Position Statements - Print All
Age Appropriate Expectations for Children
Growth and development from infancy to adulthood includes countless milestones for each human being. Parents, families and the community support each child through appropriate discoveries and learning. Physically, emotionally and intellectually a child must be ready for growth experiences and should not be forced, hurried or influenced into experiences before they are ready.
Adults in childrens’ lives have the responsibility to monitor early experiences and assure that they are appropriate to the child’s range of development. In extreme cases, children may be hurried into inappropriate activities and may suffer serious consequences. These may include life threatening activities such as the use of firearms, the operation of machinery and vehicles and experimentation with drugs and alcohol. It is the responsibility of parents, families and communities to ensure that each child is afforded the safety of appropriate expectations.
The Children’s Commission honors the sanctity of childhood and a careful path toward adulthood.
adopted December, 1996
Child Care
The Santa Cruz County Children and Youth Commission is concerned with the promotion, preservation, and protection of child care services. We recognize that the need for child care is a major factor affecting families with children.
The entire community is adversely affected when children are not privided proper care and supervision in a safe and healthy setting. High quality child care services must be supported and funded at the local, state and national level so that all families may access affordable options.
Children are cared for in a variety of ways. Those who care for children should understand the developmental needs and cultural backgrounds of the children in their care. In addition, child care programs should be inclusive of children with special needs. All qualified and trained professionals who work with children deserve respect, recognition and worthy pay. These professionals may work in child care centers, family child care homes, infant and toddler care, preschool care, and school age, special needs, recreational and youth programs. In addition to acknowledging these diverse types of child care, the Children and Youth Commission believes that a parent who stays home to care for a child needs recognition that she or he is performing a valuable service to society. Finally, employers should be encouraged to help their employees with young children through such programs as employer-sponsored child care and flexible personnel policies that support family life.
The Children and Youth Commission supports a broad view of child care services. Parents need a variety of options to help them care for their young children in the most enriching and nurturing way possible.
adopted November, 1985; amended April, 2000
Child Care: Planning for the Future
The Santa Cruz County Children and Youth Commission encourages coordination of public and private efforts to develop, maintain and improve quality programs for children and families. The growing number of single-parent families and families in which both parents are employed are increasing and there is a subsequent need to increase child care services. Effective planning can insure that existing and proposed services match identified community needs.
Currently there is formal, county-wide system to review proposals for child care services and facilities. However, local experts who can provide consultation to individuals or other interested parties include Child Care Ombudsman (Child Care Licensing) and the Child Development Resource Center. The Children and Youth Commission strongly supports utilizing these resources as an important component in planning for the future child care needs of Santa Cruz County.
adopted January, 1989
Confidential Services for Minors
California State law currently allows school districts to excuse minor students from school during school hours for confidential medical and counseling services. Some school districts have adopted policies which differ from the State law and require parental notification when children or youths are released for these services.
It is the position of the Santa Cruz County Children and Youth Commission that minor students should continue to be afforded the right to receive confidential medical and counseling services. The Commission supports the adoption of policies that protect individual children and support family wellness. It is important to provide a safe environment where abusive situation in the home can be disclosed. The provision of confidential medical and counseling services may provide an opportunity for some children to disclose abusive situations. The Commission encourages school districts to carefully consider the consequences of confidential services and parental notification policies.
The Commission strongly recommends the participation of health services, mental health and child abuse prevention professionals in both formulating and implementing such policies.
adopted November, 1987
Corporal Punishment
Positive methods of discipline based on clearly understood rules and fair consequences have been demonstrated to be an effective way of teaching children right from wrong. Positive discipline also helps children learn self control, conflict resolution skills and to develop self esteem and respect for those in authority.
Corporal punishment by whatever name - spanking, swatting, beating, hitting, paddling, slapping - is a violent behavior by adults toward children. The gradual outlawing and elimination of the use of corporal punishment has occurred in most of our institutions. In California, corporal punishment remains against the law in public schools and licensed child care, foster care, juvenile halls and group homes.
Corporal punishment teaches children that human interaction is based on force. It teaches them that it is acceptable for larger, physically stronger people to hit smaller, weaker people and that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems. Research and longitudinal studies have indicated that any abuse of children has lasting consequences not only on the child abused but on the rest of society as well. Violent adults create a huge burden on scarce resources as they fill hospitals and jails.
The Children and Youth Commission of Santa Cruz County is opposed to the use of corporal punishment and any measures that may ease the laws against corporal punishment. It is the belief of the Commission that violence should not be taught or condoned in our schools, courts or homes. Study after study has indicated that violent adults are the products of violent upbringing. "Violence begets violence." The Commission believes that corporal punishment must be eliminated as part of an overall goal to reduce violence among youth and adults.
adopted April, 1996
Evening, Overnight and Weekend Child Care
The Children and Youth Commission of Santa Cruz County supports a broad range of child care services and promotes the widest possible availability of child care. As work schedules for parents vary, there may be regular needs for child care at atypical hours, including evening, overnight or weekends. Also, parents may have personal needs for child care during these hours. Therefore, the Commission has identified the following considerations when child care is needed for evening, overnight and weekend hours.
LICENSING AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS - The State of California allows up to 23 consecutive hours of child care by a licensed child care center or family child care home. Child Care beyond the 23 hour limit is required to take place in licensed residential care. Currently there are no additional licensing requirements for facility, ratio, or staff qualifications when child care is provided during night time hours.
Children and Youth NEEDS - Child care at night and on weekends requires staff that has an understanding of the emotional and developmental needs of young children. Special consideration must be given to the nurturing and specific daily routines that young children need during these times. Security and safety of young children during night time hours demand a carefully selected and well-trained staff. Quality programs must include ample space for rest and sleep, attention to the health and nutritional needs of the children, and a staff that is observant and sensitive to the changing physical and emotional needs of the children.
PARENTS' OPTIONS - Parents considering evening, night time and weekend child care must consider options which include supervision by relatives, extended family, personal friends, licensed child care homes and licensed child care centers. It is the responsibility of the family to determine what type of care best fits their individual needs. Availability, affordability and reliability are critical factors to be considered when parents must secure this special kind of child care.
The Children and Youth Commission supports child care choices for parents that recognize the individual needs of the family and the children during evening, overnight and weekend hours. Individuals and organizations who provide care during these periods must offer high quality services which ensure that the children are safe and nurtured.
adopted February, 1989
Harmful Substances
Many factors influence development from infancy to adulthood. Natural factors such as genes are predetermined, but many environmental factors such as nutrition can be controlled. Among these factors are harmful substances to which children may be exposed. The Santa Cruz County Children and Youth Commission believes that all children should grow up without the negative influence of narcotics, alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances. The Commission supports local, state, and federal efforts to address abuses through the following four approaches :
1. Prevention: The best way to take care of a problem is to stop it from ever happening. Youth are vulnerable to the systematic promotion of harmful substances. The Commission supports the development of positive alternatives for youth exposed to various dangerous substances and encourages educational campaigns to highlight the negative effects of harmful substances.
2. Enforcement: It is difficult to enforce laws when the crime seems "victimless." However, every child who uses harmful substances is a victim. Bodies can be ruined by tobacco, alcohol and mind altering substances. This Commission encourages local law enforcement to give priority to high risk situations where youth could be exposed to these substances, to identify youth suspected to be using harmful substances, and to investigate aggressively any person or business suspected of making these substances available to minors.
3. Treatment: Minors with substance abuse problems need care and support to recover. Substance abuse treatment is a costly and time-consuming process that requires the support of many organizations. The Commission appreciates their efforts, and recommends that funding local, accessible substance abuse treatment remain a high priority.
4. Coordination: Coordination and collaboration of organizations working with youth substance abuse issues are vital for prevention, enforcement, and treatment. The Commission recommends a formal communications process to help those in need and to maintain a unified message about the risks of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances.
adopted December, 1999
Non-Custodial Parental Responsibility
All children have the right to adequate support from parents during their childhood and adolescence. Support includes physical well being, emotional health and financial needs. Parenting arrangements change as couples with children separate and custodial responsibilities may shift. The majority of the care may be provided by one parent. In these situations courts often decide that the non-custodial parent is required to equalize the situation by making regular financial contributions in the form of child support.
The Children and Youth Commission of Santa Cruz County believes that the non-custodial parent must carry out such court mandated responsibilities. The failure to provide court ordered monetary support to one's child or children is unacceptable. Parents must set emotional issues aside during divorce or separation. The Children and Youth Commission applauds responsible parents who meet their responsibilities on such agreements. We encourage programs that will improve on the collection of child support payments from non-custodial parents.
adopted May, 1998
Nutrition, Exercise and Body Image
The Children and Youth Commission of Santa Cruz County believes that balanced nutrition, physical exercise and a positive body image are all critical components to physical and mental well being. Many children and adolescents in U. S. society are unhappy with their appearance. Many have not developed sound nutritional and exercise habits. Some resort to extreme or harmful diets and become susceptible to eating disorders. The Children and Youth Commission believes that many children and youth are more concerned about body size and proportion than adequate nutrition and exercise. Many factors that contribute to the health and fitness of youth are under human control. Children and Youth health is affected and may be compromised by highly processed foods that have minimal nutritional content and foods which contain pesticides, chemicals, and hormones.
Many children lead sedentary lives caused by excessive time spent watching television, movies, and playing video games. Parents may rely more frequently on less nutritious fast foods. Celebrities in the fashion, entertainment and sports industries contribute to an obsession with personal appearance from an increasingly younger age, which can contribute to eating disorders.
The Children and Youth Commission believes that awareness and prevention is crucial to changing these disturbing trends. Schools and parents can play an important role by providing accurate information, serving nutritious food, encouraging physical exercise and establishing opportunities for students to discuss their concerns about their appearance, fitness, and peer pressure. Teachers and parents need information about the significance of peer pressure and the warning signs of eating disorders. In addition, significant adults in Children and Youth lives need to be aware of their own feelings about body image in order to help young people. It is important to help youth to find realistic and positive role models. The Children and Youth Commission of Santa Cruz County encourages school leaders, teachers and parents to work actively towards future healthy generations with healthy habits.
adopted December, 1999
Reproductive Health
All members of our community benefit from the availability of comprehensive reproductive health services. If reproductive services are not available, far reaching consequences will result. Overall maternal and child health suffers when barriers to service prevent individuals from controlling their own fertility. Unplanned pregnancy can be a major crisis for a family. Young people, particularly young women, face a future with severe limitations if child bearing is begun too soon. The occurrence of pregnancy complications, at-risk babies, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence and individuals and families trapped in cycles of poverty are directly related to the ability to control reproduction.
Comprehensive services, including prenatal and post-natal care, birth control information and services, sterilization, and abortion services should be available to those who want them. Individuals should not be denied services to which they are legally entitled because of age or inability to pay. Reproductive health services must be based on sound medical practices and should include information, education and referral services when appropriate. It is essential that providers who offer these services are non-judgmental and respect the diversity of a pluralistic society.
Good family health is an important community goal which is linked to the availability of comprehensive reproductive health service. The Children and Youth Commission of Santa Cruz County supports the right of all individuals to have access to a wide range of reproductive health services to achieve this goal.
adopted December, 1990
School Age Child Care
The Children and Youth Commission of Santa Cruz County recognizes the need for age appropriate before and after school programs for school aged children. These programs providing child care and recreation service offer children a sense of security while promoting their healthy growth and development. This supervised environment is extremely important considering many of these children would otherwise spend hours a day alone and, in the case of school vacations, days alone.
All children have the right to a safe, supervised, nurturing environment before, during and after school and during time when school is not in session. Unfortunately. research has revealed that the number of school aged children who are left without adult supervision on a regular basis has grown rapidly in the last decade and continues to grow. Studies recognized by the California Senate Office of Research have indicated ".. that the lack of supervision can encourage experimentation with drugs and sex, foster delinquent behavior, or hamper a child's social and emotional growth. For children left alone, minor emergencies can become life threatening crises."
Attention must be paid to this issue in order to promote the positive development of our community's children. The Children and Youth Commission of Santa Cruz County encourages the collaboration of government, community agencies, schools, child care providers, and business in the development of quality before and after school care and recreation services including those times when schools are out of session.
adopted May, 1996
Toys and Gifts for Children
The Children and Youth Commission of Santa Cruz County would like to encourage parents, friends and family of young children to use care in selecting toys and gifts for young children. Holidays and birthdays allow for opportunities to bestow thoughtful, positive and constructive gifts to young loved ones. There are many excellent, safe, skill-building toys, books and other materials on the market that encourage and enrich creativity. Some examples include puzzles, musical instruments, athletic equipment, age appropriate literature and art supplies.
The Children and Youth Commission is concerned about the continued marketing of toys that promote and encourage violence and destruction. It is our belief that children are better served by gifts that enhance their creativity, productivity and care for others, rather than those that are meant to represent violence and harm to others.
Please consider carefully the kinds of gifts you select for our children.
adopted November, 1996
Water Flouridation
The Santa Cruz County Children and Youth Commission is committed to the promotion of Children and Youth health. Fluoridation of water is a safe and effective public health measure for promoting health by preventing tooth decay. The Commission believes that it is far better to prevent health problems than to treat them. Dental disease is a major health problem for children in Santa Cruz County, as well as the nation. Children who live in communities with water fluoridation have significantly less dental disease than children who drink non-fluoridated water. Since 1950, the American Dental Association along with the United States Public Health Service has continually endorsed fluoridation of drinking water. Public Health professionals support water fluoridation as the single most effective measure to prevent tooth decay and to improve oral health for a lifetime.
Efforts to prevent water fluoridation are sometimes associated with the issue of freedom of choice. However over time, many public health measures were mandated for the greater public good, including chlorinating water, pasteurization of milk and the addition of Vitamin D, childhood immunizations, mandatory use of passenger restraints in cars, helmets for children bicycle riders and all motorcycle riders. All of these measures restrict personal freedom and choice to some extent, but they have saved millions of lives and countless public and private dollars over the years. These preventive measures have also added significantly to the quality of life and reduction of pain and suffering. Water fluoridation has the demonstrated ability to do the same.
Fluoridated water in the recommended concentrations poses no threat to health. No charges against the safety and benefits of water fluoridation in the recommended amounts have been substantiated by reliable scientific evidence. Communities across the nation that have fluoridated their water supply have seen improved oral health for their children. Fluoridated water is especially beneficial for poor children who often suffer disproportionally from dental disease. The means to address this problem is available. The Children and Youth Commission is in favor of water fluoridation as an important dental health prevention measure.
adopted May, 1998
