REQUESTING THAT THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM OF VALENCIA COUNTY CONDUCT A STUDY OF PROGRAMS AND PROCESSES AVAILABLE TO KEEP CHILDREN IN SCHOOL.

WHEREAS, the multidisciplinary team of Valencia county is in its twelfth year of providing assessment, service coordination and monitoring of service needs of families and their children; and

WHEREAS, truancy and crimes related to truancy have grown at an alarming rate in Valencia county; and

WHEREAS, education remains the primary guarantor of a free society and a contributing citizen; and

WHEREAS, most community problems can best be solved from within the community; and

WHEREAS, agencies involved in keeping children in school include the Belen and the Los Lunas public school systems; the human services department; the children, youth and families department; the thirteenth judicial district attorney's office; and the district courts;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the multidisciplinary team of Valencia county be requested to study and make recommendations to the legislature and any legislative committee or subcommittee deemed appropriate no later than December 1, 1999; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the Valencia county legislators, the governor and the secretaries of human services and children, youth and families.