March 25, 2022: Young Parent Awareness Day

WHEREAS, in 2019, there were 4807 live births to parents under 19, which accounted for 4.5% of all births in Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, young parents deserve equal support, services, and resources to ensure their children’s and their own health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, with support, the children of young parents will have better health and social outcomes; and,

WHEREAS, young parents deserve to be treated with respect and dignity; and,

WHEREAS, young parents deserve to parent their children in safe and sustainable environments; and,

WHEREAS, we must recognize the ways societal discourse around young parents often shames and stigmatizes young parents and does not accurately reflect the lived experiences of many young families; and,

WHEREAS, we must combat the stigma and inadequate support for young parents which lead to additional hardships in young parents’ educational achievement, employment opportunities, financial stability; dating, interpersonal, and sexual violence; mental health, housing access, child care services; and receiving quality maternal and infant health; and,

WHEREAS, we must enact supportive policies and practices within schools, workplaces, and society as a whole—which are known to support young people finish high school, get their GED, pursue higher level education or trade certification, achieve and retain employment, maintain stable housing, and have better physical and mental health outcomes; and,

WHEREAS, we must increase access to equitable, quality, and affordable childcare and behavioral health services; and,

WHEREAS, there are many young parents and families who are happy, healthy, and thriving; and,

WHEREAS, young parents are important contributors within their communities across the state of Michigan;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2022, as Young Parent Awareness Day in Michigan.