“Positive Parenting Awareness Month was launched in Santa Cruz County eight years ago and has since become observed by nine more counties,” said Assembly member Mark Stone, D-Scotts Valley, lead author of the statewide resolution.

“Taking this statewide is a great way to send the message that every community in California benefits from a focus on raising healthy, happy kids – and there are tips and tools available to help.”

The landmark achievement has been made possible with the support of Triple P providers across the state who were able to self-organize and self-fund the required legislative work.

"This is a truly fantastic initiative. A Positive Parenting Awareness Month gives proper public recognition to the crucial importance of parenting to the well-being of children, parents and entire communities," said Triple P founder, Professor Matt Sanders.

"There is nothing more important we can do to promote the well-being of children than to increase the knowledge, skills and confidence of all parents in the task of raising healthy well-adjusted children and young people. Well done, California!" he added.

In proclaiming January 2020 as Positive Parenting Awareness Month, the California Legislature introduced numerous important messages and concepts related to parenting, some of which include:

• Raising children and youth in California to become healthy, confident, capable individuals is the most important job parents and caregivers have.

• Positive parenting can prevent or mitigate the effects of adverse childhood experiences such as child abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, and other traumatic events that can create dangerous levels of stress and impair lifelong health and well-being; and

• Many parents and caregivers begin the lifetime job of raising children feeling unprepared, and fear and social pressures prevent many from seeking parenting help and guidance. 

• Families in California come in many forms, with children who are raised by parents, grandparents, foster parents, family members and other caregivers; and

• Families can benefit from a “tool kit” of proven strategies and receive support from various positive parenting programs in many counties and tribes through numerous organizations and individual practitioners, thanks to local partnerships, such as between First 5 Commissions, local government, tribal nations, health and human service providers, schools, libraries, higher education institutions, and child welfare agencies; and

• Every individual, community group, business, public, and non-profit agency, and tribe in California has a role to play in raising awareness of the importance of positive parenting and supporting the health and well-being of children and families.

“Positive Parenting Awareness Month represents the best in advocacy and government efficiency;” said Brad Thomas, Triple P America CEO. “I'm impressed with the teamwork that was the key in getting ACR 140 (Stone) passed unanimously out of the State Assembly (68-0). Congratulations to California providers and Triple P America wishes you continued success in your advocacy and service delivery to every parent! Your work is an inspiration to all of us.”

(IMAGE: California Assembly Floor following the passage of Assembly Concurrent Resolution 140 (Stone) - Triple P providers across the State of California representing Contra Costa, Inyo, Mendocino, Napa, Orange, San Benito, San Diego, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Joaquin, Solano, and Sonoma Counties)