D. YOUTH SUPPORT
Investment in children and those who care for them is an investment in the future of both the human race and the planet.
We believe that all children have a right to housing, healthy food, medical care, education and loving, competent caregivers. We support policies and programs that ensure these rights.
We acknowledge the legitimacy and value of diverse family arrangements and support primary caregivers (parents, guardians, etc.).
- Children of a responsible age should participate in determining how their needs can best be met.
- The state should fund programs that meet the needs of the poor, including food, shelter, childcare, healthcare, job training and education.
- Corporal punishment should be prohibited in schools and all other institutions, public and private, where children and adults are cared for or educated.
- The state should support programs that teach alternative, non-corporal forms of discipline to parents, teachers and other caregivers.
- The state should fund treatment for all juveniles in the legal system with mental health or drug problems.
- The state should expand and promote its support services and shelters for battered women and their children in every county in North Carolina.
- The state should fund crisis nurseries and respite care to provide safe housing for children whose parents are temporarily unable to care for them.
- School meal programs should provide more pesticide-free, organic foods prepared onsite and more fresh produce.
- The state should increase its financial support for childcare providers.
- The state should establish a voluntary professional accreditation program for those serving special needs children, make screening and therapeutic services available to homes and centers serving special needs children, and link special needs programs with Early Childhood Family Education, Early Childhood Screening and Early Childhood Special Education programs.
- Every school-aged child of working parents should have access to responsible childcare. Family services collaborative grants should be offered only to programs that include childcare.