Title
Proclamation Declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month
Body
Summary and Background Information:
The proclamation recognizes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and our partner Ralston House, a child advocacy center that served 1,128 children in 2016. Nationally, one in seven girls and one in 25 boys will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. Ralston House Child Advocacy Center is a nationally-accredited nonprofit agency that helps children and teens who are suspected of being sexually or physically abused. They work with police departments, social services and district attorneys to provide forensic interviews, forensic sexual assault medical exams and support services. Comprehensive services at child-friendly Ralston House help child victims and their families begin the healing process after traumatic experiences.
CASA is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization that trains and supervises community volunteers to represent the best interests of our most vulnerable citizens - child victims of physical, sexual or emotional abuse and neglect. In 2016, CASA served more than 500 children in need with a volunteer advocate and the local vision is to serve every child in need, which this year is estimated at more than 1,000 children. CASA is fully staffed and ready to recruit, train and supervise the advocates needed to accomplish that great work, thanks to growing awareness and support from the community. The desired result is that children are placed into safe, loving homes where they can thrive.
Representatives from Ralston House and CASA will be in attendance to accept the proclamation.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Michelle Halstead
Staff Member Presenting: City Attorney Robert Sheesley
Financial Impact: n/a
Funding Source: n/a
Staff Recommendation: Approve proclamation as presented
Suggested Motion: I move to approve proclamation 17-02, declaring April 2017 as Child Abuse Prevention Month