42 U.S.C. § 12301 : US Code - Section 12301: Findings

Search 42 U.S.C. § 12301 : US Code - Section 12301: Findings

Congress finds that -
(1) children and youth are inherently the most valuable
resource of the United States;
(2) the welfare, protection, healthy development, and positive
role of children and youth in society are essential to the United
States;
(3) children and youth deserve love, respect, and guidance, as
well as good health, shelter, food, education, productive
employment opportunities, and preparation for responsible
participation in community life;
(4) children and youth have increasing opportunities to
participate in the decisions that affect their lives;
(5) the family is the primary caregiver and source of social
learning and must be supported and strengthened;
(6) when a family is unable to ensure the satisfaction of basic
needs of children and youth it is the responsibility of society
to assist such family; and
(7) it is the joint and several responsibility of the Federal
Government, each State, and the political subdivisions of each
State to assist children and youth to secure, to the maximum
extent practicable, equal opportunity to full and free access to -

(A) the best possible physical and mental health;
(B) adequate and safe physical shelter;
(C) a high level of educational opportunity;
(D) effective training, apprenticeships, opportunities for
community service, and productive employment and participation
in decisions affecting their lives;
(E) a wide range of civic, cultural, and recreational
activities that recognize young Americans as resources and
promote self-esteem and a stake in the communities of such
Americans; and
(F) comprehensive community services that are efficient,
coordinated, readily available, and involve families of young
individuals.