LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
declare April 2010 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, There is no test of society more important than its treatment
of children, its most precious resource; every child merits the respect,
encouragement, and concern of all; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor David A. Paterson to declare April 2010 as Child Abuse
Prevention Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, National Child Abuse Prevention Month is observed every April
to increase awareness, educate, support and encourage the prevention of
child abuse and neglect; it also seeks to remember all the children who
have lost their lives or have been seriously affected by this growing
crisis; and
WHEREAS, The Child Abuse and Treatment Act recognizes four types of
child abuse: physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse and emotional abuse;
in 2007, some 1,760 children under 18 died as a result of maltreatment
and approximately 794,000 were determined to be victims of abuse or
neglect; many cases of abuse are unreported; and
WHEREAS, Child abuse and neglect is a complex and significant problem;
it crosses all cultural, ethnic, economic and social lines in our State
and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Preventing child abuse requires a partnership of government
and local agencies; the goal is to identify and promote early recogni-
tion of abuse or neglect and to develop effective prevention programs;
and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is committed to ensuring the safety and
quality of life of the children of this State and Nation; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to declare April 2010 as Child
Abuse Prevention Month; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.