[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 13 (Monday, April 2, 2007)]
[Page 377]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8117--National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2007

 March 27, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    All Americans share a responsibility to protect our Nation's 
children. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we renew our 
commitment to prevent child abuse and neglect and to work to enable our 
children to realize their full potential.
    Childhood is a formative time, and abuse can have devastating long-
term effects on young lives. In order to provide a safe environment for 
our young people, parents must work to protect their children from the 
dangers that threaten them. Family members, educators, public officials, 
and faith-based and community organizations all play important roles in 
helping to ensure that children are safe and can grow surrounded by love 
and stability.
    My Administration is committed to supporting children and promoting 
safe and stable families across America. Last year, I signed into law 
the Child and Family Services Improvement Act of 2006, which will help 
to prevent and address child abuse and neglect by improving child 
welfare services and continuing vital mentoring and family programs. 
Additionally, the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood program 
and the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 help 
officials at all levels of government protect our children and bring 
sexual and online predators, Internet pornographers who prey on our 
children, and other violent criminals to justice with stronger laws and 
improved coordination among authorities.
    As we observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we underscore 
our commitment to building an America where all children can thrive, 
develop character, and learn to be responsible citizens in an 
environment of security and love. By honoring our obligation to support 
and protect our young people, all Americans have an opportunity to make 
a positive difference in the life of a child and build a brighter future 
for our country. For more information about how each of us can help stop 
child abuse, please visit childwelfare.gov.
     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 2007 as National 
Child Abuse Prevention Month. I encourage all citizens to help protect 
our children and work to create strong, healthy communities.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh 
day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:45 a.m., March 29, 
2007]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March 
30.