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| Recognizing April 2009 as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in Ohio. |
| WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the 128th General Assembly of Ohio are pleased to recognize Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in Ohio, April 2009; and |
| WHEREAS, In an effort to increase public knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding the abuse and neglect of minors, the month of April was first designated by U.S. Congress as National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in 1983, with commemorative legislation passed each year since. Affecting youth of all races and socio-economic backgrounds, child abuse and neglect has long-lasting repercussions, not only for victims and their families but also for communities and society as a whole; and |
| WHEREAS, Childhood is a formative time, and family members as well as communities, educators, public officials, and faith-based organizations all play important roles in helping to ensure that children grow-up in a safe and stable environment, one that provides nurturing love and support. According to the American Humane Association, as many as 2,463 children are victims of abuse and neglect across the country every day. Young people of all ages are denied a loving home experience due to the ever-increasing prevalence of this heinous crime. In order to prevent the escalation of these events in the future, it is vital for all concerned citizens to join in educating the general public, including potential offenders, about the effects of this injustice and in developing a general consciousness regarding its far reaching devastation; and |
| WHEREAS, All Ohioans share the responsibility of protecting our youth, and during Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in Ohio, we renew our commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect so that all children can realize their full potential. In addition, we urge all citizens to mark this observance by working to build safe communities, promote strong families, and raise healthy children by supporting those who are striving to end the tragic abuse and neglect of children; therefore be it |
| RESOLVED, That we, the members of the Senate of the 128th General Assembly of Ohio, in adopting this Resolution, recognize April 2009, as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in Ohio; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit duly authenticated copies of this Resolution to the news media of Ohio. |