouse lawn to mark the month; each pinwheel, she said, represents a child who was a victim of abuse or neglect in the county. The board also planned a luncheon later in the day to highlight achievements from the past year and the board’s 50-year history.

Motion and vote details were recorded by the court as part of the meeting minutes. The proclamation is dated March 31, 2025, and the court asked those attending to gather for a photograph after signatures were exchanged.

The action does not create new county policy; the proclamation is an official recognition and a community awareness tool. It noted the existing partnership between the court, the county’s Department of Family and Protective Services, local agencies, schools, law enforcement and faith-based organizations in prevention efforts.