For several years, Whidbey Island community has marked National Child Abuse and Awareness Month in April with a special Honor Our Children campaign spearheaded by the island’s Child Abuse Prevention Foundation.

The celebration of children starts with contests for posters, poems and essays. And throughout the month the needs of children are highlighted through public presentations, in advertisements and flyers, and through the annual “March Against Child Abuse” in Oak Harbor April 27.

This year’s poem, poster and essay contest brought out the largest response ever, said CAPF director Robin Hertlein. The most visible entry will be a drawing by Natalie Wheeler, a fifth grade student at Langley Christian School who drew a heart full of children holding hands. Her work will be on posters distributed all over the island.

The winner of the poem and essay contest was Kylie Kuzina of Oak Harbor Middle School, for her poem, “Everyone Deserves a Chance.”

Speakers are available throughout April on several children’s issues: Representatives of “In A Pinch” in Clinton and Harbor Haven in Oak Harbor can describe their crisis and respite childcare services; Citizens Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse (CADA) can speak about services for children who have been part of or who have witnessed domestic violence; the Island County Sheriff is available to discuss registered sexual predators on Whidbey; and Child Protective Services can talk about the reporting of child abuse and what is done after a report is filed. To schedule a speaker, e-mail child@whidbey.com, or call the CAPF office in Freeland at 331-7343 or toll-free 877-331-7343.

Reports of suspected child abuse in 2001 on Whidbey rose 12 percent over 2000, according to CPS, which cites 1,399 calls received from community members who suspected a child was being abused.

Anyone who has reasonable cause to believe a child has suffered abuse or neglect should report such incidents to Child Protective Services, 800-743-0117, or through a 24-hour paging service at 360-679-7182.

Reports can also be made by calling 911.