HR 1038

1 State of Arkansas
2 95th General Assembly
3 Fiscal Session, 2026  HR 1038
4
5 By: Representative Wooldridge
6
7
8HOUSE RESOLUTION
9TO RECOGNIZE APRIL AS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH IN
10ARKANSAS AND TO COMMEND THE COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL
11ADVOCATE (CASA) PROGRAMS.
12
13
14Subtitle
15TO RECOGNIZE APRIL AS CHILD ABUSE
16PREVENTION MONTH IN ARKANSAS AND TO
17COMMEND THE COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL
18ADVOCATE (CASA) PROGRAMS.
19
20WHEREAS, the children of Arkansas are among the state’s most valuable
21 resources, and their safety, well-being, and success are vital to the
22 strength and future of our communities; and
23
24WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect remain serious concerns that affect
25 the physical, emotional, and developmental well-being of children across
26 Arkansas; and
27
28WHEREAS, preventing child abuse and neglect requires the commitment of
29 families, communities, nonprofit organizations, and public leaders working
30 together to ensure children are protected and supported; and
31
32WHEREAS, April is recognized nationally as Child Abuse Prevention
33 Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness, strengthening families, and
34 promoting community involvement in the protection of children; and
35
36WHEREAS, Arkansas is home to twenty-three (23) Court Appointed Special
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  HR1038
1 Advocate (CASA) programs that serve children in the foster care system by
2 recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers appointed by judges to
3 advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or
4 neglect; and
5
6WHEREAS, CASA volunteers provide vital advocacy by gathering
7 information, making recommendations to the court, and helping ensure that
8 children have the opportunity to achieve safe, stable, and permanent homes;
9 and
10
11WHEREAS, in 2025, two thousand seven hundred eighty (2,780) children in
12 Arkansas were served by more than one thousand three hundred (1,300) CASA
13 advocates, demonstrating a strong commitment by volunteers and professionals
14 to improving outcomes for children in foster care; and
15
16WHEREAS, the House of Representatives recognizes the importance of
17 raising awareness about child abuse prevention and commends CASA programs,
18 their staff, and volunteers for their dedicated service to children and
19 families across the state,
20
21 NOW THEREFORE,
22 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL
23 ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS:
24
25THAT the House of Representatives recognize April as Child Abuse
26 Prevention Month in Arkansas and encourage all citizens to support efforts
27 that strengthen families, protect children, and promote safe and nurturing
28 environments.
29
30 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT upon adoption, a copy of this resolution be
31 provided to the Arkansas CASA programs by the Chief Clerk of the House of
32 Representatives as a symbol of the House of Representatives' respect and
33 appreciation.
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