Declare Infant Mental Health Week

2017, as Infant Mental Health Week in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Infant mental health reflects the crucial first five years of a child's life in which they grow mentally, through observations of their emotional capacity, as well as in their primary relationships; and WHEREAS, Infant mental health is dependent on the love and care that a child receives because the overall quality of the primary relationships in an infant's life dictate their choices and potential future experiences and opportunities; and WHEREAS, Loving and nurturing relationships offer a child a sense of emotional security; this emotional security allows a child the courage to explore the world and succeed far more; and WHEREAS, During the initial five years of a child's life the foundation for proper social and emotional development are conceived and a child's understanding of self-worth and self-confidence are constructed; these necessary emotional developmental traits are crucial to success in school and life; and WHEREAS, Without the proper care and affection during these initial five years, a child can become depressed, restless, and attention-starved, leading them to seek out solace from dangerous situations; and WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize those vital days which remind us of the importance of establishing a foundation of mental health for all adults; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 12-16, 2017, as Infant Mental Health Week in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.