Joining the nation and the City of Philadelphia in acknowledging April 2004 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and recognizing the Philadelphia Department of Human Services for its efforts to eradicate the problems of abuse and neglect of children.

WHEREAS, Across the nation, agencies and organizations have placed special emphasis and public awareness on the Prevention of Child Abuse in the month of April; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Department of Human Services has shifted its organizational perspective from that which solely focuses on intervention to one that simultaneously invests in prevention and intervention of child abuse 365 days a year; and

WHEREAS, Nationwide the incidents of child abuse has increased and support and assistance for families is only available after a crisis has occurred; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Department of Human Services with its new focus on Child Abuse Prevention is investing in family strengthening services in the highest risk areas of the city; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Department of Human Services is improving the chances that families have to reach the stability and strength that they need to support the healthy development and growth of their children; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Department of Human Services recognizes that parents and caregivers in the city need support in raising children and that the responsibility of raising children in healthy, loving and safe environments is extremely challenging and complex and that the task is more so under extreme economic pressure and hardship; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That April 2004 is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the City of Philadelphia and that the Philadelphia Department of Human Services is recognized and honored for its prevention programs and services that address the issue of child abuse in our city.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of the resolution be presented to a representative of The Department of Human Services as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End