Judge Patti Smith has been nominated for the 2004 Children’s Advocate Award given annually by Childcare Resources.

This award honors individuals and organizations that have had a positive impact on the lives of young children in Walker, Jefferson, Shelby and Blount counties.

Childcare Resources serves the children, families and childcare providers in these four counties. All nominees will be recognized as Friends of Children, and the recipients of the 2004 Award will be announced at the Children’s Advocate Award Luncheon held March 31.

Judge Smith, a Shelby County Family Court Judge, has served the court for 24 years.

Nominees describe her as someone who has demonstrated a unique ability by bringing a community together to meet the needs and best interests of the children she serves.

According to the nomination, Judge Smith has created or helped create many organizations that fulfill the needs of children including the DAY Program, the Early Warning Program, a $3.2 million dollar juvenile detention center and CASA of Shelby County.

There are 23 nominees for the 2004 Children’s Advocate Awards.

The 2004 Children’s Advocate Award Luncheon will be Wednesday, March 31 at The Club in Birmingham from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The luncheon is sponsored by Children’s Health System.

The public is invited to the luncheon. Call 205-795-2207 or 205-795-2244 for reservations or visit the Childcare Resources website at www.ccr-bhm.org