CWLA Supports the Younger Americans Act

September 20, 2000, News Release, Washington, DC -- The Executive Director of the Child Welfare League of America, Shay Bilchik, today issued the following statement:

"The Child Welfare League of America is proud to support the Younger Americans Act. This bill will give millions of young people the opportunities and experiences they need to grow up to be contributing members of society.

The introduction of this legislation marks a historic turning point in the way youth are regarded in this country. It is remarkable because it fundamentally shifts our attention to establishing positive youth development as a national priority.

We are proud to join with the bipartisan Senate and House sponsors of this legislation, General Colin Powell, and dozens of organizations that work with young people to urge Congress to pass this important legislation. We are here to encourage investment in programs that research has proven work. The time has come to build on the successes of many local communities and continue to drive down juvenile crime rates by providing opportunities for our youth and a pathway to a positive, law-abiding future.

The new legislation will give kids opportunities and experiences that have not been available in the past. It will make available much needed resources for community-based efforts to provide:

1. on-going relationships with caring adults;
2. safe places with structured activities during non-school hours;
3. access to services that promote healthy lifestyles, including those designed to improve physical and behavioral health;
4. marketable skills and competencies through education and youth development; and
5. and opportunities for community service and civic participation.

The bill will provide federal support for community programs to reach out to young people in new ways. Youth development programs will grow and develop throughout the country. Special targeting provisions will allow communities to help young people who face great challenges due to abuse, neglect, lack of familial support, or high concentrations of poverty. This is truly an historic proposal, and we urge Congress to pass it as quickly as possible."

The Child Welfare League of America is the nation's oldest and largest association of agencies-more than 1,100-which work directly with abused, neglected, and otherwise troubled children, youth, and their families.