Allegany County: Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month proclamation

From the Allegany County Legislature

Whereas, all children of New York State – and those everywhere – have the right to be loved, cared for, and raised in an environment that supports their healthy growth and development and which protects them from any potential form of harm including verbal, sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, exploitation, and neglect; and

Whereas, within our communities, child abuse can be reduced through strong partnerships among families, social services agencies, schools, faith-based institutions, civic organizations, law enforcement, and businesses that provide supportive resources and that reinforce protective measures to children and families; and

Whereas, we acknowledge that we must work together as a community to increase awareness about child abuse and contribute to promote the social and emotional well‐being of children and families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment; and

Whereas, all citizens share responsibility in preventing child abuse through diligent reporting of suspected child abuse or maltreatment to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, the state’s child abuse hotline that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 1-800-342-3720; and

Whereas, the Legislature’s Human Services Committee, the Commissioner of Social Services, the Department of Social Service’s Children’s Services Units, the Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center, and Ardent, Inc. recognize, and continue to promote and administer Child Abuse Prevention programs, and are addressing, the continuing issue of Child Abuse Prevention; and

Whereas, Allegany County joins the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and other counties statewide to recognize April as National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month and encourages all citizens to direct their attention to this critical issue and to support programs and promote the safety and security of children, as we also take this opportunity to acknowledge the many dedicated caseworkers who devote countless hours to ensuring the welfare and well-being of our children;

Now, therefore, I, W. Brooke Harris, Chairman of the Allegany County Board of Legislators, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Allegany County.