S. CON. RES. 14

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Recognizing the social problem of child abuse and neglect, and supporting efforts to enhance public awareness of it.

Whereas more than 3,000,000 American children are reported as suspected victims of child abuse and neglect annually;

Whereas more than 500,000 American children are unable to live safely with their families and are placed in foster homes and institutions;

Whereas it is estimated that more than 1,000 children, 78 percent under the age of 5 and 38 percent under the age of 1, lose their lives as a direct result of abuse and neglect every year in America;

Whereas this tragic social problem results in human and economic costs due to its relationship to crime and delinquency, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and welfare dependency; and

Whereas Childhelp USA has initiated a `Day of Hope' to be observed on the first Wednesday in April, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, to focus public awareness on this social ill: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That--

(1) it is the sense of the Congress that--

(A) all Americans should keep these victimized children in their thoughts and prayers;

(B) all Americans should seek to break this cycle of abuse and neglect and to give these children hope for the future; and

(C) the faith community, nonprofit organizations, and volunteers across America should recommit themselves and mobilize their resources to assist these children; and

(2) the Congress--

(A) supports the goals and ideas of the `Day of Hope'; and

(B) commends Childhelp USA for its efforts on behalf of abused and neglected children everywhere.