RESOLUTION NO. RS2002-985

A resolution proclaiming April 1, 2002 - April 30, 2002, as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

WHEREAS, Child Abuse Prevention Month is a yearly observance to refocus commitment to the prevention of child abuse and neglect in all forms; and

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

WHEREAS, the sad reality of child abuse is that it continues to be one of the most urgent family, health, and social problems in our state today, crossing all social, cultural, and economic barriers; 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; Exchange Club Family Center; Kids on the Block; Metropolitan Department of Social Services; Nashville Child Advocacy Center; OUR KIDS; Oasis Center; Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee; Rape and Sexual Abuse Center; Tennessee Department of Children's Services; and others are expediting efforts to prevent child abuse now and in the future generations through special programs for children at risk, abused children, and parents; 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, CASA is honoring the efforts made by volunteers on behalf of children with the through the Light of Hope vigil on April 11th; 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 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. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as proclaiming April 1, 2002 - April 30, 2002, as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

SECTION 2. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as proclaiming April 11, 2002, as Light of Hope Day.

SECTION 3. The Metropolitan County Council calls upon all citizens, community agencies, religious organizations, medical facilities, and businesses to increase their participation in our efforts to prevent child abuse, thereby strengthening the communities in which we live.

SECTION 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored By: Eileen Beehan, David Briley

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	April 2, 2002
Adopted:	April 2, 2002
Approved:	April 3, 2002
By: