PROCLAMATION OF
THE MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
PROCLAIMING APRIL 2024, AS
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
IN THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
WHEREAS, April 2024 has been proclaimed as CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH by the state and federal government for the purpose of promoting community involvement in preventing child abuse. All children have the right to receive the care, protection, and guidance a family provides; they have the right to be free from harm and to have their physical, emotional, and educational needs met; and,
WHEREAS, just over 31,000 children in San Bernardino County were referred in 2023 to the Children & Family Services for suspected child abuse and neglect; Children’s Assessment Center staff, Children and Family Services Social Workers, Public Health Nurses, law enforcement officers, educators, behavioral health clinicians and others in the field are dedicated, compassionate and skilled individuals working under the enormous pressure to protect children; the prevention of child abuse requires rigorous solutions, energy, strength, determination, and commitment on the part of concerned citizens and the community; and, WHEREAS, protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and promote the social, emotional, and developmental well‐being of children; and, WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships created between the Children’s Network and Children’s Fund in partnership with the Children and Family Services, Department of Public Health, First 5 San Bernardino, Community Action Partnership, County Superintendent of Schools, Sheriff’s Department, Child Care Planning Council, Department of Behavioral Health, Preschool Services Department, County Library, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Children’s Assessment Center, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, and County Fire Department; and,
WHEREAS, the blue ribbon is the international symbol for child abuse prevention; the Children’s Network has planned a Blue Ribbon Media Campaign, Educational Materials Distribution, and the 25th Annual Shine A Light on Child Abuse Prevention Awards Ceremony to increase awareness of child abuse during the month of April.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT, the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, do hereby proclaim April 2024, as CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH in the City of San Bernardino and encourage all citizens to participate in the events offered by San Bernardino County and join in the efforts to end child abuse.
Presented on the 17th day of April 2024