Child Abuse Prevention Month

WHEREAS, preventing child abuse and neglect is a societal problem that depends on involvement among people throughout the community; and

WHEREAS, child maltreatment occurs when people find themselves in stressful situations, without community resources, and don’t know how to cope; and

WHEREAS, the majority of child abuse cases stem from situations and conditions that are preventable in an engaged and supportive community; and

WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect can be reduced by making sure every family has the support they need to raise their children in a healthy environment; and

WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect can not only directly harm children, but also increase the likelihood of criminal behavior, substance abuse, health problems such as heart disease and obesity, and risky behavior such as smoking; and

WHEREAS, all citizens should become involved in supporting families in raising their children in a safe, nurturing environment; and

WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships created among social service agencies, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim April 2011 as

Child Abuse Prevention Month

in the state of Alabama on behalf of the Department of Child Abuse Prevention, The Children’s Trust Fund and Prevent Child Abuse Alabama, and call upon all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, and businesses to increase their participation in our efforts to support families, thereby preventing child abuse and strengthening the communities in which we live.

 

 

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 29th day of March 2011.

 

      

Governor Robert Bentley