National Child Abuse Prevention Month - Obama

For more information please contact Joanie Bayhack at 847/383-6260 or Dan Friedlander at 847/855-6444

Proclamation by United States President Barack Obama and statement by Terri Zenner Greenberg, executive director of CASA Lake County (Court Appointed Special Advocates) on April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Proclamation by President Barack Obama, President of the United States:

America is a country where all of us should be able to pursue our own measure of happiness and live free from fear. But for the millions of children who have experienced abuse or neglect, it is a promise that goes tragically unfulfilled. National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to make their struggle our own and reaffirm a simple truth: that no matter the challenges we face, caring for our children must always be our first task.

Realizing that truth in our society means ensuring children know they are never alone -- that they always have a place to go and there are always people on their side. Parents and caregivers play an essential part in giving their children that stability. But we also know that keeping our children safe is something we can only do together, with the help of friends and neighbors and the broader community. All of us bear a responsibility to look after them, whether by lifting children toward their full potential or lending a hand to a family in need.

Our Government shares in that obligation, which is why my Administration has made addressing child abuse a priority. Since I took office, we have advocated for responsible parenting and invested in programs that can give our sons and daughters a strong start in life. I was also proud to sign measures into law that equip State and local governments with the tools to take on abuse, like the CAPTA Reauthorization Act and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.

Together, we are making important progress in stopping child abuse and neglect. But we cannot let up -- not when children are still growing up looking for a lifeline, and not when more than half a million young people are robbed of their basic right to safety every year. So this month, let us stand up for them and make their voices heard. To learn more about ending child abuse and how to get involved, visit www.ChildWelfare.gov/Preventing.

Now, Therefore, I, Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2013 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month with programs and activities that help prevent child abuse and provide for children's physical, emotional, and developmental needs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

Barack Obama

Statement by CASA Lake County Executive Director Terri Zenner Greenberg:

President Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation making April, National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Like the President, CASA Lake County shares the goal of doing everything in our power to end childhood abuse and neglect.

As the President said, “National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to make their struggle our own and to reaffirm a simple truth: that no matter the challenges we face, caring for our children must always be our first task. “

Please help us protect these innocent children, who through no fault of their own, were born into violent or neglectful homes.

Every April, CASA Lake County reflects on where we have been and where we need to go. Last year we recruited and trained 215 volunteers who stood beside 577 abused children living right here in our neighborhood. Our volunteers fought for the best interests of these children in their foster homes, classrooms, doctors’ and therapists’ offices. There are hundreds of children still waiting for a CASA. With your support, we can reach our goal of providing a well-trained and compassionate advocate for every child who needs and deserves one.

This National Child Abuse Prevention Month, help us turn a child’s life from one of hurt to one of hope.

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(If you want more information about CASA, Vernon Hills, to make a difference as a volunteer advocate in the life of an abused or neglected child, or want to set up a donation or donation program for the non-profit organization contact Joanie Bayhack at 847/383-6260 or jbayhack@casalakecounty.com).

CASA Lake County is a 501c (3) nonprofit organizations that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system.

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CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Lake County is a non-profit organization committed to acquiring, training and supervising volunteer advocates to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the juvenile justice system. Research shows that a child with a CASA volunteer advocate is less likely to experience further abuse; moves more rapidly through the court system; stays an average of 10 months less in foster care; and are more likely to be adopted into a safe and permanent home. For more information, go to www.casalakecounty.com