Agenda - 04-01-2003-5a - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: April 1, 2003 Action Agen Item No. SUBJECT: Child Abuse Prevention Month DEPARTMENT: Social Services ATTACHMENT(S): Proclamation PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy Coston , 968-200 ext 223 Dee Gamble, Social Services Board Chair 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. 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 2001-2002, over 1900 children in Orange County were in situations referred to Social Services for suspected abuse and neglect. Over 100 children are in the custody of Social Services due to serious 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. Local organizations are sponsoring various activities this month to increase education and awareness of these issues and to try to find strategies to improve the safety of children in the community. Dee Gamble, Chair of the Social Services Board, will be asking the Commissioners 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 proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Orange County and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.