HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-01-2003-5aORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 1, 2003
Action Agen
Item No.
SUBJECT: Child Abuse Prevention Month
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
ATTACHMENT(S):
Proclamation
PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nancy Coston , 968-200 ext 223
Dee Gamble, Social Services Board
Chair
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 1900
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. 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.
Dee Gamble, Chair of the Social Services Board, will be asking the Commissioners 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 approve the proclamation
declaring April 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
Child Abuse Prevention Month
Apri12003
WHEREAS, child abuse is a community problem and finding solutions requires
involvement among people throughout the community; and
WHEREAS, over 1900 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 Apri12003 as "Child Abuse Prevention
Month" and call upon all citizens and organizations to join together to prevent child
abuse.
THIS IS THE 1St DAY OF APRIL, 2003
Margaret Brown, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners