[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 14 (Monday, April 8, 2002)]
[Pages 548-549]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7537--National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2002

 April 1, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Every child deserves to be cared for by parents who provide love, 
protection, and nurturing. Safe and healthy childhoods help produce 
confident and successful adults. When parents are unable to meet their 
responsibilities, the consequences are tragic for their children and for 
society. Nationwide, reports show that more than 879,000 children are 
victims of child abuse and neglect and approximately 1,200 children die 
from maltreatment, many at the hands of those who are supposed to 
protect them.
    Children who are abused and neglected often carry the effects of 
their experiences into adulthood. They are much more likely to 
experience problems with substance abuse, depression, learning 
disabilities, and to engage in criminal activities and violence against 
others, including abuse of their own children. The societal effects of 
child abuse include the need for increased child welfare services, 
special education resources, physical and emotional health care 
services, and juvenile justice facilities.

[[Page 549]]

    My Administration is committed to promoting effective policies that 
protect children from harm while strengthening and supporting families. 
Promoting healthy marriages, and teaching responsible fatherhood and 
motherhood, are key priorities of my Administration. Last year, I worked 
with the Congress to provide an additional $70 million for the Promoting 
Safe and Stable Families Program, which is helping States ensure 
children's safety, permanency, and well-being. This program is designed 
to strengthen families at risk and prevent abuse and neglect. My 2003 
budget includes a substantial increase of $130 million for this 
essential program.
    The problem of child abuse requires a continuing national 
commitment, and we must remain vigilant in working to provide safety and 
security to each young person in our society.
    Government alone cannot prevent child abuse. Child abuse prevention 
requires partnerships among Federal, State, and local governments, 
faith-based and community-based organizations, schools, law enforcement, 
and social service agencies. All of these organizations must work 
together with parents to protect children and help build healthy 
families and communities where children can reach their potential.
    Every April, communities across the country join to raise public 
awareness about child abuse, to provide information about how to prevent 
it, and to assist families in need of support, recovery, and 
encouragement. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and 
throughout the year, I encourage all Americans to find ways to cherish 
our children, and strengthen our families.
     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 2002 as National 
Child Abuse Prevention Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this 
month by supporting the hard work of those who ensure our children's 
safety, and by playing an active role in creating a safer, healthier 
environment for our children's growth.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., April 9, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
April 10.