SR41, As Adopted by Senate, March 30, 2017

            Senators Emmons, Proos, Pavlov, Booher, Knezek, Green, Colbeck, Rocca, Robertson, Stamas, Schuitmaker, Nofs, Casperson, Hildenbrand, Meekhof, Kowall, Brandenburg, Schmidt, Hune, Shirkey, Marleau, Jones, Horn, Zorn, O'Brien, MacGregor, Conyers, Young, Johnson, Bieda, Warren, Hopgood, Ananich, Knollenberg, Hansen, Gregory and Hertel offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 41.     

            A resolution to recognize April 2017 as Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month.

            Whereas, On April 27, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., the Michigan Childrens Trust Fund will host the ninth annual Michigans Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day rally on the steps of the states Capital; and

            Whereas, All children deserve to grow up in a caring, loving, and nurturing environment, yet children across Michigan and the nation are the victims of neglect or abuse; and

            Whereas, Child abuse and maltreatment may constitute neglect, physical, sexual, or psychological abuse; and

            Whereas, The deleterious effects of child abuse represent a clear threat to public health and are at a higher risk to develop health and behavioral problems; and

            Whereas, The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Childrens Trust Fund, public health departments, and non-governmental organizations across Michigan are committed to programs and services that assure physical, emotional, and social needs of children are being met and collectively work to prevent and eliminate neglect and abuse; and

            Whereas, It is a responsibility of the state to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Continued investment in social support and outreach programs is associated with reducing the prevalence of child abuse; and

            Whereas, If child abuse or neglect is suspected, contact local law enforcement or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at 855-444-3911; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we join together in recognizing April 2017 as Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month, in that the action of one single caring individual can make a difference in helping to prevent and stop child abuse.