WHEREAS, Child Abuse and Neglect is a complex problem in our diverse society, affecting innocent children and families in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and
WHEREAS, every child is entitled to be loved, cared for, secured, and protected from all types of abuse and neglect. It is the responsibility of our community to protect and promote every child’s Rights; and
WHEREAS, providing care, support and interventions vital to the health and well-being of children and families is crucial to helping prevent Child Abuse and Neglect; and
WHEREAS, Child Abuse and Neglect can be prevented by making every family safe, and is given the support needed to raise their children in a healthy, safe and nurturing environment free of domestic violence, abuse and neglect; and
WHEREAS, Child Abuse and Neglect is a community responsibility affecting both current and future quality of life; our community and our children are the most valuable asset and are vital to the future success and prosperity; and
WHEREAS, everyone in the community should become more aware of Child Abuse Prevention and consider helping parents raise their children in a safe, nurturing environment; and
WHEREAS, our communities in the CNMI should work together in resounding this year’s theme: “It Shouldn’t Hurt to be a Child” and
WHEREAS, effective Child Abuse Prevention programs succeed because of strong partnerships among parent leaders, agencies, schools, religious organizations, law enforcement, and the business community in our Great Commonwealth;
WHEREAS, Child Abuse and Neglect has impacted our community as seen by statistics indicating that for the fiscal year 2021, a total 333 cases were reported; 278 in Saipan, 50 in Tinian and 5 in Rota; involving 577 multiple allegations to include 54-Physical Abuse, 80–Sexual Abuse, 181-Emotional Abuse, 182-Neglect cases, 80-Others (to include suicide, teen pregnancy, support services, domestic violence, and drug use which includes newborn babies that have tested positive for methamphetamine); and
WHEREAS, DCCA-DYS will continue to provide prevention programs and intervention services to highlight and build on family protective factors while also working towards reducing risk factors in its continued efforts to ultimately strengthen families in the CNMI.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RALPH DLG. TORRES, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby proclaim April 2022 as
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT PREVENTATION & AWARENESS MONTH
I call on all citizens in our community to recognize this month by dedicating ourselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families through speaking out against child abuse and neglect. Let us work together to prevent child abuse and neglect and strengthen the communities in which we live.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on this 31st day of March 2022.
/s/
RALPH DLG. TORRES
Governor
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