04-R 166

2004 -- H 8383

Enacted 03/31/04

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING APRIL, 2004 TO BE "HOST HOME RECRUITMENT DRIVE MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Long, Callahan, Amaral, Enos, and Shavers

Date Introduced: March 31, 2004

     WHEREAS, Stopover Services of Newport County, Inc., (SOS), servicing many Rhode

Island East Bay communities, currently provides a myriad of free programs and services to more

than seven hundred young people and their families. More than twenty years ago they originated

the Host Home model; and

     WHEREAS, The Host Home Program offers a temporary alternative home placement for

young people who are oftentimes facing a crisis situation dealing with overwhelming

circumstances within their family; and

     WHEREAS, Hundreds of Rhode Island families have benefited from the "cooling off"

period the model provides, as they work towards building new skills for reconciling their family's

conflicts; and

     WHEREAS, Placements for these dispossessed youth last no longer than twenty-one days

and often help to prevent more distress or placement in a foster care type situation. Each host

family generally receives no more than two or three youth placements per year; and

     WHEREAS, The Host Home model provides an invaluable resource for young people

and families in the State of Rhode Island. It stands as an inspiration to other communities across

Rhode Island and the country, to duplicate and expand this beneficial undertaking; and

     WHEREAS, There is a mounting need for the neutral environment provided by Stopover

Services, via the Host Homes model, within Newport. Recruitment and expansion of this

invaluable tool for stabilizing and helping local families is essential; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims April, 2004 to be "Host Home Recruitment Drive

Month" in the State of Rhode Island. We hope for the continued success and expansion of the

Host Home model as well as Stopover Services of Newport County. Their dedication to the

Rhode Island communities of Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Little Compton, Tiverton and

Jamestown is admirable; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Stopover Services of Newport County, Inc.

located at 399 West Main Road, Middletown, Rhode Island.

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LC03118

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