THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA DESIGNATING JUNE 15, 2009 TO JUNE 21, 2009 AS

FATHERHOOD AWARENESS WEEK

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WHEREAS, children who are apart from their biological fathers are, in comparison to other children, 5 times more likely to live in poverty, more likely to be abused, more likely to bring weapons and drugs into the classroom, commit crime, drop out of school, commit suicide, abuse alcohol or drugs or become pregnant as teenagers; and

WHEREAS, in the United States, children who are raised without their fathers account for 63 percent of youth suicides, 71 percent of pregnant teenagers, 90 percent of homeless and runaway children, 85 percent of behavior disorders exhibited by children and 71 percent of high school dropouts; and

WHEREAS, in the United States, 40 percent of children who live in fatherless households have not seen their fathers in at least 1 year, and 50 percent of the children have never visited their father’s home; and

WHEREAS, many of the leading experts on family and child development in the United States agree that it is in the best interest of children to promote more father-involved families and it is important to promote responsible fatherhood and encourage loving and healthy relationships between parents and their children; and

WHEREAS, millions of single mothers in the United States are heroically struggling to raise their children in safe, loving environments, and millions of men do act responsibly, are engaged in the lives of their families, and serve as role models for their children; and

WHEREAS, a father’s presence in the life of a child is a powerful deterrent to delinquency and children who maintain relationships with their fathers are more likely to develop healthy adult relationships and to feel secure in who they are.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Mateo, State of California, hereby designates the week of June 15, 2009 to June 21, 2009 as FATHERHOOD AWARENESS WEEK, commends those who are working to improve the lives of children and families through active male involvement, and encourages others to join in this effort.

Dated: June 16, 2009

SUPERVISORS:

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MARK CHURCH, President

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CAROLE GROOM

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RICHARD S. GORDON

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ROSE JACOBS GIBSON

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ADRIENNE J. TISSIER

Attest:

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Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors