ORS 417.708: Legislative findings relating to young children.

The Legislative Assembly finds: (1) The first three years of life are a crucial period in a child’s life, and during this period a child is sensitive to the protective mechanisms of parental and family support. (2) Brain development that takes place during the first year of life is rapid and extensive and has implications for lifelong physical, social-emotional and cognitive well-being. [2001 c.831 §2]