Black Hawk County Child Abuse Prevention Coalition
2025 Child Abuse Prevention Proclamation
WHEREAS, children are our nation's most vulnerable members as well as our nation's most valuable resources, helping to shape the future of Black Hawk County; and
WHEREAS, positive childhood experiences (PCES) - like loving caregivers and safe, stable, and nurturing relationships - can help mitigate trauma and the negative impact of adverse child experiences (ACES) to promote the social, emotional, and developmental well-being of children; and
WHEREAS; childhood trauma, including abuse and neglect, is a serious problem affecting every community in the U.S., and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; and WHEREAS, children who live in families with access to concrete economic and social supports are less likely to experience abuse and neglect; and
WHEREAS, prevention is possible because of the partnerships created between families, prevention advocates, child welfare professionals, education, health, community, and faith based organizations, business, law enforcement agencies, and local, state and national governments; and
WHEREAS, we acknowledge that in order to solve the public health issue of abuse and neglect we must work together to change hearts and mindsets through storytelling and sharing, center the needs of families, break down bias and barriers, and inspire action from expected and unexpected partners is prevention; and
WHEREAS, we are committed to advancing equitable, responsive, and effective systems that ensure all children and families are healthy and thriving; and
WHEREAS, we recognize the need to prioritize kids and invest in more prevention initiatives like school and community-based child abuse prevention programs and education, home visiting and family-strengthening policies and economic supports at the national, state, and local levels; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tavis Hall chairman of the Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors, do hereby proclaim April as NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH in Black Hawk County and urge all citizens to recognize this month by building a narrative of hope for children and families through collaboration and the creation of an ecosystem of primary prevention that does not currently exist in this country.
A signed copy of the Proclamation can be downloaded here.