ADOPTED 03/16/1999

RESOLUTION NO. R99-1453

A resolution proclaiming April 1999 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

WHEREAS, child maltreatment can lead to social problems such as drug addiction, family violence, prostitution, and crime; and

WHEREAS, more than 33,000 children are the subject of a report of child abuse and neglect in Tennessee each year; and

WHEREAS, in America, three children die from child abuse every day, and every 13 seconds an American child is reported abused or neglected; and

WHEREAS, the nation, the State of Tennessee, and the Metropolitan Government face a continuing need to support innovative programs providing early intervention services to prevent child abuse and assist parents and families in which abuse occurs; and

WHEREAS, organizations such as CASA; Catholic Charities of Tennessee; Child Abuse Prevention of Tennessee; Crittenton Services; Exchange Club Family Center; Kids on the Block; Metropolitan Department of Social Services; Nashville Child Advocacy Center; OUR KIDS; Oasis Center; PANDA; Rape and Sexual Abuse Center; Tennessee Department of Children’s Services; and others are expediting efforts to prevent child abuse now and in future generations through special programs for children at risk, abused children, and parents; and

WHEREAS, the above organizations will sponsor a walk on Saturday, April 10, 1999, to promote "IT SHOULDN’T HURT TO BE A KID - CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH"; and

WHEREAS, Metropolitan Government’s most valuable resource is its children who deserve every possible opportunity to grow and develop to their fullest potential; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that Metropolitan Government and its residents focus their attention on problems of child abuse, and participate in the Blue Ribbon Campaign by making a donation either by volunteer work during the year, and by wearing the Blue Ribbon every day during April to support the fight for the protection of all children.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

SECTION 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby declares, within the area of Metropolitan Government, the month of April 1999 as "CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH", and encourages all residents to share the responsibility of helping all children to have meaningful life experiences free from physical, mental, and sexual abuse.

SECTION 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.