Board Matter
April 8, 2014

Recognizing April as Child Abuse Awareness Month

Madame Chairman:

April is a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse. In a 2012 Child Maltreatment report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it was stated that in FY 2012, in the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, an estimated 678,810 children were victims of child abuse; and 1,640 children died as a result of abuse or neglect. In Fairfax County alone, the Child Protection Service Hotline received 18,376 calls in FY 2013. 

The majority of child abuse cases stem from situations and conditions that are preventable when community programs and systems are engaged and supportive. A community that cares about early childhood development, parental support, and maternal mental health, is more likely to foster nurturing families and healthy children. And Fairfax County is that type of a community.

Without objection, I ask that we declare April Child Abuse Awareness Month in Fairfax County. I would further ask that we recognize the dedication and work of two great organizations, Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), by drafting a proclamation that I can present to each of them at an event later this month.