For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 29, 2006
National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
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
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