HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-16-2004-5aORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 16, 2004
Action Agen a
Item No.
SUBJECT: Child Abuse Prevention Month
DEPARTMENT: Social Services PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
Proclamation
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nancy Coston, 968-2000, ext 223
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 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 2001-2002, over 1365
children in Orange County were in situations referred to Social Services for suspected abuse
and neglect. Over 115 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. Orange County Social
Services has recently received excellent feedback for its child protective services program.
These activities, however, occur after there is an incident or allegation of actual abuse and
neglect. Child abuse prevention month provides an opportunity for the community to focus on
ways to prevent the occurrence of such incidents. Local organizations are sponsoring various
activities this month 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.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board adopt the proclamation
declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Orange County.
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Child Abuse Prevention Month
April 2004
WHEREAS, child abuse is a community problem and finding solutions requires
involvement among people throughout the community; and
WHEREAS, over 1300 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
who live here; 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 2004 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" and call
upon all citizens and organizations to join together to prevent child abuse.
THIS IS THE 16th DAY OF MARCH 2004.
Barry .Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners