Senate Concurrent Resolution
No. 22
CHAPTER 65
Relative to child abuse.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
June 11, 2001.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SCR 22, Battin.
Child abuse and neglect.
This measure would acknowledge the month of April, 2001, as Child Abuse Prevention Month and encourage members of the public to support child abuse prevention activities in their communities and schools.
Digest Key
WHEREAS, Child abuse and neglect continue to pose a serious threat to our nation’s children; and
WHEREAS, In 1996, more than 3,000,000 children were reported to child protective agencies in the United States as having suffered abuse and neglect; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that for every three dollars spent on child abuse and neglect, at least six dollars are saved that might be spent on child welfare services, special education services, medical care, foster care, counseling, and the housing of juvenile offenders; and
WHEREAS, Child abuse and neglect is a community problem and finding solutions depends on the involvement of people throughout the community; and
WHEREAS, The first organized statewide Blue Ribbon Campaign was originated in Norfolk, Virginia by the grandmother of Bubba Dickinson, a child who was murdered by his mother’s abusive boyfriend; and
WHEREAS, In recent years, the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, the California chapter and other local affiliates, United States military bases, and other groups have organized Blue Ribbon Campaigns to increase public awareness of child abuse and to promote ways to prevent child abuse; and
WHEREAS, The National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, in all its forms, has proclaimed April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month; and
WHEREAS, Blue ribbons are displayed to increase awareness of child abuse and as a strategy for Child Abuse Prevention Month; and
WHEREAS, This year’s campaign is entitled “Parents Nurture, Kids Blossom” which recognizes that the nurturing of our children is an essential element to the well-being of society and that April is a fitting month to recognize this growth and nurturing; and
WHEREAS, The flexibility of this program offers numerous opportunities to be innovative and to create partnerships within business, professional, and community organizations; and
WHEREAS, The Senate and the Assembly encourage the community to work together for youth-serving prevention programs; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature does hereby acknowledge the month of April 2001, as Child Abuse Prevention Month and encourage the people of the State of California to support child abuse prevention activities in their communities and schools during that month and throughout the year; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.