The Liberty Lake City Council on March 21 authorized a mayor's proclamation declaring April 2023 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in the city of Liberty Lake. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the national observance, and the proclamation encourages the city's residents to dedicate themselves toward improving the quality of life for all children and families.
You can see a copy of the mayor's signed proclamation here.
Below is the full text of the city's proclamation for National Child Abuse Prevention Month:
Whereas, April is known around the world as Child Abuse Prevention Month; and
Whereas, child maltreatment is a serious and prevalent public health problem in the United States; and
Whereas, child abuse and neglect are common with at least 1 in 7 children experiencing child abuse or neglect each year; and
Whereas, children who are abused or neglected are at an increased risk for experiencing future violence, victimization and perpetration, substance abuse, delayed brain development, lower educational attainment, and limited employment opportunities; and
Whereas, adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years) which may include experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect, witnessing violence in the home or community, and are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance use problems in adolescence and adulthood; and
Whereas, child abuse and neglect are a serious problem affecting every segment of our larger community, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; and
Whereas, effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships created between child welfare professionals, education, health, community and faith-based organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and families; and
Whereas, communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities that create strong and thriving children and families; and
Whereas, we are part of a greater community that is working to prevent and detect Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs; and
Whereas, our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of the City of Liberty Lake, the State of Washington, and the United States of America; and
Whereas, we acknowledge that we must work together as a community to increase awareness about child abuse and contribute to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Cris Kaminskas, with the support of City Council, do hereby proclaim April 2023 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in the City of Liberty Lake and urge all citizens to recognize this month by dedicating ourselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families.
Dated this 21st day of March, 2023.
Cris Kaminskas, Mayor