H 5181 Concurrent Resolution, By J.G. Mattos, Anderson, Breeland, J. Brown, 
C.D. Chamblee, J.P. Harrelson, Harvin, Inabinett, M.F. Jaskwhich, Keegan, 
Kelley, Koon, Lanford, McCraw, McMahand, D.E. McTeer, Meacham, Rhoad, 
I.K. Rudnick, J.S. Shissias, J.J. Snow, Stille, Stuart, P.H. Thomas, Vaughn, 
C.Y. Waites, C.C. Wells and R.M. Young
 A Concurrent Resolution to urge observance of the International Year of the
 Family and the International Day of Families and to honor distinguished
 visitors to a symposium on the right to a family environment.

   04/28/94  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate HJ-304
   04/28/94  Senate Introduced SJ-10
   04/28/94  Senate Referred to Committee on General SJ-10

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

TO URGE OBSERVANCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE FAMILY AND THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILIES AND TO HONOR DISTINGUISHED VISITORS TO A SYMPOSIUM ON THE RIGHT TO A FAMILY ENVIRONMENT.

Whereas, the United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 1994 to be the International Year of the Family and May 15, 1994, to be the first International Day of Families; and

Whereas, the initiation of the International Year of the Family and the International Day of Families was based on concern for the family as the fundamental unit of society, acknowledgment of the extraordinary changes that have taken place in family life around the world in the last generation, and recognition of the need to foster community support for families, often in the face of increased isolation of families, decreased commitment to family life, and increased social and economic stressors for young families; and

Whereas, the Governor and directors of relevant state agencies have recognized "a crisis situation both here and nationally" that necessitates diligent application of a philosophy that puts "Families First" and that requires "work in concert with families and local communities to ensure the best services for children and their families"; and

Whereas, the General Assembly on May 5, 1992, affirmed its support for the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1989, and urged state agencies to ensure that their programs achieve the goals of the Convention; and

Whereas, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, now ratified by most nations of the world, affirms "that the child, for the full and harmonious development of his or her personality, should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love, and understanding"; and

Whereas, the Convention further declares "that the family, as the fundamental group of society and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of all its members and particularly children, should be afforded the necessary protection and assistance so that it can fully assume its responsibilities within the community"; and

Whereas, the Institute for Families in Society of the University of South Carolina has convened a distinguished group of scholars, diplomats, public officials, and administrators of nongovernmental organizations from around the world to study the meaning of the right to a family environment under the Convention; and

Whereas, the Institute has acted in collaboration with the Columbia World Affairs Council, the Medical University of South Carolina, the Alliance for South Carolina's Children, and the national Consortium on Children, Families, and the Law; and

Whereas, the Institute's distinguished guests have contributed their expertise to assist legislators, agency administrators, human service professionals, faculty, students, and concerned citizens as they plan implementation of the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, urges all agencies in South Carolina, especially those concerned with housing, nutrition, education, protection, health and mental health care, recreation, and economic opportunity for children and families, to use the International Year of the Family and the International Day of Families as opportunities to learn about the challenges facing families in South Carolina and around the world, to strengthen the agencies' commitment to support families in their role as the natural environment for the growth and well-being of all people, especially children, and to plan and implement programs to assist the State's communities in support for the families within them.

Be it further resolved that the General Assembly urges civic, religious, education, and local-government leaders to observe the International Year of the Family and the International Day of Families and to use those observances as opportunities to strengthen communities' commitment to support the families within them.

Be it further resolved that the General Assembly recognizes the support that the Institute for Families in Society of the University of South Carolina is giving to the General Assembly and state and local agencies in the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that the General Assembly welcomes the Institute's distinguished visitors to South Carolina, thanks them for their assistance, and honors their work to enhance the welfare of the world's children and families.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be published in the next issue of the State Register.