84R18443 BK-D
By: Martinez Fischer H.R. No. 1714
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Advocates from across the state are joining together
for Child Protection Day at the State Capitol on April 1, 2015, as a
show of unity in the fight to end child abuse and neglect; and
WHEREAS, In Texas, an average of 182 children are confirmed
as victims of abuse or neglect every day, and three children die
each week as a result of maltreatment; and
WHEREAS, Abuse and neglect exact a heavy physical and
emotional toll on victims, and the lifetime cost of dealing with
these cases is likewise substantial; according to the U.S. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of $14.1 billion was
spent to address the consequences of child abuse and neglect in
Texas in 2014, with expenditures accounting for health care,
education, and loss of productivity pertaining to both living and
deceased victims; and
WHEREAS, Child abuse prevention programs can be an effective
means of improving outcomes for at-risk families and children; as
many cases of abuse result from caregivers failing to cope with
stress, these programs may involve providing education and
assistance to vulnerable families; prevention efforts are also
focused on building more supportive communities, strengthening
child welfare agencies, and addressing co-occurring issues related
to maltreatment; and
WHEREAS, Every child has the fundamental right to grow up in a
loving family, free from fear and harm, and those taking part in
Child Protection Day are affirming their commitment to making this
ideal a reality for every young Texan; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize Child Protection Day at the State
Capitol on April 1, 2015, and commend the organizations and
individuals in attendance today for their meaningful contributions
to the well-being of children in our state.