S.Res. 433 – Reading Mode

III

112th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. RES. 433

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

April 24 (legislative day, April 23), 2012

Ms. Collins (for herself and Mr. Kerry) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Designating April 2012 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Whereas in 2010, approximately 695,000 children were determined to be victims of abuse or neglect;

Whereas in 2010, more than 1,530 children died as a result of abuse or neglect;

Whereas in 2010, an estimated 79.4 percent of the children who died due to abuse or neglect were under the age of 4;

Whereas in 2010, of the children under the age of 4 who died due to abuse or neglect, 47.7 percent were under the age of 1;

Whereas abused or neglected children have a higher risk for developing health problems in adulthood, 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 one-third 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 other services to abused or neglected children, 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 and neglect have long-term economic and societal costs: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate—

(1)

designates April 2012 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month;

(2)

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

(3)

supports the proclamation issued by President Obama declaring April 2012 to be National Child Abuse Prevention Month; and

(4)

should increase public awareness of prevention programs relating to child abuse and neglect, and continue to work with States to reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect in the United States.