To: Dale K. Weighill, Governmental Operations Committee Chairperson
From: Prosecutor David Leyton
title
RE: 2025 Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month Proclamation
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Adopt a resolution proclaiming April as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month
BACKGROUND:
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and it recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Public awareness and acknowledgment of the issue is the first step in prevention and we are asking the County Board to proclaim April as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in Genesee County.
DISCUSSION:
Communities, organizations, government entities and individuals all across America recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and Genesee County has recognized it as well over the years. As in past years, but for the first time since Covid, the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office is teaming up with Voices for Children to recognize this month and bring public awareness and support to the issue with a ceremony on April 4th in front of the Courthouse.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
None
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
None
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None other than an outdoor ceremony at the Courthouse.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
This proclamation advances the County’s priority of promoting safe communities and doing so in a prompt, efficient and competent manner at no cost to the County, thereby having no negative affect on the County’s financial stability.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
WHEREAS, April is nationally recognized as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse and neglect and emphasizing the need for community involvement in protecting children; and
WHEREAS, the State of Michigan and Genesee County acknowledge that child abuse and neglect are serious public health and safety concerns requiring a united community effort to prevent; and
WHEREAS, abused or neglected children have a higher risk in adulthood for developing health problems, including alcoholism, depression, drug abuse, eating disorders, obesity, suicide, and certain chronic diseases; and
WHEREAS, a National Institute of Justice study indicated that abused or neglected children are 11 times more likely to be arrested for criminal behavior as juveniles and 2.7 times more likely to be arrested for violent and criminal behavior as adults; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 1/3 of abused or neglected children grow up to abuse or neglect their own children;
WHEREAS, preventing child abuse and neglect necessitates a coordinated effort from all sectors of our community, including public officials, family members, educators, businesses, faith-based organizations, and social service agencies; and
WHEREAS, raising awareness and promoting education on positive parenting, trauma-informed care, and early intervention programs are essential to breaking the cycle of abuse and ensuring safe, healthy childhoods for all children in Genesee County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan hereby declares April 2025 as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in Genesee County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Board of Commissioners supports all local initiatives that raise awareness, educate families, and provide resources to prevent child abuse and neglect.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Board of Commissioners encourages all residents to recognize their role in preventing child abuse and neglect and to work together in creating a safer, healthier future for every child in our community.