Travis County Commissioners Court
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 (Agenda)
Item 3
Item number 3, approve proclamation declaring the month of April 2011 as light of hope national child abuse awareness month in Travis County.
good morning.
>> good morning.
>> should I read it?
>> I'm sorry?
>> should I read the proclamation?
>> yes, sir.
>> or would one of all like to read it?
>> we would like for you to.
>> it reads: whereas, a society is judged not by how it serves its most powerful members but how it protects its most vulnerable members.
every child has a right to live and grow in a safe environment, receive care and protection and develop a positive self-image.
whereas light of hope began several years ago as a candlelight ceremony commemorating April as national child abuse awareness month.
it continues to be a collaborative effort of the Travis County sheriff's office and local service organizations that are united by the mission of protecting children.
whereas surveys have shown that although a majority of americans believe that everyone should play a role in stopping child abuse, many people admit to witnessing child abuse and doing nothing about it.
the reasons for not reporting abuse include not knowing where to call and incorrect assumptions regarding what will happen once a report is made to police or a child protective services agency.
whereas last month child protective services found that 5,529 investigations were completed.
there were 1,735 confirmed victims of abuse or neglect or both, I guess.
and 2,924 children were in substitute care.
whereas child abuse like any other -- like any type of violence does not discriminate.
it occurs within every ethnic, religious and socioeconomic group.
our entire community must include -- must increase its awareness of present day problems and the resulting impact on children.
whereas on Saturday, April 9th, 2011, from 11:00 to 3:00, 11 a.m.
to 3:00 p.m., the Travis County sheriff's office, Texas department of family and protective services along with other community partners will hold our light of hope celebration at the Austin children's shelter, 4800 manor road, Austin, Texas, 78723.
whereas child abuse -- whereas the theme for this year's child abuse awareness month is be the light in a child's life.
whereas child abuse prevention month is a perfect opportunity for the community to come together with light of hope and the Travis County sheriff's office to promote prevention of child abuse and neglect, increase the understanding of its causes and encourage the community to use available resources to protect Travis County children.
and whereas when we provide for our children, we provide for our -- their future and our future as well.
together as a community we can truly make a difference.
now therefore be it resolved that we the members of the Travis County Commissioners court proclaim the month of April as, quote, light of hope national child abuse awareness month, end quotes, in Travis County and encourage all residents to support light of hope and the Travis County sheriff's office in the crusade to end child abuse.
and I move approval.
>> second.
>> any comments or did that proclamation say it all?
>> it said it all.
>> kind of take the wind out of from beginning to end.
so this will be what year for it?
>> I believe it's the eighth year.
>> and the invitation is for our residents to come out and take part.
>> yes, sir, the community.
residents, community.
we have several nonprofits and agencies coming together.
>> we like for them to come out and get educated and inspired.
>> yes.
>> and recommit to report child abuse and neglect.
>> thank you.
and thank you for your time today.
>> thank you for yours.
>> all in favor?
that passes by unanimous vote.
can we get your names since you all are so eloquent in speech?
>> verla jones.
>> derrick taylor, Travis County sheriff's office, and this year I asked them to come out because they have spearheaded this event and they are nervous.
>> wait a minute.
you know the sheriff don't intim nature nobody.
>> yes, sir.
but they themselves are self imposed intimidating people.
they have spearheaded this event and it's going to be a wonderful event this year and we hope you guys come out and join the festivities.
>> I'll leave you a couple of fliers today.
>> that would be wonderful.
>> good to see you all.
>> thank you for your service.
>> [applause]
>> when we do one of these.
>> thank you so much.
>> thank you.
The Closed Caption log for this Commissioners Court agenda item is provided by Travis County Internet Services. Since this file is derived from the Closed Captions created during live cablecasts, there are occasional spelling and grammatical errors. This Closed Caption log is not an official record the Commissioners Court Meeting and cannot be relied on for official purposes. For official records please contact the County Clerk at (512) 854-4722.
