CA ACR197

Encourages California to recognize the potential and possibilities of children instead of focusing on their deficits.

Critiques the "at-risk youth" label as a deficit-based model that describes children in lower socioeconomic circumstances, those with less-educated parents, and students from undocumented working-class families without giving them equal access to resources and opportunities.

Proposes shifting from deficit-based terminology ("culturally deprived," "deficient," "disadvantaged," "at-risk") to a strength-based "at-promise" approach that assesses children's innate strengths and potential.

Notes that labeling youth as "at-risk" often has negative effects on children and may be damaging to their development and self-perception.

Advocates for recognizing that all children have natural gifts, positive qualities, and potential for goodness rather than emphasizing what needs improvement.