National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2014

Proclamation 9094 of March 31, 2014

National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In the United States of America, every child should
have every chance in life, every chance at happiness,
and every chance at success. Yet tragically, hundreds
of thousands of young Americans shoulder the burden of
abuse or neglect. As a Nation, we must do better.
During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we
strengthen our resolve to give every young person the
security, opportunity, and bright future they deserve.

We all have a role to play in preventing child abuse
and neglect and in helping young victims recover. From
parents and guardians to educators and community
leaders, each of us can help carve out safe places for
young people to build their confidence and pursue their
dreams. I also encourage Americans to be aware of
warning signs of child abuse and neglect, including
sudden changes in behavior or school performance,
untreated physical or medical issues, lack of adult
supervision, and constant alertness, as though
preparing for something bad to happen. To learn more
about how you can prevent child abuse, visit
www.ChildWelfare.gov/Preventing.

Raising a healthy next generation is both a moral
obligation and a national imperative. That is why my
Administration is building awareness, strengthening
responses to child abuse, and translating science and
research--what we know works for kids and families--
into practice. I also signed legislation to create the
Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect
Fatalities, and we are providing additional resources
and training to State and local governments and
supporting extensive research into the causes and long-
term consequences of abuse and neglect.

Our Nation thrives when we recognize that we all have a
stake in each other. This month and throughout the
year, let us come together--as families, communities,
and Americans--to ensure every child can pursue their
dreams in a safe and loving home.

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 2014 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
thirty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.