Child Abuse Prevention Month

WHEREAS, preventing child abuse and neglect is a community 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 do not 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 each family has the support the need to rear their children in a healthy environment; and

WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect not only directly harms children, but also increases 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 the State of Alabama, do hereby proclaim April 2014, as

Child Abuse Prevention Month

in the State of the 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.