WHEREAS, In 2004, the State Department of Social Services estimated that 378,301 cases of abuse and neglect involving approximately 713,391 children were referred for investigation; and

WHEREAS, According to an audit conducted in 2002 by the State Department of Health Services, 140 children died in the state as a result of abuse and neglect; and

WHEREAS, Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions, and at all levels of education; and

WHEREAS, Innumerable scientific studies have documented the link between the abuse and neglect of children and a wide range of medical, emotional, psychological, and behavioral disorders; and

WHEREAS, Children should be taught to understand dangerous and potentially dangerous circumstances, and be given the knowledge and confidence needed to best handle or resist them; and

WHEREAS, To combat child abuse in California and the nation, we should empower our children with the tools they need to stay safe; and

WHEREAS, The rationale for child abuse prevention programs is clear, and studies all across the nation illustrate the effectiveness of preventive programs; and

WHEREAS, In addition to having a potential for prevention, child abuse prevention programs create environments in which children can more easily disclose prior or ongoing maltreatment, and they offer an immediate opportunity for present victims to reach out for help, thereby preventing continued abuse; and

WHEREAS, The State Board of Education is scheduled to adopt content standards in health education in 2009; and

WHEREAS, From the content standards, an updated framework will be developed, and in 2012, the State Board of Education will adopt instructional materials for use by districts; and

WHEREAS, We must take a proactive approach to protecting our most vulnerable segment of society; now, therefore, be it