On August 11, the California Assembly unanimously approved Concurrent Resolution (ACR) No. 155 to encourage statewide policies to reduce children’s exposure to adverse childhood experiences. The resolution passed with bi-partisan support and added 68 members as coauthors (there are 80 members of the Assembly). The California proposal encourages state policy decision-making to consider the impact of early childhood adversity on the long-term health and well being of its citizens.
Speaking about the resolution, its sponsor Assembly Member Bocanegra said, “Far too many of California’s children grow up in harsh environments - exposed to violence, abuse, and poverty. It is not surprising that these experiences impact their health and development in severe and long-lasting ways. Nonetheless, the concepts of adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress are not universally understood. They are not yet a part of our normal lexicon. ACR 155 helps to change that.”
The resolution could go to the floor of the Senate as early as Monday, August 18.
To see a video of remarks by the bill’s lead sponsor Raul Bocanegra of Pacoima, Rob Bonta of Oakland and Reginald B. Jones-Sawyer, Sr. of Los Angeles, go to this link http://calchannel.granicus.com...d=7&clip_id=2332 and scroll down to ACR 155. The video also shows the adding of 68 members as coauthors.
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