City of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, California
Proclamation
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 2,748 referrals for possible abuse in the Santa Maria Valley in 2022/2023; 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 Protectio n Cen ter and its partners ha ve been committed to educating th e community on child abuse and neglect and are sp onsoring several events throughout the month to heig hten public awareness of abuse in the Northern County of Santa Barbara. These events will pro vide 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 s ocial 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 childre n in a safe , nurturing environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ALICE M. PATINO, Mayor of the City of Santa Maria , do hereby recognize April 2024 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 hereunt o s et my hand and h ave caused the Seal of the City of Santa Maria to be affixed hereto this 2nd day of April 2024.
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Alice M. Patino, Mayor