The Mayors for the City of Pampa and City of Lefors, Lance DeFever and Michael Ray, each signed proclamations for CASA of the High Plans in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
CASA of the High Plains, Inc. provides trained, court-appointed volunteers who serve as the independent voice advocating for the best interest of abused or neglected children. Volunteers strive to secure permanent placement in safe, nurturing environments.
The proclamation is as follows:
Proclamation: Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, April 2022
WHEREAS, in Federal fiscal year 2022, the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services confirmed 67,558 victims of child abuse or neglect, including 163 in Donley, Gray, Hansford, Hemphill, Lipscomb, Roberts, and Wheeler Counties; 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 in our community; and
WHEREAS, our children are our most valuable resourses and will shape the future of Texas; and
WHEREAS, child abuse can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects that can have lifelong consequences for victims; and
WHEREAS, protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and promote the social, emotional, and developmental well-being of children;
WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention activities suceed because of the meaningful connections and partnerships created between child welfare, education, health, community - and faith-based organizations, businesses, and law enforcement agencies; and
WHEREAS, communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities that benefit children and their families;
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, nurturing enviornment;
WHEREAS, prevention remains the best defense for children and families;
WHEREAS, the impact of abuse and neglect has long-term personal, economic and social costs; therefore, hurting Texas’ future;
WHEREAS, Court Appointed Special Advocates ® - CASA volunteers - are assigned by the court to speak up for a child’s best interest and help ensure a child’s voice is heard;
WHEREAS, every child in foster care deserves a CASA volunteer, but roughly less than half the children in care do not have a CASA volunteer;
WHEREAS, 9,590 CASA volunteers spoke up for the best interest of 23, 943 children in Texas last year;
WHEREAS, CASA of the High Plains, Child Protective Services, Child Advocacy Centers, foster parents, teachers and others work to ensure that children in our community have a safe, happy future;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, LANCE DEFEVER/MICHAEL RAY, MAYOR OF PAMPA/MAYOR OF LEFORS, do hereby proclaim April 2023 as NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH in PAMPA/LEFORS and urge all citizens to recognize this month by dedicating ourselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families.
