WASHINGTON, DC -- A bipartisan effort is underway on Capitol Hill to raise the level of awareness regarding the basic needs of children. Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) and Congressman Jon Porter (R-NV) have introduced legislation to reestablish a White House Conference on Children and Youth.

The conference was established almost 90 years ago by President Theodore Roosevelt to highlight the struggles as well as the strides of the nation’s youth.  Despite reauthorization and funding, the conference has not been held since 1970.

Legislation introduced by Fattah and Porter would authorize a conference to be held in 2010 to focus on child welfare issues. The lawmakers are confident that just as previous conferences have lead to major policy improvements on behalf of children this conference will do the same.

Congressman Fattah said, “It’s time to renew America’s commitment to our children, our national treasure. The nation’s future is dependent on preparing them to face the myriad challenges that lie ahead. “As leaders,” Fattah said, “it’s our job to make sure their basic needs are met and the promise of their possibility is advanced.”

“I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation to reestablish a White House Conference on Children and Youth,” Porter said. “By connecting state and local officials, service providers, tribal communities, families, courts, physical and mental health experts and academic researchers, this comprehensive summit will shape policy in Washington and improve the lives of children throughout the country.”

Leading up to the conference, nationwide events would be held focusing on the critical issues facing children.