[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 13 (Monday, March 31, 2003)]
[Pages 382-383]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7656--National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2003

 March 26, 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.
    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

[[Page 383]]

America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:47 a.m., March 28, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March 
31.