National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2006

Proclamation 7993 of March 29, 2006

National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

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.

(Presidential Sig.)B