The text of the resolution below is as of Apr 4, 1985 (Passed Congress).
PUBLIC LAW 99-13—APR. 4, 1985 99 STAT. 33
Public Law 99-13
99th Congress
Joint Resolution
Apr 4 1985
To designate the month of April 1985 as "National Child Abuse Prevention Month". ^ ' '
[H.J. Res. 121]
Whereas the incidence and prevalence of child abuse and neglect
have reached alarming proportions in the United States;
Whereas an estimated two million children become victims of child
abuse in this Nation each year;
Whereas an estimated five thousand of these children die as a result
of such abuse each year;
Whereas the Nation faces a continuing need to support innovative
programs to prevent child abuse and assist parents and family
members in which child abuse occurs;
Whereas Congress has expressed its commitment to seeking and
applying solutions to this problem by enacting the Child Abuse
Prevention and Treatment Act of 1974; 42 use 5ioi
Whereas many dedicated individuals and private organizations, "o*®
including Parents Anonymous, the National Committee for the
Prevention of Child Abuse, American Humane Association, and
other members of the National Child Abuse Coalition, are work-
ing to counter the ravages of abuse and neglect to help child
abusers break this destructive pattern of behavior;
Whereas the average cost for a public welfare agency to serve a
family through a child abuse program is twenty times greater
than self-help programs administered by private organizations;
Whereas organizations, such as. Parents Anonjmious and other
members of the National Child Abuse Coalition are expediting
efforts to prevent child abuse in the next generation through
special programs for abused children; and
Whereas it is appropriate to focus the attention of the Nation upon
the problem of child abuse: Now, therefore, be it
99 STAT. 34 PUBLIC LAW 99-13—APR. 4, 1985
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That the month of April
1985 is designated as "National Child Abuse Prevention Month" and
the President of the United States is authorized and requested to
issue a proclamation calling upon all Government agencies and the
people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate
programs, ceremonies, and activities.
Approved April 4, 1985.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 121 (S.J. Res. 56):
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 131 (1985):
Mar. 7, considered and passed House.
Mar. 28, considered and passed Senate.
