ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-198
IN THE COUNC IL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
April 2, 2023
To declare April 2023 as “Child Abuse Prevention Month” in the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, Child Abuse Prevention Month, first commemorated in 1983,
recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect and promotes the social and emotional well-being of children and
families;
WHEREAS, every child has the right to develop and mature in a safe, secure, and
supportive environment, free from violence, victimization, and neglect;
WHEREAS, in federal fiscal year 2021, 3.9 million reports were made to child
protective services;
WHEREAS, research indicates that child abuse and adverse childhood experiences
can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects that have lasting
consequences for victims of abuse;
WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect is a serious problem affecting every segment of
our community and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone;
WHEREAS, our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future
of the District of Columbia;
WHEREAS, protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and
promote social, emotional, and developmental well-being of children;
WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of
partnerships created within communities, human service agencies, schools, faith- based and
community organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and families;
WHEREAS, the District recognizes the impact of bringing awareness to this issue,
which unfortunately many District children and youth experience;
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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WHEREAS, we acknowledge that we must work together as a community to
increase awareness about child abuse and contribute to promote the social and emotional
well-being of children and families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment;
WHEREAS, the Child and Family Services Agency, through the Keeping DC
Families Together Initiative, promotes the well-being of families and works to prevent child
abuse through promising policies, practices, and partnerships; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the District of Columbia thanks and recognizes the
community partners who work to prevent the tragedy of child abuse and neglect before it
happens and keep the children of the District healthy and whole.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNC IL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Child Abuse Prevention Month Recognition Resolution of
2023”.
Sec. 2. T he Counc il declares April 2023 as “Child Abuse Prevention Month” in the
District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. T his resolution shall take effect imme diately.