WHEREAS, in calendar year 2021, there were 4,263 cases of substantiated child maltreatment in Maine; and

WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect is a serious problem affecting every segment of our community, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; and

WHEREAS, our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of Maine; and

WHEREAS, child abuse can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects that have lasting consequences for victims of abuse; and

WHEREAS, protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and promote the social, emotional, and developmental well-being of children; and

WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships created between child welfare professionals, education, health, community-and faith-based organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and families; and

WHEREAS, communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities that create strong and thriving children and families; and

WHEREAS, we acknowledge that we must work together as a community to increase awareness about child abuse and contribute to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment; and

WHEREAS, prevention remains the best defense for our children and families;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the great State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2023 as

Child Abuse Prevention Month

in Maine, and I urge all our citizens to recognize this month by dedicating ourselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this twenty second day of March Two Thousand Twenty-Three