For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 1, 2002
National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamaton
Every child deserves to be cared for by parents who provide love,
protection, and nurturing. Safe and healthy childhoods help
produce confident and successful adults. When parents are
unable to meet their responsibilities, the consequences are tragic for
their children and for society. Nationwide, reports show
that more than 879,000 children are victims of child abuse and neglect
and approximately 1,200 children die from maltreatment, many at the
hands of those who are supposed to protect them.
Children who are abused and neglected often carry the effects of
their experiences into adulthood. They are much more likely
to experience problems with substance abuse, depression, learning
disabilities, and to engage in criminal activities and violence against
others, including abuse of their own children. The societal
effects of child abuse include the need for increased child welfare
services, special education resources, physical and emotional health
care services, and juvenile justice facilities.
My Administration is committed to promoting effective policies that
protect children from harm while strengthening and supporting
families. Promoting healthy marriages, and teaching responsible
fatherhood and motherhood, are key priorities of my
Administration. Last year, I worked with the Congress to
provide an additional $70 million for the Promoting Safe and Stable
Families Program, which is helping States ensure children's safety,
permanency, and well-being. This program is designed to
strengthen families at risk and prevent abuse and
neglect. My 2003 budget includes a substantial increase of
$130 million for this essential program.
The problem of child abuse requires a continuing national
commitment, and we must remain vigilant in working to provide safety
and security to each young person in our society.
Government alone cannot prevent child abuse. Child abuse
prevention requires partnerships among Federal, State, and local
governments, faith-based and community-based organizations, schools,
law enforcement, and social service agencies. All of these
organizations must work together with parents to protect children and
help build healthy families and communities where children can reach
their potential.
Every April, communities across the country join to raise public
awareness about child abuse, to provide information about how to
prevent it, and to assist families in need of support, recovery, and
encouragement. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and
throughout the year, I encourage all Americans to find ways to cherish
our children, and strengthen our families.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2002 as
National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I call upon all
Americans to observe this month by supporting the hard work of those
who ensure our children's safety, and by playing an active role in
creating a safer, healthier environment for our children's growth.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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