Whereas, In 2001, 12.4 out of every 1,000 children under the age of 17 in the United States were reported as victims of abuse or neglect; and,

Whereas, The reported maltreatment is only a portion of the overall problem threatening our children, for so many cases go unreported; and,

Whereas, Abuse and neglect is suffered by our children regardless of age, race or gender in our country; and,

Whereas, Child abuse is a community problem and finding solutions can only derive from the involvement of the people in the community; and,

Whereas, The devastating consequences of physical and emotional abuse of our children affects the community as a whole and needs to be attended to by the community as a whole; and,

Whereas, The state of Michigan has mandatory reporting by professionals working with children of any suspected abuse and neglect incidences; and,

Whereas, Technology has brought with it a new and dangerous form of child endangerment, the online predator, and parents must be conscientious and monitor their child's computer use; and,

Whereas, Effective abuse and neglect prevention programs succeed because of the involvement and partnerships created among schools, social service agencies, religious and civic organizations, the business community and law enforcement agencies; and,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2005, as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Michigan, and I urge all citizens to join me in dedicating their energies to cherishing Michigan's children and helping them grow and develop free from physical, emotional, and sexual harm.