Whereas, child abuse and neglect is increasing in Multnomah County; and

Whereas, the pain of abused children need not go unreported and unnoticed; and

Whereas, the City of Portland is dedicated to improving the lives of all its citizens, especially the youngest and most vulnerable; and

Whereas, child abuse and neglect is preventable in a supportive community; and

Whereas, the City of Portland is actively engaged in protecting abused and neglected children and assisting families splintered by stress, poverty, homelessness and other challenges that contribute to abuse and neglect; and

Whereas, the Portland Children’s Investment Fund and other city programs are dedicated to strengthening families through building resiliency and reducing the risk of violence and abuse through therapy, counseling, respite care and education; and

Whereas, the hope is to encourage others to increase their participation in the effort to prevent child abuse to ensure that all children have the opportunity to grow up in a healthy, safe and nurturing environment;

Now, therefore, I, Tom Potter, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2008

National Child Abuse Prevention Month

in Portland and encourage all citizens to observe this month.