Proclaiming April, 2015 as National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.

WHEREAS, Child abuse and neglect is a serious problem affecting every segment of our community and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone in our community; and

WHEREAS, In the past year alone, the Philadelphia Department of Human Services received over 19,000 calls to its abuse and neglect hotline; and

WHEREAS, Our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of the City of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Child abuse can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects that can have lifelong consequences for victims of abuse; and

WHEREAS, Protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and promote the social, emotional and developmental well-being of children; and

WHEREAS, Effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the meaningful connections and partnerships created between child welfare, education, health, community and faith-based organizations, businesses and law enforcement agencies; and

WHEREAS, Communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities that benefit children and their families; and

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, nurturing environment; and

WHEREAS, Prevention remains the best defense for our children and families; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby proclaim April, 2015 as National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention month and urges all citizens to recognize this month by dedicating themselves to improving the quality of life for all children and families.

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

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