House Resolution Backs Child Abuse Prevention: Calls for More Funding and Focus on Long-Term Health

This resolution is the House of Representatives officially putting its stamp of approval on the goals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Think of it as a formal declaration that preventing child abuse and neglect is a top priority. It’s not a law that changes anything today, but it’s a powerful statement calling for future action, specifically highlighting the need for more funding and new federal laws to boost prevention efforts.

The Real Cost of Childhood Trauma

This resolution gets straight to the heart of why prevention matters, linking childhood trauma—or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)—directly to massive, long-term problems. We’re talking about the kind of trauma that doesn’t just cause emotional distress, but actually increases the risk of major health issues later in life, like heart disease, depression, and obesity. The resolution points out that the economic burden of dealing with child maltreatment after it happens is staggering, estimated at around $2 trillion over a lifetime. Basically, the argument is simple: investing in prevention now is cheaper and more effective than paying for the consequences for decades.

Backing Proven Family Support Programs

If you’re wondering what 'prevention' actually looks like, the resolution points to specific, evidence-based models. It strongly endorses voluntary home-visiting programs, like Healthy Families America, which support new parents during a child’s most critical developmental years. These aren't just feel-good programs; they are proven to reduce repeat abuse, improve school readiness, and help kids graduate high school. For everyday families, this means the government is signaling support for programs that offer real, practical help—like connecting parents with resources and providing coaching—before a crisis ever hits.

The Call for Awareness and Justice

The resolution also recognizes the grim reality of the problem today, noting that nearly 7.8 million children were referred to protective services in 2023, and reports of online child sexual abuse are skyrocketing. Beyond prevention, the House is expressing support for public education on how to spot the signs of abuse and, crucially, for survivors of childhood sexual abuse seeking healing and justice. While this resolution doesn't cut a check or mandate a new program, it sets a clear political direction, signaling to federal agencies and future lawmakers that child welfare and family support should be prioritized for both funding and legislative attention.