National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2003

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Part VI

The President

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Proclamation 7656--National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2003

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7656 of March 26, 2003

National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation has an important responsibility to create a
caring environment in which our children can flourish
and reach their full potential. As we observe the 20th
anniversary of National Child Abuse Prevention Month,
we recognize the significant progress we have made to
increase the safety and security of our children. We
also renew our commitment to protecting our most
vulnerable citizens from harm. Child abuse and neglect
are national tragedies, and we must work together to
eradicate them.

Every day, thousands of children are mistreated by
their parents, guardians, relatives, or caregivers. On
average, three children a day die as a result of abuse
and neglect, and countless others remain silent, their
pain unnoticed and unreported. These children face
challenges that no child deserves, and young people who
have experienced abuse may grow into adults who are
self-destructive and damaging to our communities. To
help these children become healthy and happy adults,
parents and caregivers must provide them with love,
security, emotional support, and a strong connection to
their extended families and communities.

To help ensure the safety and well-being of our
children, my Administration is committed to supporting
and strengthening families. In the last year, we have
worked with faith-based and community organizations to
promote healthy marriages, responsible fatherhood, and
partnerships that seek to prevent child abuse and
neglect. We also worked with the Congress to
reauthorize the Promoting Safe and Stable Families
program. This year, we are asking the Congress to fully
fund this program at $505 million, an increase of more
than 65 percent. In addition, we are working with the
Congress to reauthorize the Child Abuse Prevention and
Treatment Act. This important legislation will provide
funding to States for child abuse prevention activities
and other vital programs.

Every child is a blessing. Through the cooperation of
Federal, State, and local governments, faith-based and
community organizations, schools, law enforcement, and
health and human service agencies, we can develop and
enhance successful prevention strategies that protect
our young people. In addition, we must continue to
recognize the spirit of compassion in individuals and
community groups across our Nation that offer care,
guidance, and support for young people, parents, and
caregivers. By working together, we can put hope in our
children's hearts and ensure healthy and safe lives for
all our children.

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 2003 as National Child
Abuse Prevention Month. I encourage all Americans to
join together to support strong families, protect our
children from abuse, neglect, and maltreatment, and
make our Nation a more promising place for all.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-sixth day of March, in the year of our Lord two
thousand three, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)B