46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

FOR THE LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION STUDY COMMITTEE

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT AND THE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO STUDY FUNDING AND ACTIVITIES RELATING TO OUT-OF-SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN.

WHEREAS, the hours before and after school, particularly from three to eight p.m., and during the summer months have all been shown to be the most at-risk periods in a child's life; and

WHEREAS, research has shown the availability of positive youth development activities for children and youth to be a significant contributor to student success in and out of school, including social-emotional and intellectual growth; and

WHEREAS, access to safe places, caring adults and constructive activities in the after school hours, in particular, positively influence youth development; and

WHEREAS, the legislature has supported children and youth programs during out-of-school hours as a preventive intervention strategy for at-risk children and a response to the needs of children and families; and

WHEREAS, the investment of public dollars in programs which directly address children and youth issues is a fundamental support in most New Mexico communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the children, youth and families department in cooperation with the labor department, state department of public education, department of health and other appropriate agencies be requested to identify direct dollars being expended to support local community, school or nonprofit organizations that operate out-of-school, before or after school programs, including programs related to tutoring, homework help, literacy support, youth leadership training, service-learning, twenty-first century learning centers, arts, health and wellness and other enrichment-oriented learning activities for school-aged children; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the cooperative agreement advisory committee, which was formed by executive order, be requested to conduct a study providing a description and accounting of out-of-school programs, including overall purpose, key activities, participants served and state dollars invested, in coordination with all major departments for the fiscal years 2001 through 2003 to gain a complete and accurate picture of public investment in out-of-school programs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that advice on the scope and effect of these programs be sought from leaders in the field, service providers, parents and youth through appropriate government outreach vehicles, such as maternal child health councils and related agency advisory bodies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that given the availability of transportation services in all school districts, special attention be given to the needs, challenges and potential solutions associated with providing adequate and appropriate state subsidized transportation to and from these out-of-school programs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a summary report be issued on the findings of this study, including total dollars invested in each county and municipality by program area and impact, with recommendations on relevant issues requiring further study and attention; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the cooperative agreement advisory committee and the children, youth and families department report their findings and recommendations to the legislative education study committee by November 2003; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the children, youth and families department and the director of the legislative education study committee for distribution.