WHEREAS, the health and stability of any human society is dependent upon the quality of its families, children and youth; and the neglect of families, children and youth leads to the deterioration of the individual and human society; and

WHEREAS, the American Ethical Union holds the issues of youth and child neglect of the highest national priority, and considers the continued neglect of our infants, children and youth as a violation of the most fundamental principles of ethical, humanistic behavior; and

WHEREAS, the Nixon Administration has reversed its "national commitment to providing all American children an opportunity for healthful and stimulating development during the first five years of life," as stated by the President in his establishment of the Office of Child Development in April 1969, by significantly reducing the stature and authority of the Office of Child Development under the proposed Cabinet reorganization for the Department of Human Resources;

BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Ethical Union calls upon the President and the Congress to reinstitute the Office of Child Development as the highest federal office and principal agency to coordinate, direct and implement those programs necessary to provide every child with a fair and full opportunity to reach his full potential.;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the American Ethical Union supports passage of appropriate legislation to further the objectives of this Resolution.

Source: AEU 63rd Annual Assembly Memo [job06scan]

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