AR 74: Relative to Children’s Emotional Wellness Month.

WHEREAS, The emotional well-being of children is foundational to their ability to learn, grow, form healthy relationships, and thrive as resilient, empowered adults; and

WHEREAS, Thousands of children throughout California experience emotional challenges due to trauma, mental health struggles, family instability, bullying, academic pressures, and social isolation; and

WHEREAS, Early emotional support, education, and healing interventions can prevent long-term suffering, reduce risk of mental illness, and foster healthier, more connected communities; and

WHEREAS, Families, educators, caregivers, health professionals, and community leaders play a vital role in supporting children’s emotional wellness through compassion, communication, presence, and informed care; and

WHEREAS, We must build community and foster collaboration across sectors to strengthen emotional wellness efforts and promote awareness of valuable resources for families and individuals who can benefit from them; and

WHEREAS, One of the most important tools for supporting a lifetime of financial independence and success is CalABLE, California’s savings program for people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Parents are encouraged to open CalABLE accounts for their children with disabilities to save for their future while protecting their eligibility for public benefits; and

WHEREAS, The purple- and green-striped ribbon represents the awareness of children’s emotional wellness and the charitable goodness of people and businesses who publicly support children’s mental health and emotional wellness; and

WHEREAS, The Extraordinary Lives Foundation, through its unique approach to awareness, prevention, and early intervention, is effectively caring for the mental health needs of children and their families throughout California by providing an upstream approach to mental and emotional wellness; and

WHEREAS, A national month of awareness will encourage intentional reflection, education, and action to uplift the emotional needs of all children, with a focus on inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and trauma-informed support; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Assembly hereby proclaims the month of September as Children’s Emotional Wellness Month in the State of California and encourages all individuals, communities, schools, organizations, and government agencies to observe this month through educational programming and workshops, community healing events, school-based emotional wellness initiatives, public campaigns promoting emotional literacy and resilience, and expanded access to healing modalities and emotional support; and be it further

Resolved, That the month of September stands as a reminder that every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported in their emotional journey, and may this proclamation spark lasting commitment, healing innovation, and collective care for our youngest citizens; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.