Children of Alcoholics: SAMPLE PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, it is estimated that one in four children in the United States under age 18 is hurt by family alcohol abuse or alcoholism, and that countless others are affected by parental drug use; and

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 non-alcoholics; and

WHEREAS, parental alcohol abuse is a significant factor in a large proportion of child abuse and neglect cases; and

WHEREAS, young children of alcoholics exhibit symptoms of depression and anxiety to a greater extent than children of non-alcoholics; and

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; and

WHEREAS, children of alcoholics, with interest and support from family, friends, health professionals, teachers, clergy, and others, can avoid the negative effects of familial alcoholism:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, [official’s full name], [GOVERNOR, MAYOR, OR COUNTY EXECUTIVE] OF [your jurisdiction], do hereby proclaim February 12-18, 2006 as

in [your jurisdiction] and encourage all [people of your state (e.g. Marylanders)] to help break the silence often surrounding familial alcoholism and reach out to support the children and their families.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of [your state], in the City of [city], this [XXth] day of February, 2006.