Whereas, Every 5 minutes a child in Michigan is reported as a victim of child abuse and neglect and over two-thirds of these victims are children age six and under; and,

Whereas, Risk factors for child abuse are greater in families in which a parent abuses alcohol or drugs, is isolated from their families or communities, has difficulty controlling anger or stress, appears uninterested in the care, nourishment of safety of their children, or has serious economic, housing or personal problems; and,

Whereas, Warning signs that a child might be abused or neglected include nervousness around adults, aggression toward children or adults, an inability to stay awake or concentrate for long periods, sudden dramatic change in personality or activities, acting out sexually or showing interest in sex that is not age appropriate, frequent or unexplained bruises or injuries, low self-esteem and poor hygiene; and,

Whereas, Child abuse is considered to be one of our nation's most serious public health problems with scientific studies documenting the link between the abuse and neglect of children and a wide range of medical, emotional, psychological and behavioral disorders such as depression, alcoholism, drug abuse, severe obesity, juvenile delinquency and the need for special education services; and,

Whereas, Prevention strengthens families and protects children from needless suffering and repeating the cycle of abuse as adults; and,

Whereas, The Children's Trust Fund and its partners around the state are supporting prevention programs that Michigan citizens can join with in practical ways through volunteerism, financial contributions and advocacy; and,

Whereas, We hold sacred the trust of our nation's most valuable resource, our children; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2007, as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Michigan, and I encourage all citizens to join me in dedicating their energies to cherishing Michigan's children and helping them grow and develop free from physical, emotional and sexual harm.