WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect cost the nation $104 billion in 2007; and

        WHEREAS, the number of substantiated cases of child abuse in Idaho has been increasing annually; and

        WHEREAS, most cases of child abuse are never reported, and children suffer in silence waiting for someone to save them; and

        WHEREAS, prevention of child abuse and neglect is not only possible but imperative for the well-being of Idaho children, adults and society at large; and

        WHEREAS, strengthening families and the communities they live in is key to preventing child abuse and neglect; and

        WHEREAS, in order to take responsibility for the prevention of child abuse, all Idahoans must become more aware of the negative effects of child abuse and learn what roles they can play in supporting parents to raise their children in safe, nurturing environments; and

        WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention programs succeed at the community level because of partnerships created among families, social service agencies, schools, religious and civic organizations, law enforcement agencies and the business community; and

        WHEREAS, several statewide and community-based organizations – including the Idaho Children's Trust Fund/Prevent Child Abuse Idaho, community based Child Abuse Prevention Awareness coalitions, the Exchange Club, and the Independent Order of Foresters – have as their purpose the prevention of child abuse and neglect in our state;

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, C.L. “BUTCH” OTTER, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2008 to be

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

in Idaho and call upon all citizens, community agencies, religious organizations, medical facilities and businesses to increase their participation in efforts to prevent child abuse, thereby strengthening the communities in which we live.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho in Boise, Idaho, on this 19th day of March in the year of our Lord two-thousand and eight and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-second and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred eighteenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE