Presidential Documents

18301 

Federal Register 

Vol. 80, No. 64 

Friday, April 3, 2015 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 9245 of March 31, 2015 

National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2015 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

Every child is born into a world filled with limitless possibilities, and 

as a Nation, we must ensure all our young people have the support they 

need to realize their enormous potential. Regardless of who they are or 

the circumstances of their birth, each child deserves to be cared for, cherished, and kept safe from harm. Tragically, abuse and neglect erode this 

promise for hundreds of thousands of America’s daughters and sons each 

year. This is an injustice. It is contrary to the values of good caretaking 

and the principles of our Nation, and it must not be tolerated. This month, 

we celebrate the love and courage it takes to raise a child; we reaffirm 

the fundamental human rights of all children to live free from violence 

and abuse; and we rededicate ourselves to ending the cycle of harm too 

many girls and boys face. 

A strong, stable family is the best foundation for a promising childhood, 

and when parents and caregivers have support—from loved ones, friends, 

and their community—they are more likely to provide safe and healthy 

environments for children. It is important for all people to recognize the 

signs of child neglect and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, including 

sudden changes in behavior or school performance and untreated physical 

or medical issues. Reporting any concerns could protect a child and connect 

a family with the help they need. To learn more about how to prevent 

and report child abuse, visit www.ChildWelfare.gov/Preventing. 

My Administration is committed to strengthening our Nation’s families and 

doing everything we can to make it easier for mothers and fathers to care 

and provide for their children. We are also investing in evidence-based 

State and local programs that promote positive parenting and caregiving 

to help prevent child abuse and neglect. These efforts can help decrease 

the number of children entering the foster care system and provide better 

outcomes for those in it. We will continue to work with the faith community 

and the private sector to bolster all those who support our Nation’s young 

people, and I encourage leaders across all levels of government to invest 

in services for victims and provide the resources and protections our kids 

need. 

The work of raising our children is the most important job in our country, 

and it is also the most challenging. At times, it can be difficult to live 

up to the enormous responsibilities that come with being a parent, especially 

when families face hardship. But parenthood does not demand perfection. 

If we do our best for our children—to nurture their healthy development, 

seek assistance when needed, and meet our obligations to them—we can 

demonstrate to our daughters and sons that they are always our first priority. 

As a Nation and as individuals, our attitudes toward our children set a 

powerful example that shapes their character and influences the kind of 

people they will become. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 

we renew our commitment to protect the safety and well-being of every 

child, and we resolve to continue the hard work of raising a generation 

that can dream bigger and reach higher than ever before. 


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18302 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 64 / Friday, April 3, 2015 / Presidential Documents 

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 2015 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. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day 

of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. 

[FR Doc. 2015–07876 

Filed 4–2–15; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3295–F5 


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