WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor

EXECUTIVE ORDER OF APRIL 29, 1986

01.01.1986.07

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

WHEREAS, The problem of physical violence against family members
occurs in 1 out of 10 families in Maryland, affecting all
social and economic groups of society;

WHEREAS, The number of cases of child abuse and neglect
investigated in Maryland has doubled from 4,615 cases in
1979 to 8,312 cases in 1984;

WHEREAS, Child abuse and neglect often cause permanent physical
and mental damage to the child, and increases the likelihood
that the child will become an abuser or commit violent
crimes as an adult;

WHEREAS, Many cases of child abuse and neglect, especially sexual
abuse, go undetected to those who could provide help;

WHEREAS, In 1983 the Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and
Neglect was appointed, at the request of the General
Assembly, to study this problem;

WHEREAS, The Task Force has found that child abuse, especially
sexual abuse, is far more widespread than originally
estimated; and

WHEREAS, The problems of child abuse and neglect require long
term efforts for the implementation and monitoring of
programs for the prevention, detection, and treatment of
victims and offenders;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, HARRY HUGHES, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF
MARYLAND, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE
CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF MARYLAND, HEREBY PROCLAIM THE
FOLLOWING ORDER:

1.  The Governor's Council on Child Abuse and Neglect is
hereby created to provide advice to the Governor on
matters relating to the implementation and effectiveness
of programs for the prevention, detection, and treatment
of child abuse and neglect.

2.  The Council is part of the Office for Children and Youth
for budgetary, administrative, and staffing purposes
only.

3.  The Council consists of 17 members appointed by the
Governor and include the following:

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