Child Abuse Prevention Month
2023 Proclamation
WHEREAS, nationally, in 2020 nearly 3.1 million children were involved with Child Protective Services; and
WHEREAS, in 2022 nearly 53,000 children in the Commonwealth of Virginia and 3,600 children in Fairfax County were reported as possible victims of abuse or neglect, and Fairfax County’s Child Protective Services’ 24-hour hotline received approximately 13,300 calls for protective services and information about prevention and family support services; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Family Services and other county agencies, Fairfax County Public Schools, and community partners work together to offer programs and services to strengthen resilience and protect children from abuse and neglect; and
WHEREAS, child abuse prevention is a community responsibility and finding solutions depends on people becoming involved, asking questions, making critical decisions and offering help; and
WHEREAS, all Fairfax County residents, community agencies, faith groups and businesses are encouraged to renew their commitment to preventing child abuse, supporting families, and promoting safety, family resilience, and child well-being; NOW THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, does hereby proclaim the month of April 2023 as
Child Abuse Prevention Month
in Fairfax County and urges all residents to recognize this month by working together to prevent child abuse and neglect, protect children and strengthen families.
