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 investigated 2,895 cases in the north county. 2015 of those were in the Santa Maria area;
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 Pr otection Center and its partners ha ve been committed to educating th e community on child abuse and neglect and are sponsoring several events throughout the month to heig hten public awareness of abuse in the Northern County of Santa Barbara. These events wi ll 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 a mong 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, I, ALICE M. PATINO, Mayor of the City of Santa Maria , do hereby recognize April 2025 as:
“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 a nd have caused the Seal of the City of Santa Maria to be affixed hereto this 1st day of April 2025.
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Alice M. Patino, Mayor