HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 80

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Jim R. Trujillo

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT TO COLLABORATE WITH THE CHILDREN'S CABINET TO STUDY THE MERITS AND FEASIBILITY OF CREATING AN OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME DIVISION IN THE DEPARTMENT.

     WHEREAS, studies by law enforcement and nonprofit organizations show that the hours between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. are the peak hours for children to become victims of violent crimes or to commit crimes themselves; and

     WHEREAS, these hours are also the peak hours for drug and alcohol use and for automobile accidents involving children; and

     WHEREAS, research shows that after-school programs can have a positive impact on society by making streets safer and by reducing risk-taking behavior such as alcohol, tobacco and drug use by teenagers; and

     WHEREAS, after-school programs lead to improved educational outcomes for children by increasing school attendance, reducing suspensions and improving standardized test scores; and

     WHEREAS, after-school programs reduce crime, health costs associated with drug and alcohol use, grade repetition and the need for remedial education; and

     WHEREAS, after-school programs help working families by providing their children with a safe, educationally enriching place to go after school when there is no parent at home; and

     WHEREAS, school buildings, playgrounds and other school facilities can and should be better utilized before, during and after school hours for structured out-of-school time for children; and

     WHEREAS, only a small portion of elementary and middle schools in the state currently operate an out-of-school time program; and

      WHEREAS, in New Mexico, nineteen percent of children in kindergarten through twelfth grade are responsible for taking care of themselves after school hours, and more than thirty-nine percent of those children would be likely to participate in an after-school program if one were available in their community; and

      WHEREAS, approximately fifty-five percent of New Mexico's children have either a single working parent or two parents who work, making out-of-school time programs a necessity rather than a luxury;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the children, youth and families department be requested to collaborate with the children's cabinet to study the merits and feasibility of creating an out-of-school time division in the department; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the children, youth and families department consult with a forum for youth in the community that maintains a network of out-of-school time providers in conducting the study; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study identify ways in which an out-of-school time program can streamline funding through the centralization of all out-of-school time programs within the state; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study develop and disseminate standards for quality programs and identify ways to expand out-of-school time services for children; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the children, youth and families department call upon existing out-of-school time providers to continue to offer these vital services while the study is being conducted; andBE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be delivered to all members of the children’s cabinet for further review and action.

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