Recognizing April 2002 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

WHEREAS, Child abuse and neglect are serious and growing problems across America and throughout Philadelphia. More than thirty of Philadelphia's children are reported abused every single day; and

WHEREAS, The financial cost of responding to child abuse exceeds $10,000 per year per child, but effective prevention programs, comprised of health care, religious and civic organizations, among others, can turn the tide for children and their families; and

WHEREAS, Child abuse and neglect are diseases whose worst tragedy is that they are too often passed down through the generations. In all of this, S.C.A.N. has been close to miraculous in its compassionate and wise intervention in the lives of at-risk children and families; and

WHEREAS, In our effort to keep all children safe from harm, safe in their homes and safe in the streets, we are encouraged by the fine work of S.C.A.N., an organization that provides their services at no charge to families; and

WHEREAS, The staff of S.C.A.N. have made a historic commitment to the issue of combating child abuse by their multidisciplinary approach to prevent, treat and stop the cycle of abuse and neglect through in-home family-focused services, education and public awareness; now, therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize April 2002 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the City of Philadelphia and urge all citizens to help keep our children safe. We also honor S.C.A.N. and thank its Board, staff and members for their fine work.

RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to S.C.A.N as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.

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