Agenda - 03-15-2005-6a - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: March 15, 2005 Action Agenda Item No. ~- Q SUBJECT: Child Abuse Prevention Month DEPARTMENT: Social Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTAGHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Proclamation Nancy Coston, 245-2802 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To request that the Board of Commissioners declare April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Orange County, BACKGROUND: April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Department of Social Services and other community organizations are concerned about the continued high incidence of child abuse and neglect in Orange County, During Fiscal Year 2003-2004, 1,296 children in Orange County were in situations referred to Social Services for suspected abuse, neglect and/or dependency. Over 140 children are in the custody of Social Services due to sericus abuse and neglect issues within their families, The majority of child abuse and neglect issues reported to Social Services involve parenting issues such as inappropriate discipline, supervision or care of children. Substance abuse and family violence are problems many of these families are experiencing. This is an opportunity to increase local awareness of these issues and to highlight the need to find strategies far improving the safety of children in the community. The Commissioners are asked to support this effort and to encourage the community to become more aware of the issues impacting children and families. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None, RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamaticn declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Orange County and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.