Title
Recognizing the prevalence of childhood abuse and the severe impacts it has on the children of Philadelphia, and affirming the City of Philadelphia's commitment to examining the effectiveness of City funded programs that provide services for child welfare and safety.
Body
WHEREAS, childhood abuse is a significant and traumatizing issue that affects the lives of many children in Philadelphia and inflicts long-lasting consequences for our city's children, families, and communities; and
WHEREAS, according to the most recent data, an estimated 1 in 10 children in Philadelphia experiences some form of abuse or neglect before the age of 18; and
WHEREAS, child abuse includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect, all of which have devastating impacts on a child's physical, emotional, and psychological development; and
WHEREAS, in Philadelphia, reports from the Department of Human Services indicate that there were 3,054 in dependent care as of the third quarter of fiscal year 2024; AND
WHEREAS, childhood abuse has been linked to a wide range of adverse outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with up to 20% of Philadelphians in mental health treatment reporting histories of childhood abuse; and
WHEREAS, the effects of childhood abuse extend beyond mental health, contributing to physical health problems, such as heart disease, obesity, and chronic pain, as well as social and economic challenges, including lower educational attainment, higher rates of unemployment, and involvement in the criminal justice system; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Human Services reports that the number of children in delinquent care in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 increased by 70% from the same quarter of fiscal year 2023; and
WHEREAS, research shows that victims of childhood abuse are 9 times more likely to engage in criminal activities and are more likely to perpetuate cycles of violence, creating a ripp...
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