National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2010

Proclamation 8490 of April 1, 2010

National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our children are our most valuable resource, and they
need our support to thrive and grow into healthy,
productive adults. During National Child Abuse
Prevention Month, we renew our unwavering commitment to
protecting children and responding to child abuse,
promoting healthy families, and building a brighter
future for all Americans.

Every child deserves a nurturing family and a safe
environment, free from fear, abuse, and neglect.
Tragically, sexual, emotional, and physical abuse
threaten too many children every day in communities
across our Nation. Parents, guardians, relatives, and
neighbors all share a responsibility to prevent these
devastating crimes, and our government plays a critical
role as well.

My Administration is committed to helping future
generations succeed. We are focused on engaging parents
in their children's early learning and development,
ensuring the safety and well-being of all families, and
creating opportunities for all Americans. We are also
partnering with Federal, State, and local agencies to
better coordinate early childhood services and improve
the lives of young children and their families.

Together, we can ensure that every child grows up in a
safe, stable, and nurturing environment, free from
abuse and neglect. I encourage all Americans to visit:
www.ChildWelfare.gov/Preventing to learn what they can
do to stop child abuse in their communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 2010 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
first day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.