SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 612
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased
to recognize the Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas, 
Incorporated, on the occasion of Child Abuse Prevention Month, 
which has been designated as April of 2003; and
	WHEREAS, The mission of the Child Advocacy Centers
of Texas is to restore the lives of abused children; its staff 
members work with law enforcement, prosecutors, medical 
personnel, and volunteers in the best interest of the child 
victim; and
	WHEREAS, Child abuse affects all citizens of Texas; 
according to recent statistics, it is the leading cause of death 
in children under age one; the annual direct costs of dealing 
with child abuse through hospitalization, chronic health 
problems, mental health care, child welfare, law enforcement, 
and the judicial system are more than $24 billion nationally; and
	WHEREAS, Abused and neglected children are 53 percent more 
likely to be arrested for juvenile crime; abused children are 
more likely to be arrested as adults, and violent offenders who 
commit crimes against children are more likely to have been 
physically or sexually abused as children; and
	WHEREAS, Through its 53 local centers, the Children's 
Advocacy Centers provide vital services to children and families 
in more than 120 counties in the state; last year, 25,000 child 
victims received services from the centers, and 18,000 children 
received mental health counseling services; and

	WHEREAS, The state association of the Children's Advocacy 
Centers provides specialized training and technical assistance 
for center personnel across the state; and
	WHEREAS, The many volunteers, contributors, and 
well-trained staff of the Children's Advocacy Centers enable
the organization to continue its work to reduce the harmful 
effects and to stop the cycle of child abuse; now, therefore,
be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby commend the Children's Advocacy
Centers of Texas, Incorporated, for its invaluable work on behalf 
of the children of our state and encourage the public to observe 
April of 2003 as Child Abuse Prevention Month; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas as an expression of high 
regard from the Texas Senate.
                                                                         Lindsay




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 16, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate