A resolution expressing support for the designation of April 2026 as "National Child Abuse Prevention Month", and the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 706
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2313)
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-18T20:51:37Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. Res. 706
Purpose of the Legislation
This Senate resolution expresses support for designating April 2026 as "National Child Abuse Prevention Month" and endorses the goals and ideals of that observance. It highlights the importance of preventing child abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse while promoting strong families and communities.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Supports the official designation of April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
- Recognizes that child abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse are preventable and that a healthy society relies on strong families and communities.
- Advocates for greater public awareness and education on preventing maltreatment and building protective factors for families.
- Supports efforts to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse heal and to pursue justice for victims.
- Emphasizes the need for prevention, healing, and justice efforts related to childhood abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse.
- Notes statistics such as millions of children referred to protective services in 2024, the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences, and benefits from home-visiting programs that reduce abuse recurrence and improve child outcomes like school readiness.
- Highlights that most child sexual abuse involves known individuals and calls for prioritizing education on possible signs of abuse.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
This resolution introduces no changes to existing law. As a non-binding Senate resolution, it serves only as an expression of support and does not amend statutes or create new legal requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: May encourage child protective services and health-related agencies to focus resources on awareness campaigns, education, and evidence-based prevention programs.
- On citizens: Promotes public understanding of abuse signs, supports family resilience, and encourages community involvement in prevention efforts.
- On international relations: No direct effects, as the resolution addresses domestic child welfare matters.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Children and families in the United States.
- Child protective services agencies and related government programs.
- Survivors of child abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse.
- Community leaders, elected officials, and organizations focused on child welfare and prevention.
- Home-visiting and support service providers.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The measure carries no binding legal authority and functions purely as a symbolic statement.
- Constitutional: It aligns with the Senate's authority to pass resolutions on public policy topics without affecting other branches of government.
- Political: Features bipartisan sponsorship, reflecting broad agreement on the importance of child protection and prevention initiatives.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (6)
Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2313)
- 2026-05-14: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-05-14: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-05-14: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-04-29: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2136-2137)
- 2026-04-29: Submitted in Senate
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. — issued 2026-05-14 — PDF (4 pages)
- Expressing support for the designation of April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. — issued 2026-04-29 — PDF (4 pages)