AUGUSTA — Today marks Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. Activities and events, hosted by the G.E.A.R. — Gaining Empowerment Allows Results — Parent Network starts at 10:30 a.m. in the Hall of Flags at the Statehouse.

G.E.A.R. said the events today are to raise awareness about juvenile mental health, including an emphasis on early diagnosis and treatment.

“Many parents feel blamed, ashamed and judged for their child's disability when it is related to mental health," G.E.A.R. program director Carol Tiernan said in a release.