Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. Longhurst on behalf of all Representatives & Sen. Hansen on behalf of all Senators

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

150th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 3

DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2019 AS “CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS WEEK”.

WHEREAS, it is estimated that one in four children in the United States under the age of eighteen is hurt by family alcohol abuse or alcoholism, and that countless others are affected by parental drug use; and

WHEREAS, there is strong scientific evidence that alcoholism runs in families, with children of alcoholics being four times more likely to develop alcoholism than children of non-alcoholics; and

WHEREAS, parental alcohol abuse or drug use is a significant factor in a large proportion of child abuse and neglect cases; and

WHEREAS, young children of alcohol or drug-dependent parents may face additional difficulty in school and be more likely to be truant, drop out of school, repeat grades, or be referred to a school counselor or psychologist; and

WHEREAS, the interest and support from family, friends, health professionals, teachers, clergy, and others may help children of addicted parents avoid the negative effects of familial alcoholism and drug dependence; and

WHEREAS, a week of recognition would give the opportunity to break the silence often surrounding familial alcoholism;

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 150th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that February 10-16, 2019, is hereby designated as “Children of Alcoholics Week”, and the State Legislature calls upon Delawareans to observe this week by breaking the silence and talking with family and friends about alcoholism and its impact.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitably prepared copy of this Resolution be delivered to Delaware Association of Children of Alcoholics at P.O. Box 344, Hockessin, Delaware 19707.