[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 212 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







106th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 212

 To designate August 1, 2000, as ``National Relatives as Parents Day''.


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                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            November 1, 1999

 Mr. Abraham submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                     the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 To designate August 1, 2000, as ``National Relatives as Parents Day''.

Whereas children are this Nation's most valuable resource;
Whereas the most important responsibility for this Nation's lawmakers and 
        citizens is the protection and care of children;
Whereas in order to ensure the future success of this Nation, children must be 
        taught values that will help them lead happy, healthy, and productive 
        lives;
Whereas the family unit is most suitable to provide the special care and 
        attention needed by children;
Whereas this year, many children will suffer from child abuse, neglect, poor 
        nutrition, and insufficient child care, all of which jeopardize the 
        well-being of young children and the opportunity for a fulfilling and 
        successful adulthood;
Whereas extended family members, willing to open their hearts and homes to 
        children whose immediate families are in crises, play an indispensable 
        role in helping those children heal by providing them with a stable and 
        secure environment in which they can grow and develop;
Whereas approximately 520,000 children are currently under the care and guidance 
        of foster parents--about 150,800, or 29 percent, of whom are children 
        living in foster homes with extended family members who care for these 
        children and provide them with a positive home environment; and
Whereas ``National Relatives as Parents Day'' is an appropriate occasion to 
        recognize the dedication, compassion, and selflessness of extended 
        family members who willingly assume the often thankless responsibility 
        of providing a relative child with a family and home: Now, therefore, be 
        it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates August 1, 2000, as ``National Relatives as 
        Parents Day''; and
            (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
        calling on the people of the United States to observe 
        ``National Relatives as Parents Day'' with appropriate 
        ceremonies and activities.
                                 <all>