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