[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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