[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7537]

Proc. 7537

Proclamation 7537 of April 1, 2002

National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

          Every child deserves to be cared for by parents who provide 
          love, protection, and nurturing. Safe and healthy childhoods 
          help produce confident and successful adults. When parents are 
          unable to meet their responsibilities, the consequences are 
          tragic for their children and for society. Nationwide, reports 
          show that more than 879,000 children are victims of child 
          abuse and neglect and approximately 1,200 children die from 
          maltreatment, many at the hands of those who are supposed to 
          protect them.
          Children who are abused and neglected often carry the effects 
          of their experiences into adulthood. They are much more likely 
          to experience problems with substance abuse, depression, 
          learning disabilities, and to engage in criminal activities 
          and violence against others, including abuse of their own 
          children. The societal effects of child abuse include the need 
          for increased child welfare services, special education 
          resources, physical and emotional health care services, and 
          juvenile justice facilities.

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          My Administration is committed to promoting effective policies 
          that protect children from harm while strengthening and 
          supporting families. Promoting healthy marriages, and teaching 
          responsible fatherhood and motherhood, are key priorities of 
          my Administration. Last year, I worked with the Congress to 
          provide an additional $70 million for the Promoting Safe and 
          Stable Families Program, which is helping States ensure 
          children's safety, permanency, and well-being. This program is 
          designed to strengthen families at risk and prevent abuse and 
          neglect. My 2003 budget includes a substantial increase of 
          $130 million for this essential program.
          The problem of child abuse requires a continuing national 
          commitment, and we must remain vigilant in working to provide 
          safety and security to each young person in our society.
          Government alone cannot prevent child abuse. Child abuse 
          prevention requires partnerships among Federal, State, and 
          local governments, faith-based and community-based 
          organizations, schools, law enforcement, and social service 
          agencies. All of these organizations must work together with 
          parents to protect children and help build healthy families 
          and communities where children can reach their potential.
          Every April, communities across the country join to raise 
          public awareness about child abuse, to provide information 
          about how to prevent it, and to assist families in need of 
          support, recovery, and encouragement. During National Child 
          Abuse Prevention Month, and throughout the year, I encourage 
          all Americans to find ways to cherish our children, and 
          strengthen our families.
          NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 2002 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. 
          I call upon all Americans to observe this month by supporting 
          the hard work of those who ensure our children's safety, and 
          by playing an active role in creating a safer, healthier 
          environment for our children's growth.
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day 
          of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
          Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
          and twenty-sixth.

GEORGE W. BUSH