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PROCLAMATION <br /> <br /> National Child Abuse Prevention Month <br />April 2026 <br /> <br />WHEREAS, in Federal fiscal year 2024, there were approximately 4.36 million reports of child <br />abuse and neglect in the United States. That year, 532,228 children were confirmed as <br />victims of maltreatment that year. <br />WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect is a serious problem affecting every segment of our <br />community, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; and <br />WHEREAS, our children are our most valuable resource and the foundation of our future, <br />communities must prioritize and promote programs and activities that foster strong, <br />thriving children and families; and <br />WHEREAS, child abuse can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects that <br />have lasting consequences for victims of abuse; and <br />WHEREAS, protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and promote the <br />social, emotional, and developmental well-being of children; and <br />WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships <br />created between child welfare professionals, education, health, community- and faith-based <br />organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and families; and <br />WHEREAS, we acknowledge that we must work together as a community to increase <br />awareness about chiId abuse and contribute to promote the social and emotional well- <br />being of children and families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, prevention remains the best defense for our children and families. <br /> <br />NOW, THEREFORE, the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners proclaim April 2026 as National <br />Child Abuse Prevention Month in Kittitas County and call upon all citizens, community agencies, <br />faith groups, medical facilities, elected leaders and businesses in Kittitas County to participate in <br />the efforts to support families, thereby preventing child abuse and strengthening the communities in <br />which we live. <br /> <br /> Dated this 7th day of April, 2026. <br /> THE KITTITAS COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> <br /> <br /> Cory Wright, Chairman