POSITIVE PARENTING RESOLUTION WHEREAS, all children need love, guidance and deserve to grow up in an environment free from violence and physical harm. Positive, non-violent, peaceful forms of discipline teach children to think beyond the immediate and give them a blueprint for future reference; and WHEREAS, children are influenced by the model for behavior set by adults in their environment. When adults resort to violence, children are likely to learn this behavior is acceptable and imitate it with their peers; and WHEREAS, positive, non-violent parenting promotes positive, peaceful relationships and respect for others and their rights to safety; and WHEREAS, childhood is a unique and critical stage of life. All children share the same basic needs for safety, health, love and dignity. Peaceful, communicative parenting supports a child’s development; and WHEREAS, current research shows that exposure to violence negatively impacts upon normal brain development and learning for all children; and WHEREAS, violent behavior learned in the home and school environment is reflected in the behaviors of people throughout our communities, cities and societies at large. As a result of this violence, children and families are hurting, education systems and learning has been hindered, and prisons are overflowing with youth; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Chicago will support a proclamation that encourages non-violent discipline in the effort to reduce violence towards all but especially within the family and as directed towards children; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of Chicago, on behalf of the children of Chicago, help establish ties between our schools and community through the promotion of mental health and family counseling programs to support families experiencing stress; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Chicago Child Abuse Prevention Joint Task Force is urged to continue its advocacy on behalf of children experiencing violence in the home; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that City Departments and Agencies are encouraged to implement and distribute positive, non-violent parenting literature within the community via schools, churches, hospitals and community organizations which will help to make parents aware of education that supports behavior management strategies as alternatives to corporal punishment; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall serve as notice that City Council of the City of Chicago has been and shall remain vigilant in guarding the best interests of the children of Chicago in all matters to the extent legally and feasibly possible.