§ 2-100.20. Purpose.

The children and families commission is part of a state-wide effort to create a seamless system of integrated and comprehensive programs and services, and a funding base for the system with program and financial accountability that will:

(a)

Establish community-based programs to provide parental education and family support services relevant to effective childhood development. These services shall include, but not be limited to, education and skills training in nurturing and in avoidance of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol during pregnancy. Emphasis shall be on services not provided by existing programs and on the consolidation of existing programs and new services (provided pursuant to the California Children and Families First Act of 1998), into an integrated system from the consumer's perspective.

(b)

Educate the public, using mass media, on the importance and the benefits of nurturing, health care, family support, and child care, and inform involved professionals and the general public about programs that focus on early childhood development.

(c)

Educate the public using mass media, on the dangers caused by smoking and other tobacco use by pregnant women to themselves and to infants and young children, and the dangers of secondhand smoke.

(d)

Encourage pregnant women and parents of young children to quit smoking.

(Ord. No. 3555, § I, 9-28-99)