R 161

2021 -- S 0785 Enacted 04/06/2021

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING APRIL OF 2021, AS "CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND URGING ALL RHODE ISLANDERS TO SUPPORT EFFORTS THAT PROMOTE CHILDREN'S PSYCHOLOGICAL, PHYSICAL, AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Introduced By: Senator Cynthia Armour Coyne

Date Introduced: April 06, 2021

WHEREAS, Our children are our most vulnerable citizens and ensuring their safety is

imperative to the health and future of Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, Child abuse and neglect is a troubling problem impacting every segment of

our community, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; and

WHEREAS, Child abuse includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse as well as

neglect; and

WHEREAS, Child abuse can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical

effects that have lasting consequences for victims of abuse; and

WHEREAS, RI KIDS COUNT reports that in 2019, there were 2,249 indicted

investigations of child abuse and neglect in Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, In 2020, the Crime Victims Compensation Program approved 181 claims

for minor victims, and an additional 44 claims for minors who witnessed acts of domestic

violence; and

WHEREAS, Every child deserves to be loved. Every child deserves to be safe and

supported. Every child deserves the opportunity to excel and thrive; and

WHEREAS, Prevention remains the best defense for our children and families; and

WHEREAS, Communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities

that create strong and thriving children and families; and

WHEREAS, Communities must work to increase awareness about child abuse and

promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families in a safe, stable, and

nurturing environment; and

WHEREAS, April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month that aims to "recognize the

importance of communities working together to help families thrive and prevent child

maltreatment"; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby commemorates April

of 2021 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" and urges all Rhode Islanders to support efforts that

promote children’s psychological, physical, and emotional development; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Honorable Daniel J. McKee, Governor of

the State of Rhode Island, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and

Families, and the Rhode Island Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse.

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LC002635

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