S.Res. 498 – Reading Mode

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.