A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE THAT ABUSE AND NEGLECT OF CHILDREN IS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM AND TO DECLARE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026, AS "CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

 

Whereas, more than 380,000 children are served by Children's Advocacy Centers nationwide each year; and

 

Whereas, in 2025, Children's Advocacy Centers throughout South Carolina served 14,184 child victims of abuse, providing victim advocacy and support services to them and their families. This represents a 71% increase in children served per year by Children's Advocacy Centers in South Carolina since 2016; and

 

Whereas, although sexual abuse was the most common form of child maltreatment reported by children served at South Carolina Children's Advocacy Centers in 2025, victims also suffer year after year from physical abuse, neglect, drug endangerment, commercial sexual exploitation, and psychological maltreatment; and

 

Whereas, Children's Advocacy Centers seek to model, promote, and deliver excellence in child abuse response and prevention through direct service, education, collaboration, and leadership; and

 

Whereas, it is entirely appropriate for the South Carolina General Assembly to pause in its deliberations to underline the growing problem of child abuse and the serious impact its continued existence has on the citizens of South Carolina and on the nation as a whole, and it is, moreover, fitting to recognize the important work done to combat the significant problem of child maltreatment. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize that abuse and neglect of children is a significant problem and declare Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as "Children's Advocacy Center Day" in South Carolina.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Thomas Knapp, president & CEO, of the South Carolina Network of Children's Advocacy Centers.

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