John Kerry: “our Nation's children are our greatest resource. They represent the future of this country and we should do everything…”

“our Nation's children are our greatest resource. They represent the future of this country and we should do everything we can to foster their growth and ensure they lead happy and productive lives. That is why I am proud to cosponsor the Mentoring America's Children Act of 2007 which was introduced today by Senator Clinton. This important legislation highlights the significant impact mentoring can have on a child. Research has shown time and time again that mentoring is an important component to a child's development. Often these children come from broken homes or communities affected by violence. The relationship formed between a mentor and a child helps support their studies in school, their relationships with their families at home, and gives them the confidence they need to withstand the pressures they are faced with. Our children are confronted with much more than some of us even realize. By providing a mentor, parents and teachers have another line of defense in allowing our children to grow up in a safe nurturing environment. The consequences of letting young people grow up without a support system are dire. In 2006 America's law enforcement officers arrested approximately 250 teens an hour, and it's estimated that 900,000 of our children are victims of abuse and neglect. Studies show that most teens that use alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana do so before they are 14. This is unacceptable.”