Friday is Children’s Memorial Day, which honors children who have lost their lives as a result of child abuse or neglect. Shasta County’s substantiated cases of child abuse per capita triple the state average. The county conducted 2,372 child abuse investigations last year, which became 710 substantiated cases resulting in 281 children entering the foster care system. Four children died last year as a result of child abuse and neglect in Shasta County. People are encouraged to learn how to recognize the warning signs and reach out. The hotline to report abuse is 225-5144. Officials say that sometimes the best way to help children is to offer help to parents, or to become a mentor or foster parent. Court appointed special advocates are also needed to guide children through the system with a personal connection. At 9 O’clock Friday morning the annual children memorial flag raising ceremony will take place at the Shasta County Courthouse. Attendees will include Health and Human Services, Pathways To Hope For Children, First 5, the Children’s Legacy Center and others working to reduce the cycle of violence.