Dear Mr. President,

I am writing to urge you to direct U.S. Surgeon General Carmona to prepare a comprehensive report on Child Abuse and Neglect. More than 900,000 children each year are victims of abuse or neglect, and research shows that this has far-reaching negative effects on our society. Children and youth who have been abused or neglected are more likely to use alcohol and drugs, fall victim to teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, suffer from depression and mental illness, be involved with law enforcement, and abuse their own children. And the direct costs to our society for the damage resulting from child abuse and neglect has been estimated at $24 billion per year.

I'm sure that you share my concern about child maltreatment, and recognize this as a national tragedy that demands national leadership. Issuance of a Surgeon General's Report will raise public awareness and understanding of the extent of child maltreatment in our country, and spur both public and private initiatives to protect children and curb what has become a public health crisis. It's the best response to such an immense and complex issue and I believe is the most effective way to focus the public health and child welfare resources necessary to create a safe, caring, and healthy future for our children.

Sincerely,
/YOUR NAME/
/YOUR ADDRESS/