Children & Youth Committee

Goals

In 1922, just three short years after our establishment, members of The American Legion realized that neglect of family and child welfare problems were aggravating and handicapping the rehabilitation of the disabled veteran. Following a year of careful study, The American Legion Child Welfare program was outlined and adopted in 1924.

 

In 1925, The American Legion National Child Welfare Division was established and adopted the “Whole Child” plan. This plan provides that “the child of every veteran should have a home, should have health, education, character and opportunity.” Its foundation was based on three principles:

 

1. Strengthen the family unit against the forces of a more complex society. The Legion recognizes the most normal environment for children is a home with their own parents. Our efforts have always been directed toward keeping the family together.

 

2. Extend support to sound organizations and facilities that provides services for children and youth. Always acting in a supplementary capacity, rather than duplicating the efforts of existing agencies.

 

3. Maintain a well-rounded program that meets the needs of today’s young people. Stated certainly for future endeavors, this third principle has provided the elasticity to address all matters of child health and child welfare. This single statement, more than any other one thing, confirms the Legion’s comment to all children.

 

While these principles are the heart of the “Whole Child” plan; the muscle depends on four methods, working together - Education, Legislation, Material Aid and Prevention.