REQUESTING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION AND THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT TO SURVEY EXISTING AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS IN NEW MEXICO.

WHEREAS, there is mounting evidence of the detrimental consequences of children and youth being unsupervised and without constructive activities in the after-school hours, including increased likelihood of truancy, stress and engaging in destructive and risky behaviors, such as criminal activity, alcohol or drug use and sexual activity; and

WHEREAS, children attending quality after-school programs have been found to have better grades, peer relations, emotional adjustment and conduct in school compared to those who are without adult supervision; and

WHEREAS, surveys indicate that the great majority of parents are concerned that their children be in a safe and positive environment in the after-school hours; and

WHEREAS, successful after-school programs have a beneficial effect on children and youth, their families and the community; and

WHEREAS, various groups have made presentations to interim legislative committees on the need in New Mexico for after-school programs; and

WHEREAS, there is no readily accessible information on the number of children and youth in New Mexico who currently have access to after-school programs or the extent of the unmet demand for additional programs;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state department of public education and the children, youth and families department survey the current availability, types and cost to students of after-school programs for school-age children in New Mexico, including programs offered by public or private schools, local governments or non-profit organizations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state department of public education and the children, youth and families department present the findings of the survey to the legislative health and human services committee and the legislative education study committee at their October 2000 meetings; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be sent to the superintendent of public instruction, the secretary of children, youth and families, the legislative education study committee and the legislative health and

human services committee.