Title
Vote on a request to accept Proclaiming April 2018 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Abstract
Action Requested: Vote on a request to accept Proclaiming April 2018 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Introduction & Background: The Chatham County Board of Commissioners has passed a proclamation sixteen of the past seventeen years declaring April Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Discussion & Analysis: Staff and community partners from many agencies including the Chatham County Public Health Department, Coalition for Family Peace, Family Violence and Rape Crisis Services, Child Care Networks, Chatham County Department of Social Services, and Chatham County Partnership for Children, work together to plan activities to promote awareness of child abuse and neglect during the month of April.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: This relates directly to the Comprehensive Plan goal to “Foster a Healthy Community.” Research has shown the profound impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on a range of long-term health outcomes. Thus, reducing incidence of child abuse not only improves quality of life during childhood, but promotes health throughout the life course.
Budgetary Impact: No local funding requested.
Recommendation: Vote on a request to accept Proclaiming April 2018 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.