[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 61 (Monday, March 31, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 15651-15652]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-7879]



[[Page 15649]]

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Part VI





The President





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Proclamation 7656--National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2003
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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 61 / Monday, March 31, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 15651]]

                Proclamation 7656 of March 26, 2003

                
National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Our Nation has an important responsibility to create a 
                caring environment in which our children can flourish 
                and reach their full potential. As we observe the 20th 
                anniversary of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 
                we recognize the significant progress we have made to 
                increase the safety and security of our children. We 
                also renew our commitment to protecting our most 
                vulnerable citizens from harm. Child abuse and neglect 
                are national tragedies, and we must work together to 
                eradicate them.

                Every day, thousands of children are mistreated by 
                their parents, guardians, relatives, or caregivers. On 
                average, three children a day die as a result of abuse 
                and neglect, and countless others remain silent, their 
                pain unnoticed and unreported. These children face 
                challenges that no child deserves, and young people who 
                have experienced abuse may grow into adults who are 
                self-destructive and damaging to our communities. To 
                help these children become healthy and happy adults, 
                parents and caregivers must provide them with love, 
                security, emotional support, and a strong connection to 
                their extended families and communities.

                To help ensure the safety and well-being of our 
                children, my Administration is committed to supporting 
                and strengthening families. In the last year, we have 
                worked with faith-based and community organizations to 
                promote healthy marriages, responsible fatherhood, and 
                partnerships that seek to prevent child abuse and 
                neglect. We also worked with the Congress to 
                reauthorize the Promoting Safe and Stable Families 
                program. This year, we are asking the Congress to fully 
                fund this program at $505 million, an increase of more 
                than 65 percent. In addition, we are working with the 
                Congress to reauthorize the Child Abuse Prevention and 
                Treatment Act. This important legislation will provide 
                funding to States for child abuse prevention activities 
                and other vital programs.

                Every child is a blessing. Through the cooperation of 
                Federal, State, and local governments, faith-based and 
                community organizations, schools, law enforcement, and 
                health and human service agencies, we can develop and 
                enhance successful prevention strategies that protect 
                our young people. In addition, we must continue to 
                recognize the spirit of compassion in individuals and 
                community groups across our Nation that offer care, 
                guidance, and support for young people, parents, and 
                caregivers. By working together, we can put hope in our 
                children's hearts and ensure healthy and safe lives for 
                all our children.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim April 2003 as National Child 
                Abuse Prevention Month. I encourage all Americans to 
                join together to support strong families, protect our 
                children from abuse, neglect, and maltreatment, and 
                make our Nation a more promising place for all.

[[Page 15652]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-sixth day of March, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand three, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-7879
Filed 3-28-03; 8:47 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P