[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9245 of March 31, 2015

National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every child is born into a world filled with limitless possibilities,
and as a Nation, we must ensure all our young people have the support
they need to realize their enormous potential. Regardless of who they
are or the circumstances of their birth, each child deserves to be cared
for, cherished, and kept safe from harm. Tragically, abuse and neglect
erode this promise for hundreds of thousands of America's daughters and
sons each year. This is an injustice. It is contrary to the values of
good caretaking and the principles of our Nation, and it must not be
tolerated. This month, we celebrate the love and courage it takes to
raise a child; we reaffirm the fundamental human rights of all children
to live free from violence and abuse; and we rededicate ourselves to
ending the cycle of harm too many girls and boys face.
A strong, stable family is the best foundation for a promising
childhood, and when parents and caregivers have support--from loved
ones, friends, and their community--they are more likely to provide safe
and healthy environments for children. It is important for all people to
recognize the signs of child neglect and physical, sexual, and emotional
abuse, including sudden changes in behavior or school performance and
untreated physical or medical issues. Reporting any concerns could
protect a child and connect a family with the help they need. To learn
more about how to prevent and report child abuse, visit
www.ChildWelfare.gov/Preventing.
My Administration is committed to strengthening our Nation's families
and doing everything we can to make it easier for mothers and fathers to
care and provide for their children. We are also investing in evidence-
based State and local programs that promote positive parenting and
caregiving to help prevent child abuse and neglect. These efforts can
help decrease the number of children entering the foster care system and
provide better outcomes for those in it. We will continue to work with
the faith community and the private sector to bolster all those who
support our Nation's young people, and I encourage leaders across all
levels of government to invest in services for victims and provide the
resources and protections our kids need.

[[Page 3316]]

The work of raising our children is the most important job in our
country, and it is also the most challenging. At times, it can be
difficult to live up to the enormous responsibilities that come with
being a parent, especially when families face hardship. But parenthood
does not demand perfection. If we do our best for our children--to
nurture their healthy development, seek assistance when needed, and meet
our obligations to them--we can demonstrate to our daughters and sons
that they are always our first priority.
As a Nation and as individuals, our attitudes toward our children set a
powerful example that shapes their character and influences the kind of
people they will become. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month,
we renew our commitment to protect the safety and well-being of every
child, and we resolve to continue the hard work of raising a generation
that can dream bigger and reach higher than ever before.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2015 as National
Child Abuse Prevention Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this
month with programs and activities that help prevent child abuse and
provide for children's physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
March, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.
BARACK OBAMA