| |
| |
|
|
R E S O L U T I O N
|
|
|
WHEREAS, Advocates from across the state are joining together |
|
|
for Child Protection Day at the State Capitol on April 1, 2015, as a |
|
|
show of unity in the fight to end child abuse and neglect; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, In Texas, an average of 182 children are confirmed |
|
|
as victims of abuse or neglect every day, and three children die |
|
|
each week as a result of maltreatment; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Abuse and neglect exact a heavy physical and |
|
|
emotional toll on victims, and the lifetime cost of dealing with |
|
|
these cases is likewise substantial; according to the U.S. Centers |
|
|
for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of $14.1 billion was |
|
|
spent to address the consequences of child abuse and neglect in |
|
|
Texas in 2014, with expenditures accounting for health care, |
|
|
education, and loss of productivity pertaining to both living and |
|
|
deceased victims; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Child abuse prevention programs can be an effective |
|
|
means of improving outcomes for at-risk families and children; as |
|
|
many cases of abuse result from caregivers failing to cope with |
|
|
stress, these programs may involve providing education and |
|
|
assistance to vulnerable families; prevention efforts are also |
|
|
focused on building more supportive communities, strengthening |
|
|
child welfare agencies, and addressing co-occurring issues related |
|
|
to maltreatment; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Every child has the fundamental right to grow up in a |
|
|
loving family, free from fear and harm, and those taking part in |
|
|
Child Protection Day are affirming their commitment to making this |
|
|
ideal a reality for every young Texan; now, therefore, be it |
|
|
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas |
|
|
Legislature hereby recognize Child Protection Day at the State |
|
|
Capitol on April 1, 2015, and commend the organizations and |
|
|
individuals in attendance today for their meaningful contributions |
|
|
to the well-being of children in our state. |