IA

103D CONGRESS

1ST SESSION H. J. RES. 230

To designate the period commencing on February 14, 1994, and ending

on February 20, 1994, as ‘‘Children of Alcoholics Week’’.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

JULY 14, 1993

Mr. BACCHUS of Florida introduced the following joint resolution; which was

referred to the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service

JOINT RESOLUTION

To designate the period commencing on February 14, 1994,

and ending on February 20, 1994, as ‘‘Children of Alcoholics Week’’.

Whereas it is estimated that there are over 28,000,000 children of alcoholics in the United States, of whom

6,600,000 are under the age of 18;

Whereas there is strong scientific evidence that alcoholism

runs in families with children of alcoholics being 2 to 4

times more likely to develop alcoholism than children of

nonalcoholics;

Whereas parental alcoholism has a significant impact on the

health of children and on the health care system, with
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children of alcoholics being admitted to hospitals at a 24

percent greater rate, using hospital days at a 62 percent

greater rate, incurring hospital charges at a 36 percent

greater rate, and incurring total health care charges at

a 32 percent greater rate, than other children;

Whereas parental alcohol abuse is a significant factor in a

large proportion of child abuse and neglect cases;

Whereas young children of alcoholics exhibit symptoms of depression and anxiety to a greater extent than children of

nonalcoholics;

Whereas young children of alcoholics often have difficulty in

school and are more likely to be truant, drop out of

school, repeat grades, or be referred to a school counselor

or psychologist;

Whereas children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome suffer from a

range of deficits that include dysmorphic facial features,

growth retardation, intellectual impairment, and disruptive behavior patterns and children with Fetal Alcohol

Effect suffer from significant, although less severe, deficits;

Whereas children of alcoholics, with the interest and help of

family, friends, health professionals, teachers, clergy, and

others, can avoid the negative effects of familial alcoholism;

Whereas this resolution seeks to raise the level of public and

professional awareness on behalf of the families and children affected by alcohol addiction;

Whereas by bringing attention to the plight of the children

of alcoholics, the Congress will be offering hope and encouragement for these innocent victims and will be taking
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a significant step forward toward ending the generational

cycle of addiction;

Whereas a national week of recognition would give individuals

and local, State, and national organizations the opportunity to break the silence often surrounding familial alcoholism; and

Whereas in recognition of the Tenth Anniversary of the establishment of the National Association for Children of

Alcoholics: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives

2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

3 That the period commencing on February 10, 1994, and

4 ending on February 20, 1994, is designated as ‘‘Children

5 of Alcoholics Week’’, and the President is authorized and

6 requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people

7 of the United States to observe such period with appro8 priate ceremonies, programs, and activities.

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