City of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, California
Proclamation
Santa Maria
leg
AlMme ka City
'VIII►
WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect are a community condition and problem and finding solutions depends on involvement among people in the community; and WHEREAS, Child Welfare Services had 1,681 referrals for possible abuse in the Santa Maria Valley in 2022; and
WHEREAS, the effects of child abuse and neglect are felt by communities and need to be addressed by the entire community; and
WHEREAS, North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center and its partners have been committed to educating the community on child abuse and neglect and are sponsoring several events throughout the month to heighten public awareness of abuse in the Northern County of Santa Barbara. These events will provide information and materials that support families to prevent child maltreatment and celebrate people who work with and support children and families; and WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships created among social service agencies, schools' youth organizations, religious organizations, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, the business community, and residents; and WHEREAS, all residents should become more aware of the importance of prevention in the community and become involved in supporting parents to raise their children in a safe, nurturing environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, 1, ALICE M. PATINO, Mayor of the City of Santa Maria, do hereby recognize April 2023 as:
"NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH"
in the City of Santa Maria, and call upon all residents, community agencies, religious organizations, businesses, and medical facilities to increase their participation in the effort to prevent child abuse.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Seal of the City of Santa Maria to be affixed hereto this 4th day of April 2023.
Alice M. Patino, Mayor