Bill Text: CA SJR12 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Amended

California Senate Joint Resolution 12 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Fatherhood.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-08-16 - Ordered to inactive file on request of Senator Rubio. [SJR12 Detail]

Download: California-2011-SJR12-Amended.html

BILL NUMBER: SJR 12	AMENDED
	BILL TEXT

	AMENDED IN SENATE  AUGUST 8, 2012

INTRODUCED BY   Senator Rubio

                        AUGUST 15, 2011

   Relative to fatherhood.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SJR 12, as amended, Rubio. Fatherhood.
   This measure would urge the President and the Congress to pursue a
comprehensive approach to  addressing issues facing boys and men
of color by promoting  positive father involvement and
mentoring for children that affirms that fathers and positive
 adult men   male role models  are  a
 critical  parts   part  of the lives
of  children   children,  and to 
direct   redirect  the  distribution of 
funds and resources of the United States Department of Health and
Human Services to the State of California as part of the White House
Initiative on Fatherhood and Mentoring  to assist underserved
boys and men of color throughout the state  , as specified.
   Fiscal committee: no.


   
   WHEREAS, The health and well-being of California's children is
enhanced when mothers, fathers, and caregivers dedicate their time
and attention to their healthy development and growth; and 

   WHEREAS, California appreciates the many fathers who support all
aspects of their children's lives and demonstrate their love and
support through their actions and words; and  
   WHEREAS, In California, boys and men of color experience
proportionally higher rates of poverty and discrimination related
inequalities than members of other groups, including low educational
attainment, subpoverty wage employment, victimization or death from
violence, contact with the justice system and incarceration,
incidence of substance abuse, and overall poor quality of life and
health. 
   WHEREAS, California recognizes that at a time of reduced
resources, fathers  and other positive male role models 
must not be overlooked as  an   a valuable 
asset  to their children, families, and communities; and
  when addressing the issues facing boys and men o 
 f color; and 
   WHEREAS, Organizations that serve the social and educational
interests of  children must look to both fathers and mothers
to increase the positive influence that engaged and dedicated parents
provide for children; and   boys and men of color must
understand and incorporate a culturally appropriate approach to
providing services; and 
   WHEREAS,  Children   boys of color  with
present and engaged fathers  are more likely to have close,
  or positive male role models in their lives are more
likely to have  enduring relationships than those  whose
  without  fathers are absent, 
 or male role models,  and these relationships contribute to
long-term happiness, well-being, and social and academic success;
and
   WHEREAS,  Children   boys of color 
living apart from their  biological  fathers 
and positive male role models  often confront obstacles that
place them at risk for increased drug and alcohol use and reduced
educational achievement; and 
   WHEREAS, Children with nonresident fathers are 54 percent more
likely to be poorer than their fathers; and 
   WHEREAS, The involvement of nonresident fathers in their children'
s schools is particularly important for children in grades 6 through
12 and reduces the likelihood that children will ever be suspended,
expelled from school, or repeat a grade; and
   WHEREAS, Research documents a positive connection between the
provision of child support by fathers and the well-being of schoolage
children, particularly their cognitive development, academic
achievement, and behavior; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of
California, jointly, That the Legislature urges the President and the
Congress of the United States to pursue a comprehensive approach to
 addressing issues facing boys and men of color by promoting
 positive father involvement and mentoring for children that
affirms that fathers and positive  adult men  
male role models  are  a critical  parts
  part  of the lives of  children 
 children,  and to redirect the distribution of funds and
resources  by   of  the United States
Department of Health and Human Services to the State of California as
part of the White House Initiative on Fatherhood and Mentoring to
assist underserved  children   boys  and
men of color throughout the state; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to the President and Vice President of the United States,
to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to the Majority
Leader of the Senate, to each Senator and Representative from
California in the Congress of the United States, and to the author
for appropriate distribution.