National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2002

Proclamation 7537 of April 1, 2002

National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 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.

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.

(Presidential Sig.)B