Agenda Item 2AAGENDA ITEM # 2A
MARCH 25, 2013
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WHEREAS, Florida's future prosperity depends on nurturing the healthy development of more
than four million children currently living, growing and learning within our many diverse communities; and
WHEREAS, every child is entitled to be loved, cared for, secure, and protected from verbal,
sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, exploitation and neglect; and
WHEREAS, child abuse continues to be one of our nation's most serious public health problems.
Studies have shown that the abuse and neglect of children can cause severe, costly and lifelong problems
affecting all of society, including physical and mental health problems, school failure and criminal
behavior; and
WHEREAS, research shows that parents and caregivers who have social networks and know how
to seek help in times of trouble are more resilient and better able to provide safe environments and
nurturing experiences for their children; and
WHEREAS, individuals, businesses, schools, and faith -based and community organizations must
make children a top priority and take action to support the physical, social, emotional and educational
development and competency of all children; and
WHEREAS, during the month of April, Prevent Child Abuse Florida, in collaboration with the
Florida Department of Children and Families, will be engaging communities throughout the state in a
coordinated effort to prevent child abuse and neglect by promoting the awareness of healthy child
development, positive parenting practices and the types of concrete support families need within their
communities.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Bomo, Mayor of the City of Atlantic Beach, Florida, do hereby
proclaim the month of April 2013, as
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
and urge all citizens of the City of Atlantic Beach to work together to help reduce child abuse and neglect
and make every effort to promote programs that benefit children and their families.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have
set my hand and caused the Official Seal
of the City of Atlantic Beach to
be affixed this 25"' day of March, 2013.
Mike Borno, MAYOR