Fulton County Commissioners 116 West Market Street, Suite 203, McConnellsburg, PA 17233 Telephone: (717) 485-3691 Fax: (717),485-9411 Email: commisionaserohuitongaus Stuart L. Ulsh, Chairman Stacey M. Golden, Chief Clerk Randy H. Bunch, Vice-Chairman James M. Stein, Solicitor Paula J. Shives PROCLAMATION CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH April 2023 WHEREAS, every child in the Commonwealth deserves to be cared for by adults who provide love, protection, and a safe environment; and WHEREAS, protected and unharmed childhoods produce self-assured and successful adults; and WHEREAS, children who are abused and neglected can become permanently disabled and psychologically distressed adults - experiencing problems with substance abuse, crime or domestic violence against others, including their own children; and WHEREAS, in Pennsylvania, 5036 reports of child abuse were substantiated in 2021; and WHEREAS, child abuse includes physical and psychological wounds inflicted upon a child, and abuse survivors wear physical and emotional scars for the rest of their lives; and WHEREAS, protecting children against abuse and neglect requires the involvement of everyone-a combined effort is imperative to help families break the chains of abuse; and WHEREAS, many dedicated organizations continue to work in cooperation with federal, state and county governments to increase public awareness and promote individual and community action as they strive to eradicate this devastating form of violence, protect children, and help build healthy families and communities where children can reach their potential. THEREFORE, we, the Board of Fulton County Commissioners, do hereby proclaim April 2023 as CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH in Fulton County and encourage all citizens to cherish our children and join in protecting them from all forms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Fulton County Commissioners, on this fourth day of April in the Year of our Lord, two thousand and twenty-three. COUNTY OF FULTON BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SSlhad 200p Stuart, L. Ulsh, Randy Bunch Paulas ABw Paula J. Shives