FARMINGTON – The work of the Franklin County Children’s Task Force was celebrated Thursday at a 30th anniversary gala in the North Dining Hall at the University of Maine at Farmington.

The nonprofit organization has grown to seven full-time employees and programs in parenting, bullying and teasing, home visitations and work with the hospital. It also sponsors the annual Children’s Festival.

Guest speaker Attorney General Stephen Rowe encouraged the more than 75 in attendance to invest in kids.

“Healthy brain development is the key to maximizing our children’s potential,” he said as he challenged people to not wait until kindergarten to give support.

An early investment in children provides a greater return, he said, citing a return of $16 for every dollar invested in building healthy brains. Eighty-five percent of brain development occurs by age 3, he said, as he described a healthy growing environment as one where a child experiences stable, consistent relationships with adults, has a sense of safety, positive structure and the absence of stress.

Stressing the importance of home visits, he reminded the audience that children watch everything an adult does. In a home with violence, he said, a little child begins to see the parents as not being protectors. The home visits give an opportunity to look for clues and suggest services that can help parents strengthen parenting skills.

Seventy percent of children under 8 in the 1950s had a parent home with them, but now only 30 percent do, he said. Better pay for child care providers and support for child care centers are needed, he said.

He congratulated the Task Force and the area for working as a community to encourage child growth.

State Reps. Janet Mills of Farmington and Thomas Saviello of Wilton, and state Sen. Walter Gooley of Farmington presented a legislative sentiment to Task Force Executive Director Renee Blanchet.

Blanchet presented awards to area residents who are active in children’s programs and development. Twenty nominees were recognized earlier in the evening but special awards were given in three categories.

Judy and Kevin Vining of Farmington were recognized as the Outstanding Parent Community Volunteers, Franklin Savings Bank as Outstanding business supporter and the University of Maine at Farmington as Community Collaborator.

Isabelle Foss of Temple, who has sewn 574 bags that are filled with information and items for new mothers, was also recognized.