    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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.

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    117 STAT. 3017

    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.
    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.
    GEORGE W. BUSH

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    117 STAT. 3018