U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales formally launched Project Safe Childhood at a press conference on May 17, 2006. The Attorney General again stressed the importance of dealing the child pornography in a coordinated manner, highlighting ICACs (Internet Crimes Against Children) task forces as well as other partners.

He outlined the three parts of Project Safe Childhood. First, the DOJ and U.S. Attorneys will improve partnerships with partners. Second, each U.S. Attorney and their partners will “develop a strategic plan for Project Safe Childhood in their area…within 90 days.” Finally, the Department of Justice will require semi-annual progress reports to ensure the effectiveness of the Initiative.

Attorney General Gonzales also acknowledged the connection between child pornography and other sexual crimes. He explained, “I realize that child pornography and sexual enticement are not the only criminal activities that threaten our society. Obscenity debases men and women, fostering a culture in which these heinous crimes against our children become acceptable.”

Richard Whidden, the Executive Director at the NLC, was pleased with the Attorney General’s speech. He comments, "The National Law Center is very pleased with Attorney General Gonzales' commitment to the protection of children and families. We are particularly encouraged by his specific comments on the Department’s three priorities to address obscenity crimes, child pornography and on-line enticement offenses. We call upon law enforcement and prosecutors across the nation to hear and act upon the Attorney General's call to protect our children and families today and in the years to come. It is only through the efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors at federal, state and local levels that our communities can be protected from these heinous crimes."

To read the full text of Attorney General Gonzales’ speech, click here.