SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 43

(By Senators Plymale, McCabe, Minard, Dempsey, Jenkins and Unger)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the possible expansion of in-home family education programs.

Whereas, The Legislature recognizes the benefit of in-home family education, using research-based models to provide voluntary, ongoing parent education and family support services to families with young children through home visits; and
Whereas, There are 30 programs in 24 counties which served nearly 1,700 families representing more than 5,000 individuals in 2004; and
Whereas, In-home family education offers parents an approach that enhances their children's readiness to learn; and
Whereas, Children who receive in-home family education show improved early literacy, language, problem-solving and social awareness skills and have higher standardized test scores; and
Whereas, Participating families rely less on public assistance, have healthier intervals between pregnancies, have fewer problems with substance abuse and have less criminal justice involvement. They are also more likely to have health insurance, to seek prenatal and well-child care and to get their children immunized; and
Whereas, Research shows that participation in in-home family education is associated with higher rates of high school graduation and reductions in adolescent risk behavior; and
Whereas, A need exists in West Virginia to offer services to enhance early learning by children; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the possible expansion and funding for in-home family education programs; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2006, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.