National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2012

Proclamation 8791 of April 2, 2012

National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As parents, as communities, and as a Nation, the work
of raising our children stands among our greatest
responsibilities and our most profound blessings. The
support we give and the examples we set form
cornerstones for their success, and by teaching our
children to trust in themselves, we equip them with
confidence, hope, and determination that can last a
lifetime. Tragically, neglect and abuse erode this
fundamental promise for too many young Americans.
During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we renew
our commitment to break the cycle of violence,
strengthen support for all who have been affected, and
empower our young people with the best we have to
offer.

Over half a million American children suffer neglect or
abuse every year. A strong and well-informed family
unit is the surest defense against child abuse, and
parents and caregivers who have support--from
relatives, friends, neighbors, and their communities--
are more likely to provide safe and healthy homes for
their children. Trusted friends and active community
members can help ensure families get the support they
need by offering their time and resources, taking an
active role in children's lives, and fostering a safe
environment for young people to learn and grow. By
coming together in service to our communities, we do
more to meet our obligation to do right by the next
generation.

My Administration continues to prioritize the health
and well-being of children across our country. With
partners at every level of government and throughout
the private sector, we are supporting services that
protect young Americans from abuse and neglect and
extend help to those who have been affected. We are
investing in early learning programs and supporting
initiatives that promote positive outcomes for children
and families. And we are connecting parents and
professionals to new tools to identify, treat, and
prevent abuse. I encourage all Americans to learn more
about what they can do at: www.ChildWelfare.gov/Preventing Preventing.

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up with
the promise and protection of a loving family. This
month, we recommit to that vision, and to providing
care, stability, and a brighter future for our sons and
daughters.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim April 2012 as
National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I call upon all
Americans to observe this month with programs and
activities that help prevent child abuse and provide
for children's physical, emotional, and developmental
needs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
second day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.