Sample Press Release

Sample Press Release Advocating an Abuse Prevention Program The children of America are our country's most precious resource. The future hope of this nation rests upon their development and potential. Physical and sexual abuse endanger that future and shatter the innocence and purity of childhood. Today, the ministerial association of Oak Grove announces a renewed commitment to confront this social problem. We call upon the churches and synagogues of our community, plus all other institutions that work with children and youth, to institute immediate safeguards to protect children and youth from physical and sexual abuse. As an association, we advocate the following principles in an effort to provide a safe place for all young people within our community and beyond. 1. Child physical and sexual abuse are criminal actions which should not be tolerated in our society. 2. As a community we must work together to provide educational programs to instruct adults and children regarding the nature and impact of child abuse. 3. Victims of abuse need love, encouragement, and support. This extends not only to current victims, but to the many in our society who are adult survivors of childhood abuse. 4. All staff--paid and volunteer--who work with children should undergo appropriate screening. No adult who has been previously convicted of child abuse should work with children or youth. 5. Children require an adequate number of supervisors to create an environment that reduces isolation, increases accountability, and provides a proper balance of power and control in order to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse.