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ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 2, 2002
Action Agenda
Item No. 5-b
SUBJECT: Child Abuse Prevention Month
DEPARTMENT: Social Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Nancy Coston, Social Services Director
ext 2800
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To request that the Board of Commissioners declare April 2002 as Child Abuse
Prevention Month.
BACKGROUND: April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Department of Social
Services and other community organizations are concerned about the continued high incidence
of child abuse and neglect in Orange County. During Fiscal Year 2000-01, over 1500 children
in Orange County were in situations referred to Social Services for suspected abuse and
neglect. Over 100 children are in the custody of Social Services due to serious abuse and
neglect issues within their families.
The majority of child abuse and neglect issues reported to Social Services involve parenting
issues such as inappropriate discipline, supervision or care of children. Social Services will
participate with other local organizations to increase education and awareness of these issues
and to try to find strategies to improve the safety of children in the community.
The Commissioners are asked to support this effort and to encourage the community to
become more aware of the issues impacting children and families.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
RECOMMEN—DATION(S): The Manager recommenus inat the Board adopt the proclamation
declaring April 2002 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Orange County and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
Child Abuse Prevention Month
April 2002
WHEREAS, child abuse is a community problem and finding solutions requires
involvement among people throughout the community; and,
WHEREAS, over 1500 children in Orange County were referred to Social Services
for suspected child abuse or neglect last year; and,
WHEREAS, the impact of abuse and neglect lasts throughout life; and,
WHEREAS, children who are loved and nurtured grow up to be healthy, creative
and productive community members; and,
WHEREAS,it is the goal of Orange County to improve the quality of life of all
children; and,
WHEREAS,preventing child abuse and breaking the cycle of abuse is the
responsibility of every citizen;
NOW,THEREFORE do we,the Board of County Commissioners of Orange
County,North Carolina,hereby proclaim April 2002 as "Child Abuse Prevention
Month" and call upon all citizens and organizations to join together to prevent child
abuse.
THIS IS THE 2"DAY OF APRIL,2002.
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners