Position Statement: PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION PROGRAMS Adopted January 1995 - Revised October 2010 Health, Community Concerns and Parent Involvement Commissions
The California State PTA believes in the importance of preventing and eliminating factors that may be detrimental to the health, safety and well-being of all children,families and youth.
Recognizing that any circumstance that interferes with a child's potential to become a healthy, educated, productive citizen places that child at risk, the California State PTA believes prevention and intervention programs are vital. Early intervention programs are needed to end the escalating patterns of alienation, which often lead to anti-social and criminal behavior. Prevention and intervention programs must include the areas of physical health, mental health and be designed to enable children and youth to become productive citizens in their communities.
The California State PTA further believes that collaboration must occur between the school, health, social services, and other community agencies to design and provide intervention and prevention/support programs for youth. Such programs may include strategies that will: - Enhance self-esteem and self-confidence;
- Emphasize disease prevention, immunization, visual screening, auditory testing and dental care;
- Educate youth on proper nutrition, appropriate prenatal care, and the dangers of drug, tobacco, and alcohol use;
- Provide counseling, and where appropriate, mentoring;
- Strengthen and expand alternative education programs;
- Provide life skills education including parenting and vocational training; and
- Provide positive age appropriate recreational, social, and cultural activities in the community before and after school hours and on weekends.
The California State PTA believes that children and youth must be given every opportunity to reach their full potential. The California State PTA further believes that concerned individuals, agencies, and organizations must join together to address the needs of all children and youth. Together, families, schools, and communities can effectively strengthen and enhance the maturation of our children, resulting in emotionally secure, healthy, and socially responsible adults.
From time to time the California State PTA Board of Managers conducts studies of issues of general concern in light of the Purposes of the PTA and issues that affect the health, education and well-being of children and youth. A study may result in formulation and adoption of a statement that establishes, clarifies or interprets a PTA position or belief. Position statements provide a basis for action on legislation and other California State PTA action. Upon adoption, position statements, resolutions and general board positions are positions of the California State PTA and remain in effect until they are amended, rescinded or retired. No new statement, board resolution or general board position can be introduced that is in conflict with an existing position unless the respective corresponding position is first rescinded. The California State PTA Board of Managers may not amend or rescind a convention resolution and no board position may be in conflict with a convention resolution. Statements are reviewed every five years to revise, reaffirm or to retire from current use. Statements that include quotes excerpted from state or federal law are reviewed annually. The dates under the title of each statement represent the date first adopted and the date of the latest revision/reaffirmation. |