
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
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[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 42USC12371]

 
                 TITLE 42--THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
 
   CHAPTER 127--COORDINATED SERVICES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES
 
 SUBCHAPTER II--WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES
 
Sec. 12371. Findings


(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.

(Pub. L. 101-501, title IX, Sec. 982, Nov. 3, 1990, 104 Stat. 1280.)

                  Section Referred to in Other Sections

    This section is referred to in section 12372 of this title.
