2012 -- S 2895

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LC02392

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF APRIL, 2012, TO BE "CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION

MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators Lanzi, Paiva Weed, Gallo, P Fogarty, and Tassoni

     Date Introduced: April 25, 2012

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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     WHEREAS, Child abuse and neglect are community-wide conditions and problems, and

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finding solutions depends on the involvement of people in the community; and

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     WHEREAS, Approximately three million children are reported abused and neglected in

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this country each year, with nearly three thousand of these children residing in Rhode Island; and

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     WHEREAS, The effects of child abuse and neglect are felt by whole communities and

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need to be addressed by the entire community; and

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     WHEREAS, Prevent Child Abuse Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Family and Children’s

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Trust Fund at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, and the Family Care Community

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Partnerships are sponsoring several events throughout April to heighten public awareness of

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abuse and neglect in communities around the state. These events will provide information and

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material that support families to prevent child maltreatment and celebrate people who work with

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and support children and families; and

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     WHEREAS, A statewide “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign has been launched

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through the media, public schools, libraries, social services, and businesses during the month of

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April to celebrate and bring awareness of the great potential of all children in Rhode Island and

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the need to strengthen all families with support and nurturing; and

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     WHEREAS, The “Pinwheel for Prevention” campaign includes the planting of “Pinwheel

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Gardens” statewide celebrating community partnerships for strengthening the family and

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protecting all children from abuse and neglect; and

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     WHEREAS, Effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships

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created among social service agencies, schools, religious and civic organizations, law

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enforcement agencies, and the business community; and

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     WHEREAS, All citizens should become more aware of the negative effects of child

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abuse and the benefits of its prevention within the community, and become involved in

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supporting parents to raise their children in a safe, nurturing environment; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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does hereby proclaim April, 2012, as “Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month” in the state of

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Rhode Island and calls upon all citizens, community agencies, religious organizations, medical

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facilities, and businesses to increase their participation in our efforts to prevent child abuse,

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thereby strengthening the communities in which we live; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Prevent Child Abuse Rhode Island

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President, Cheryl Patnaude.

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LC02392

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