Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2012 / Presidential Documents 20493 

Proclamation 8791 of April 2, 2012 

National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2012 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

As parents, as communities, and as a Nation, the work of raising our children 

stands among our greatest responsibilities and our most profound blessings. 

The support we give and the examples we set form cornerstones for their 

success, and by teaching our children to trust in themselves, we equip 

them with confidence, hope, and determination that can last a lifetime. 

Tragically, neglect and abuse erode this fundamental promise for too many 

young Americans. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we renew 

our commitment to break the cycle of violence, strengthen support for all 

who have been affected, and empower our young people with the best 

we have to offer. 

Over half a million American children suffer neglect or abuse every year. 

A strong and well-informed family unit is the surest defense against child 

abuse, and parents and caregivers who have support—from relatives, friends, 

neighbors, and their communities—are more likely to provide safe and 

healthy homes for their children. Trusted friends and active community 

members can help ensure families get the support they need by offering 

their time and resources, taking an active role in children’s lives, and fostering 

a safe environment for young people to learn and grow. By coming together 

in service to our communities, we do more to meet our obligation to do 

right by the next generation. 

My Administration continues to prioritize the health and well-being of children across our country. With partners at every level of government and 

throughout the private sector, we are supporting services that protect young 

Americans from abuse and neglect and extend help to those who have 

been affected. We are investing in early learning programs and supporting 

initiatives that promote positive outcomes for children and families. And 

we are connecting parents and professionals to new tools to identify, treat, 

and prevent abuse. I encourage all Americans to learn more about what 

they can do at: www.ChildWelfare.gov/Preventing. 

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up with the promise and 

protection of a loving family. This month, we recommit to that vision, 

and to providing care, stability, and a brighter future for our sons and 

daughters. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States 

of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 

and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2012 as National 

Child Abuse Prevention Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this 

month with programs and activities that help prevent child abuse and provide 

for children’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs. 


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20494 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2012 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day 

of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth. 

[FR Doc. 2012–8318 

Filed 4–4–12; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3295–F2–P 


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