The Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners recently proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The board’s proclamation reads:

“Whereas, children are vital to our state’s future success, prosperity and quality of life as well as being our most vulnerable assets;

“Whereas, all children deserve to have safe, stable, nurturing homes and communities that foster their well-being;

“Whereas, child abuse and neglect is a community responsibility affecting both the current and future quality of life of a community;

“Whereas, communities that provide parents with the social support, knowledge of parenting and child development and resources they need to cope with stress and nurture their children ensure all children grow to their full potential;

“Whereas, effective child abuse prevention strategies succeed because of partnerships created among citizens, human service agencies, schools, faith communities, health care providers, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community;

“Therefore, we, the Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Tyrrell County and call upon all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, elected leaders, and businesses to increase their participation in our efforts to support families, thereby preventing child abuse and strengthening the communities in which we live.”

The proclamation was signed by Nathan T. Everett, chairman, and attested by Penny Rhodes Owens, board clerk.