WHEREAS,  our children are our most valuable resource and will shape the future of the State; and

WHEREAS,  in fiscal year 2015, 3,247 Maine children were victims of substantiated child abuse or neglect; and

WHEREAS,  child abuse and neglect is a serious problem affecting every segment of our communities and our State, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone in all our communities; and

WHEREAS,  child abuse and neglect can have long-term psychological, emotional and physical effects that can have lifelong consequences for victims; and

WHEREAS,  "protective factors" are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk in families and communities and promote the social, emotional and developmental well-being of children and families; and

WHEREAS,  effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the meaningful connections and partnerships created between child welfare, education, health, community-based and faith-based organizations and businesses and law enforcement agencies; and

WHEREAS,  communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities that benefit children and their families; and

WHEREAS,  we acknowledge that we must work together as a state to increase awareness about child abuse and neglect and contribute to promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families in a safe, stable and nurturing environment; and

WHEREAS,  prevention remains the best defense for our children and families; now, therefore, be it