SECTIONS 96100-96101 - California Statutes

GOVERNMENT CODE

SECTION 96100-96101

96100. This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the
"California Academic Volunteer and Mentor Service Act of 1992."

96101. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) Every California child is encouraged to have a caring adult
who, along with parents and teachers, is able to offer support,
friendship, encouragement, and motivation to help the child excel
academically and lead a productive life.
(b) As a society, we look to a child's family to provide a
supportive home environment and realize that the primary
responsibility for childrearing must remain with the family. However,
we are keenly aware of increases in child abuse and neglect, the
escalation of drug and alcohol abuse, and that many children who
could excel in school are not receiving all the help and support they
need to succeed.
(c) Untapped human resources exist in local communities throughout
the state that can provide many children with an additional caring
person, in support of the family and school system, to volunteer as a
positive academic role model or mentor. These individuals will help
those children progress in school and help direct and reinforce the
many opportunities that will further enhance each child's life.
(d) The private sector throughout California should be commended
for its generous financial support of public schools. Now there is
another significant contribution they can and must make to California'
s children and youth-- the investment of human capital in our
children's future as academic volunteers and mentors.
(e) Programs such as the 100 Black Men, which provides
encouragement and support to children through the use of mentors,
have resulted in significant increases in graduation rates at the
secondary level and in much improved enrollment rates in
postsecondary education for some of our most vulnerable youth.
(f) Local, regional, and statewide resource referral systems must
be established to more efficiently link children and potential
academic volunteers and mentors with existing programs and
organizations.
(g) Volunteer and mentor service must be encouraged and
appropriately recognized.