B-Y THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA 
 
A PROCLAMATION 
 
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
Children are critical to Georgia's future success, prosperity, and quality of life. While children are our most valuable resource, they are also our most vulnerable. Children have a right to be safe and an opportunity to thrive, learn, and grow in an environment that fosters healthy development; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
Child abuse and neglect can be prevented by supporting and strengthening Georgia's families, thus preventing the far-reaching effects of maltreatment and providing the opportunity for children to develop healthy, trusting family bonds, and consequently, building the foundations of communities; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
Effectively intervening in the lives of children threatened by abuse is a shared responsibility, and Georgia's citizens must come together so that the voices of our children are heard by all. We all must ensure that our communities are extending helping hands to children and families in need ; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
Effective child abuse prevention strategies succeed because of partnerships created among citizens , human service agencies, schools, faith communities, health care providers, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
By providing a safe and nurturing environment for our children free of violence, abuse, and neglect, we can ensure that Georgia's children will grow to their full potential as the next generation of leaders, helping to secure the future of this state and nation; now 
 
THEREFORE : 
 
I, NATHAN DEAL, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim April 2016 as CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH in Georgia and urge families and communities to become involved in protecting Georgia's children. 
 
In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed this 1st day of March in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen . 
 
GOVERNOR 
ATTEST 
~ 
CHIEF OF STAFF