HomeMy WebLinkAboutProclaimation Child Abuse Prevention Month
WHEREAS, April 2006 has been proclaimed as Child Abuse Prevention Month by the
state and federal government for the purpose of promoting community involvement in preventing
child abuse; all children have the right to be free from harm and to have their physical, emotional
and educational needs met; and
WHEREAS, more than 40,000 children in the County of San Bernardino were referred
in 2004 to the Department of Children's Services for suspected child abuse and neglect;
Children's Assessment Center staff, DCS Social Workers, Public Health Nurses, law enforcement
officers, educators and others in this field are dedicated, compassionate and skilled individuals
working under enormous pressure to protect children; and
WHEREAS, prevention of child abuse requires rigorous solutions, energy, strength,
determination and commitment on the part of concerned citizens and the community; and
WHEREAS, the Blue Ribbon is the international symbol for child abuse prevention, it
takes an entire community to protect our children. By continually raising public awareness and
promoting positive parenting skills, we can reduce the actual number and seriousness of child
abuse cases. In reality, the increase of cases reported last year may well reflect the increased
awareness.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PATRICK J. MORRIS, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN
BERNARDINO, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM APRIL, 2006 AS
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
and urge the citizens of the City of San Bernardino to participate in the Blue Ribbon Media Campaign
entitled "It Only Takes a Minute" to increase awareness of child abuse during the month of April.
DATED this 3,d day of April 2006