Governor Baldacci Proclaims Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month

Governor John E. Baldacci has proclaimed the month of April 2007 as "Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month" throughout the State of Maine. The Governor issued the proclamation during a rally at the State House, which served as the culmination of the State Trooper Blue Ribbon Relay.

"As everyone here knows, child abuse is a public health problem, and must be treated as one," Governor Baldacci said. "As with other serious public health issues, we know that we can gain ground if we are able to increase the focus on prevention."

A half dozen State Troopers arrived at the Hall of Flags delivering to Governor Baldacci the final piece of the "Prevent Child Abuse Blue Ribbon Puzzle." Governor Baldacci put the final piece in place before speaking at the rally.

The Fourth Annual "Blue Ribbon Relay" is designed to highlight awareness of child abuse and neglect prevention activities in Maine. Troopers from all regions collected puzzle pieces to carry to the State House and put together to form a blue ribbon.

In addition to Governor Baldacci, other speakers at the rally included Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Brenda Harvey; Public Safety Commissioner Anne Jordan, and Betsy Norcross-Plourde of the Maine Association of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Councils. More than 20 advocates of child abuse and neglect prevention awareness were also on hand to lend their support.

The text of the proclamation follows:

WHEREAS, child abuse is a community problem and finding solutions depends on the environment of people throughout the community; and

WHEREAS, the effects of child abuse are felt by whole communities, and need to be addressed by the entire community; and

WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships created among social service agencies, schools, religious organizations, businesses and law enforcement agencies; and

WHEREAS, youth-serving prevention programs offer positive alternatives for young people and encourage youth to develop strong ties to their community; and

WHEREAS, all citizens should become more aware of child abuse and its prevention, and become involved in supporting parents to raise their children in a safe, nurturing environment,

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN E. BALDACCI, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim April, 2007 as

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT PREVENTION MONTH

throughout the State of Maine, and urge all citizens to recognize this month by dedicating ourselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children.

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