The text of the resolution below is as of Jul 9, 1984 (Passed Congress).
PUBLIC LAW 98-346—JULY 9, 1984 98 STAT. 319
Public Law 98-346
98th Congress
Joint Resolution
To designate the week beginning September 2, 1984, as "National School-Age Child July 9, 1984
Care Awareness Week". [H.J. Res. 544]
Whereas more than half of the children in the United States are in
families in which both parents are in the work force;
Whereas more than one in five children in the United States are in
a one-parent family;
Whereas changes in the composition of American families and the
American work force have resulted in an increased demand for
child care for children of all ages;
Whereas the demand for child care for school-age children has
increased at a greater rate than the availability of school-age child
care;
Whereas estimates show that millions of school-age children be-
tween the ages of six and thirteen, often referred to as latchkey
children, may return alone after school to an empty house or in
the supervision of a slightly older brother or sister;
Whereas research studies have indicated that children in self and
sibling care run greater physical and psychological risks, includ-
ing accidents and feelings of fear and loneliness, than children
who are cared for by an adult;
Whereas the Congress has begun to examine the issue of child care
and the role of Federal and State government, the private sector,
and parents in providing child care;
Whereas the parents, communities, employers, and agencies serving
youth that have recognized the shortage of adequate and afford-
able school-age child care have developed after school programs
for children in their communities; and
Whereas many more parents, communities, employers, and agencies
serving youth need to address the problems facing these children
and to maximize the use of State and Federal resources in collabo-
ration with these efforts: Now, therefore, be it
98 STAT. 320 PUBLIC LAW 98-346—JULY 9, 1984
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled. That the week beginning
September 2, 1984, is hereby designated as "National School-Age
Child Care Awareness Week" and the President is hereby author-
; ,5; • ized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of
itN. -. !^i the United States to observe such week with appropriate programs
and activities.
Approved July 9, 1984.
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LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 544:
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 130 (1984):
June 26, considered and passed House.
June 29, considered and passed Senate.
