AZ HJR2001

Proclaims April 2014 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Arizona and encourages citizens and lawmakers to support child abuse prevention and education efforts.

Documents that Arizona's Child Protective Services received more than 40,000 reports of alleged child maltreatment involving over 64,000 children in fiscal year 2012, with approximately 3,000 substantiated allegations (roughly 8 children per day).

Notes that more than 14,000 abused and neglected children in Arizona reside in foster care and cannot safely live in their homes.

States that child abuse causes cross-generational damage, with 30% of abused children growing up to abuse their own children, and discusses long-term health and psychological effects including brain damage, trust issues, and increased vulnerability to trauma and disease.

Affirms that all children deserve a loving family, safe home, and opportunity to become responsible members of society.