42 U.S.C. § 12371: Findings

Summary

Requires the federal government to work with states and citizens to make plans and recommendations to meet the needs of children and youth. Congress says kids and teens are our most important resource. They need love, respect, guidance, good health, shelter, food, school, and training for work. They should get more say in choices that affect them. Families are the main caregivers and must be supported, and when families can’t provide what children need, society must help. Children should have strong physical and mental health care, safe housing, high-quality education, job training and apprenticeships, chances for civic and recreational activities, coordinated community services, and real participation in decisions about their lives. A national policy should bring federal, state, and local agencies plus youth and volunteer groups together.

Title 42, §12371

The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Findings

The Congress finds that—

(1)children and youth are inherently our most valuable resource and their welfare, protection, healthy development, and positive role in society are essential to the Nation;

(2)children and youth deserve love, respect, and guidance, as well as good health, shelter, food, education, productive work, and preparation for responsible participation in community life;

(3)an increasing opportunity for children and youth to participate in the decisions that affect their lives is essential;

(4)the family is the primary caregiver and the source of social learning which must be supported and strengthened, but when families are unable to ensure the satisfaction of the needs of children and youth, it is society’s responsibility to assist them;

(5)at a minimum, all children and youth need and deserve access to—

(A)the best possible physical and mental health;

(B)adequate and safe physical shelter;

(C)the highest quality of educational opportunity;

(D)effective training, apprenticeships, opportunities for community service, and productive employment;

(E)the widest range of civic, cultural, and recreational activities which recognize young Americans as resources and promote self-esteem and a stake in their communities;

(F)comprehensive community services which are efficient, coordinated, and readily available; and

(G)genuine participation in decisions concerning the planning and managing of their lives; and

(6)there is a great need for a comprehensive national policy with respect to young individuals, designed to engage Federal, State, and local government agencies, youth organizations, and other voluntary organizations.

(b)Statement of policy

It is the policy of the Congress that the Federal Government should work jointly with the States and their citizens to develop recommendations and plans for action to meet the challenge and needs of young individuals.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1990, see section 1001(a) of Pub. L. 101–501, set out as an

Effective Date

of 1990 Amendment note under section 8621 of this title.

§12371 Findings

Summary

Title 42, §12371

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Effective Date

Citations & Metadata