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 “Honor Our Children” and is designed to solicit the involvement of the whole community by encouraging the formation of partnerships to build a support network for families and children, in every community; 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 Assembly encourages the community to work together for youth-serving prevention programs; now, therefore, be it