Child Advocacy Glossary of Terms

In 2004, Voices’ Board of Directors asked their staff to help them better understand the terminology and jargon associated with child advocacy and public policy. After compiling an initial list for its Board of Directors, Voices’ began to receive similar requests from policy makers, volunteers and other professionals in the field. As a result, in January of 2005, Voices’ staff developed the framework for a formal “Child Advocacy Glossary of Terms”.

This document is designed to provide child advocates, policy makers, service providers, funders, the media, and people who care about these issues a quick reference guide and background on many of the issues they might face.

Information is power, which is why Voices’ created this “Child Advocacy Glossary of Terms” It is important that people understand terminology in this field in order to feel confident when advocating for better public policies for their children and families.

It is a dynamic document that will be in a constant state of change because the landscape of public policy is everchanging.