BILL ANALYSIS
ACR 80
Page 1
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
ACR 80 (Hill)
As Introduced June 3, 2009
Majority vote
HUMAN SERVICES 5-0
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|Ayes:|Beall, Saldana, Hall, | | |
| |Portantino, Swanson | | |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
| | | | |
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SUMMARY : Declares the Legislature's support for a Bill of
Rights for the Children and Youth of California that resolves to
invest in all children and youth so that they may live in a
just, moral, and supportive society and have the same rights
regardless of their culture, race, gender or gender identity,
sexual orientation, religion, or disability. Specifically, this
resolution resolves to invest in all children so that the
following goals may be achieved:
1)They have healthy minds, bodies, and spirits that enable them
to maximize their potential.
2)They each develop a healthy attachment to a parent, guardian,
or caregiver, and an ongoing relationship with a caring and
supportive adult.
3)Their essential needs are met, including, but not limited to,
nutritious food, shelter, clothing, health care, and
accessible transportation.
4)They have safe and healthy environments, including, but not
limited to, homes, schools, neighborhoods, and communities.
5)They have access to a 21st Century education that promotes
success in life, in future careers, and a love of lifelong
learning.
6)They have training in life skills that will prepare them to
live independently, be self-sufficient, and contribute to
their community.
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7)They have employment opportunities with protections from
unfair labor practices.
8)They have freedom from mistreatment, abuse, and neglect.
9)They have a voice in matters that affect them.
10)They have a sense of hope for their future.
EXISTING LAW provides, through local government codes, for a
similar Bill of Rights for the Children and Youth of San Mateo
County and of Portland and Multnomah County, Oregon.
FISCAL EFFECT : None
COMMENTS : According to the sponsor of this resolution, the
Peninsula Partnership Leadership Council (PPLC), which was
founded in 1994, is made up of leaders from multiple disciplines
throughout San Mateo County and strives to formulate policies
that address the needs of children, youth, and families. The
Silicon Valley Community Foundation, the County of San Mateo,
and the San Mateo County Office of Education are the three main
funders of PPLC.
In the fall of 2008, PPLC drafted a Bill of Rights for the
Children and Youth of San Mateo County to draw attention to the
needs of children, youth, and families and to guide policymaking
decisions in the county. The Bill of Rights was written
following review of the Children's Bill of Rights in Portland
and Multnomah County, Oregon, the Children's Bill of Rights
created by the United Nations, and the San Mateo County
Children's Report, which contains goals and indicators of child
well-being.
PPLC believes that the Bill of Rights is an important first step
in effecting policy change to support youth. Since the Bill of
Rights' adoption, the San Mateo County Youth Commission has
created an extensive list of policy-level recommendations for
each of the rights. Some examples include:
1)Providing youth mental health education and intervention at
school sites or adequate access to community resources.
2)Increasing opportunities for the development of youth-adult
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partnerships so youth can have positive role models and
mentors.
3)Ensuring jobs frequently held by young people pay a living
wage, not just minimum wage.
4)Encouraging schools to adopt healthy, affordable, and enticing
lunch menus that include nutritious food options and
alternatives to sugary fruit juices.
This resolution seeks to apply the principles and goals of the
Bill of Rights for the Children and Youth of San Mateo County on
a statewide level and to encourage policymakers to use a
"children's lens" when making important budget decisions. It
requires that the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies to
the author for appropriate distribution.
Analysis Prepared by : Beth Griffiths / HUM. S. / (916)
319-2089
FN: 0001730