BOSTON — State Rep. Paul Mark, D-Peru, was awarded Legislator of the Year by the Massachusetts Children's Alliance on April 26.

 

Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan presented the award to Mark at a ceremony during Child Advocacy Center Awareness Day at the State House.

 

"Rep. Paul Mark has been a champion for children and families," said Sullivan. "His strong advocacy on behalf of abused and neglected children has been unwavering."

 

Mark was joined at the ceremony by MACA Executive Director Tom King, and by staff and board members from the CACs in his district. 

 

"I am honored to receive this award from MACA, an organization doing such important work to ensure the safety and well-being of children throughout Massachusetts," said Mark. "I know the dedicated staff at the Children's Advocacy Center of Franklin County and the North Quabbin, and Berkshire County Kids' Place and Violence Prevention Center, are working hard every day to prevent child abuse in our region and to provide healing and justice to children who have been victims of abuse. 

 

"I am grateful for their dedication and I will continue to champion their cause in the Legislature."

 

The Massachusetts Children's Alliance offers a nationally recognized response to children who have been physically or sexually abused through a statewide network of Children's Advocacy Centers. The nonprofit membership organization's missionis to ensure that all children and families affected by sexual and physical violence have access to the high quality, comprehensive, specialized and culturally appropriate services. In 2016, the state's 12 CACs served more than 6,100 children.