SR-158, As Adopted by Senate, March 13, 2008

            Senator Jacobs offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 158.

            A resolution designating April 2, 2008, as a Day of Hope.

            Whereas, The future of our society is directly tied to the emotional, physical, and intellectual health of our most precious asset--our children; and

            Whereas, The problems of abuse and neglect of young children too often result in an increase in crime, delinquency, substance abuse, and a perpetuating cycle of abuse and neglect; and

            Whereas, Each year more than 3 million children in our country are reported as suspected victims of child abuse and neglect; and

            Whereas, More than 500,000 American children are unable to live safely with their families and are placed in foster homes; and

            Whereas, It is estimated that each year over 1,000 children lose their lives due to abuse and neglect in this country; and

            Whereas, Childhelp, an organization founded in 1959, is one of the largest and oldest national nonprofit organizations that is dedicated to helping to meet the needs of the victims and potential victims of child abuse and neglect; and

            Whereas, April 2, 2008, has been designated as a Day of Hope in order to focus public awareness on child abuse prevention. It is also set apart to recognize the citizens, volunteers, secular and faith-based organizations, and businesses that commit their energy and resources to further the best interests of youth; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby designate April 2, 2008, as a Day of Hope. We encourage all Michigan citizens to keep the victimized children in their thoughts and prayers and seek to break this cycle of abuse and neglect to give our children hope for the future; and be it further

            Resolved, That the Senate supports the goals and ideas of the Day of Hope and commends Childhelp for its efforts on behalf of abused and neglected children everywhere; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Childhelp as a token of our highest esteem.