[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 13 (Monday, April 3, 2006)]
[Pages 605-606]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7993--National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2006

March 29, 2006

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Our society has a responsibility to protect our children and help 
them thrive. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we underscore 
our strong commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect and to 
ensuring that all children have the opportunity to grow up in safe and 
nurturing environments.
    Parents hold the primary responsibility for a child's health and 
well-being and provide a foundation of love and support for their 
children. Parents are not alone as they work to keep their children 
safe. Helping children requires a commitment from other family members, 
as well as individuals and organizations in every community. Educators, 
concerned citizens, faith-based and community organizations, and public 
officials all have vital roles in protecting our children and supporting 
families. When children are surrounded by positive relationships and 
experiences, they are more likely to grow into confident and caring 
adults.
    My Administration remains dedicated to protecting our youth from 
child abuse and neglect. The Federal Interagency Workgroup on Child 
Abuse and Neglect, led by the Department of Health and Human Services, 
provides a forum for Federal agencies to share information and make 
policy and program recommendations regarding the prevention, 
intervention, and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Through the 
National Child Abuse Prevention Initiative, my Administration is 
partnering with organizations across our country to promote the well-
being of children and families and to assist efforts to eradicate abuse.
    The Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for 
Children and Families hosts the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse 
and Neglect Information website at www.nccanch.acf.hhs.gov, which offers 
more information on how to prevent, recognize, and report signs of child 
abuse. By working together to provide America's young people the love, 
guidance, and protection they need, we can help protect our youth from 
abuse and give them the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
    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 2006 as National 
Child Abuse Prevention Month. I encourage all citizens to protect our 
children and help build strong communities where individuals, families, 
and children are valued and supported.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth 
day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

[[Page 606]]

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., March 31, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April 
3.