WHEREAS, in Federal Fiscal year 2020, the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services confirmed 68,461 victims of child abuse or neglect, including 137 in Donley, Gray, Hansford, Hemphill, Lipscomb, Ochiltree, Roberts & Wheeler County, and
WHEREAS, child abuse & neglect is a serious problem affecting every segment of our community, & finding solutions requires input & action from everyone in our community, and
WHEREAS, our children are our most valuable resources & will shape the future of Texas , and
WHEREAS, child abuse can have a long-term psychological, emotional, & physical effects that can have lifelong consequences for victims, and
WHEREAS, protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk & promote the social, emotional, & developmental well-being of children, and
WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the meaningful connections & partnerships created between child welfare, education, health, community & faith-based organizations, businesses, and law enforcement agencies, and
WHEREAS, Court Appointed Special Advocates-CASA volunteers-are assigned by the court to speak up for a child’s best interest & help ensure a child’s voice is heard, and
WHEREAS. 11,066 CASA volunteers spoke up for the best interest of 29,229 children in Texas last year. And
WHEREAS, CASA of the High Plains, Child Protective Service, Child Advocacy Centers, foster parents, teachers and others work to ensure that children in our community have a safe, happy future;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Brad Pingel, Mayor of the City of Pampa, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2021 as:
Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month
And urge all citizens of Pampa to work together as a community to increase awareness about child abuse & dedicating ourselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children & families.
IN WITNESS HEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Pampa to be affixed this 29th day of March, 2021. Brad Pingel, Mayor
City of Pampa
ATTEST:
Karen L. Price, City Secretary
