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Councilmember Zachary Parker Councilmember Janeese Lewis George 2
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Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau Councilmember Christina Henderson 6
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Councilmember Vincent C. Gray Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. 10
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Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr. Councilmember Matthew Frumin 14
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Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie Councilmember Charles Allen 18
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Councilmember Anita Bonds 22
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION 27
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 31
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To declare April 2024 as “Child Abuse Prevention Month” in the District of 35
Columbia. 36
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WHEREAS, Child Abuse Prevention Month, first commemorated in 1983, recognizes the 38
importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect and 39
promotes the social and emotional well-being of children and families; 40
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WHEREAS, every child has the right to develop and mature in a safe, secure, and 42
supportive environment, free from violence, victimization, and neglect; 43
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WHEREAS, in Federal fiscal year 2022, 3.9 million reports were made to child protective 45
services; 46
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WHEREAS, research indicates that child abuse and adverse childhood experiences can 48
have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects that have lasting consequences for 49
victims of abuse; 50
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WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect is a serious problem affecting every segment of our 52
community and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; 53
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WHEREAS, our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of the 55
District of Columbia; 56
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WHEREAS, protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and promote 58
social, emotional, and developmental well-being of children; 59
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WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because partnerships 61
created within communities, human service agencies, schools, faith-based and community 62
organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and families; 63
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WHEREAS, the District recognizes the impact of bringing awareness to this issue, which 65
unfortunately many District children and youth experience; 66
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WHEREAS, we acknowledge that we must work together as a community to increase 68
awareness about child abuse and contribute to promote the social and emotional well-being of 69
children and families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment; 70
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WHEREAS, DC Child and Family Services Agency through the “Keeping DC Families 72
Together Initiative” aims to ensure the wellbeing of families, and works to prevent child abuse 73
through promising policies, practices, and partnerships; 74
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WHEREAS, 2024 commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Child Abuse Prevention and 76
Treatment Act (CAPTA) of 1974 which represented the United States first major legislation to 77
address the issue of child maltreatment across the nation; and 78
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WHEREAS, the Council of the District of Columbia thanks and recognizes the community 80
partners who work to prevent the tragedy of child abuse and neglect before it happens and keep the 81
children of the District healthy and whole. 82
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RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this 84
resolution may be cited as the “Child Abuse Prevention Month Recognition Resolution of 2024”. 85
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Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia declares April 2024 as “Child Abuse 87
Prevention Month” in the District of Columbia. 88
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Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately. 90