S.Res. 498 – A resolution designating April 2010 as "National Child Abuse Prevention Month".

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5 earlier actions

SenateFloor Latest Action

Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S2712)

April 27, 2010

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

April 22, 2010

SenateIntro Referral

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2595)

April 22, 2010

SenateIntro Referral

Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S2594-2595)

Judiciary Committee

April 22, 2010

SenateCommittee

Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S2712)

Judiciary Committee

April 27, 2010

SenateDischarge

Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2712)

Judiciary Committee

April 27, 2010

SenateFloor

Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S2712)

April 27, 2010

Floor Debate

2 members

What members said about S.Res. 498 on the floor

1 Republican1 Democrat

Sen. Susan M. CollinsR-ME · Apr 22, 2010

Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to submit a resolution recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month. I am honored to be joined by a longtime advocate of children, Senator Dodd,…

Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to submit a resolution recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month. I am honored to be joined by a longtime advocate of children, Senator Dodd, in turning a spotlight on the issue of child abuse and neglect in this country. Senator Dodd and I share a common belief that children should be valued and nurtured by both their families and the larger family of humankind.

The effort to address child abuse transcends ideological and partisan lines. This is not a Democratic or Republican issue--this is an American issue--one that we can't wish away, but that we must face head on and work to eradicate.

Abuse of children occurs in all segments of our society, in rural, suburban, and urban areas and among all racial, ethnic, and income groups. According to the 2008 Child Maltreatment Study compiled by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, during 2008, an estimated 772,000 children were determined to be victims of abuse or neglect, and an estimated 1,740 children died as a result.

My home State of Maine is mourning the death of 15-month old Damien Lynn, who was allegedly murdered by his mother's boyfriend. Autopsy reports show that little Damien had broken bones and ribs, head and abdominal injuries, and a human bite mark on his right arm. It is in Damien's memory, and that of the thousands of children who are abused and neglected each year, that I come to the floor today.

The time has come for Americans to unite in an all-out effort to eradicate child abuse. Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity for communities across the country to keep children safe, provide the support families need to stay together, and raise children and youth to be happy, secure, and stable adults.

To paraphrase Mahatma Gandhi, ``You can judge a society by how they treat their weakest members.'' This resolution is sad commentary that we have to do more to protect those who are in the dawn of life, the most vulnerable among us, our children.

Sen. Sheldon WhitehouseD-RI · Apr 27, 2010

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Judiciary Committee be discharged from further consideration and the Senate now proceed to S. Res. 498. I ask unanimous consent the resolution be agreed to,…

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Agreed to SenateIssued April 27, 2010

III

111th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. RES. 498

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

April 22, 2010

Ms. Collins (for herself and Mr. Dodd) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

April 27, 2010

Committee discharged; considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Designating April 2010 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Whereas, in 2008, approximately 772,000 children were determined to be victims of abuse or neglect;

Whereas, in 2008, an estimated 1,740 children died as a result of abuse or neglect;

Whereas, in 2008, an estimated 80 percent of the children who died due to abuse or neglect were under the age of 4;

Whereas, in 2008, of the children under the age of 4 who died due to abuse or neglect, the majority were under the age of 1;

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;

Whereas a National Institute of Justice study indicated that abused or neglected children—

(1)

are 11 times more likely to be arrested for criminal behavior as juveniles; and

(2)

are 2.7 times more likely to be arrested for violent and criminal behavior as adults;

Whereas an estimated 1/3 of abused or neglected children grow up to abuse or neglect their own children;

Whereas providing community-based services to families impacted by child abuse or neglect may be far less costly than—

(1)

the emotional and physical damage inflicted on children who have been abused or neglected;

(2)

providing to abused or neglected children services, including child protective, law enforcement, court, foster care, or health care services; or

(3)

providing treatment to adults recovering from child abuse; and

Whereas child abuse or neglect has long-term economic and societal costs: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate—

(1)

designates April 2010 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month;

(2)

recognizes and applauds the national and community organizations that work to promote awareness about child abuse or neglect, including by identifying risk factors and developing prevention strategies;

(3)

supports the proclamation issued by President Obama declaring April 2010 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month; and

(4)

should—

(A)

increase public awareness of prevention programs relating to child abuse or neglect; and

(B)

continue to work with the States to reduce the incidence of child abuse or neglect in the United States.