(NASHVILLE) — Monday evening, House members passed a joint resolution carried by House Republican Caucus Chairman Ryan Williams (R-Cookeville) that designates this April as “Child Abuse Prevention Month” in Tennessee.
House Joint Resolution 32 raises awareness of child abuse and neglect issues throughout the state. It also establishes prevention and support for children and parents in order to stop the cycle of abuse that destroys the lives of all affected.
“Children are our most precious gift; their innocence and safety must be protected at all costs,” said Chairman Williams. “This resolution helps educate parents about the support systems available to them and encourages communities to get involved in order to create safe environments where all Tennessee children can thrive.”
According to the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Tennessee, a child is abused or neglected every 47 seconds in the United States; more than 3 million children are also the subjects of at least one abuse case every year.
The designation of April 2017 as “Child Abuse Prevention Month” is also intended to encourage communities to create partnerships with social service agencies, schools, religious organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community in order to help parents raise their children in safe, nurturing environments.
The full text of House Joint Resolution 32 can be accessed by visiting the Tennessee General Assembly website at: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/110/Fiscal/HJR0032.pdf.
Ryan Williams serves as the House Republican Caucus Chairman. He is also a member of the House Finance, Ways & Means Committee and Subcommittee, as well as the House Government Operations, House Health, and the House Calendar & Rules Committees. Williams lives in Cookeville and represents House District 42, which includes a portion of Putnam County. He can be reached by email at: Rep.Ryan.Williams@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-1875.
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