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1994.03.31 : Preventing Child Abuse in America 

Contact:  ACF
Thursday, March 31, 1994                 David Siegel
                                         (202) 401-9215

     "Preventing child abuse in America is something we all must
support," said HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala as she called upon
Americans to participate in activities that draw special attention
to Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in April.

     "The appalling reality is that almost 1 million children are
victims of abuse and neglect each year  --  that is 113 children per
hour, almost two children per minute.  We cannot allow this tragedy
to continue.   We need to use our best resources to protect these
children, especially before they have been maltreated," Secretary
Shalala said.  

     "The Family Preservation and Family Support Services Act
provides us new tools to strengthen families and protect children,"
she said.  "It enhances current efforts by providing a continuum of
preventive care for the most vulnerable families and devotes
resources to protecting children from danger."

     April was first declared "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in
1983.  This year, 35 organizations have joined together to plan and
implement child abuse protection activities.  These organizations
are working with the HHS National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect
and the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse to provide
resource packets to over 6,000 individuals and organizations.  

     These efforts, with additional support from members of the
business community, promote an array of community and 
neighborhood efforts such as poster campaigns, public service
announcements, television programs, school and church programs,
speakers' bureaus, food and clothing drives, library and hospital
programs and family support programs.  

     Such corporations as H&R Block, Inc., Ralston Purina, Inc.,
Gannett, Target Stores, Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream, Ronald McDonald's
Children's Charities and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
provide financial support and in-kind services as do members of the
entertainment and sports communities.  Many of these activities
develop into year-round support networks for families and children
at risk of maltreatment.

     "I applaud the work of these prestigious individuals and
organizations in their efforts to support children and strengthen
their families.  Healthy adults are products of nurturing families
and supportive communities -- communities that care," said Mary Jo
Bane, assistant secretary for children and families.  "If each one
of us gets involved, we can keep our children safe.  We have more
than an opportunity to become involved  --  we have an obligation."
     A list of the 35 organizations is available from the
Administration for Children and Families' Office of Public Affairs,
telephone (202) 401-9215.

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