Whereas, During periods of economic downturns, families are much more vulnerable and the incidence of abuse increases, across all segments of our society with risk factors greater in families where the parent; abuses alcohol or drugs, is isolated from their families or communities, has difficulty controlling anger or stress, appears uninterested in the care, nourishment or safety of their children, and/or seems to be having serious economic, housing or personal problems; and,
Whereas, Both state and nationally, child abuse is considered to be one of our nations most serious public health problems with scientific studies documenting the link between the abuse and neglect of children and a wide range of medical, emotional, psychological and behavioral disorders such as depression, alcoholism, drug abuse, severe obesity, juvenile delinquency and the need for special education services; and,
Whereas, Conservative estimates of the monetary costs of child abuse and neglect, both direct and indirect, cost our nation's taxpayers more than $258 M dollars per day with annual amounts over $1400 per American family for the consequences of abuse versus only $1.06 spent on prevention; and,
Whereas, Warning signs that a child might be abused or neglected include; nervousness around adults, aggression toward children or adults, inability to stay awake or concentrate for long periods, sudden dramatic changes in personality or activities, acting out sexually or showing interest in sex that is not age appropriate, frequent or unexplained bruises or injuries, low self-esteem; and poor hygiene; and,
Whereas, Child abuse prevention is an acknowledged community responsibility; and,
Whereas, This month, and each thereafter, we ask you to help "Turn the Light on Prevention" in communities throughout this state by supporting the Child Abuse Prevention Blue Ribbon/Blue Sunday campaign by 1) turning your porch lights on the first Sunday evening in April, symbolizing your commitment to raise awareness and prevent child abuse, 2) support your local Child Abuse Prevention Month activities, 3) wear and display blue ribbons in your community which symbolize child abuse prevention, 4) the faith community commit to discussing this issue the 4th Sunday in April and finally, 5) each of us personally embrace the 5 R's of Keeping Children Safe and pledge to: Raise the issue, Reach Out to kids and parents in your community, Remember the risk factors, Recognize the warning signs, and Report suspected abuse or neglect; and,
Whereas, We hold sacred the trust of our nation's most valuable resource, our children; and,
Resolved, That I, Jennifer Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the month of April, 2004 as Child Abuse Prevention 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.
