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VOICES FOR OHIO’S CHILDREN SEEKS FEEDBACK ON STATEWIDE CHILD POLICY AGENDA

What is the project? Voices for Ohio’s Children is a non-partisan collaborative of private, public, and not-for-profit sector organizations and individuals who advocate for public policy that improves the well-being of Ohio’s children and their families. The Voices Board of Directors would like to secure input from representatives across Ohio to inform the development of a multi-issue child policy agenda that will:

outline what we want to accomplish for Ohio’s children and their families;

measure how we will know if our children and their families are thriving;

communicate why these results are important to Ohioans.

This statewide, non-partisan child policy agenda will reflect five, important result areas (safe, healthy, educated, connected, and employable) and establish the outcomes we want to achieve for our children and their families. In addition to outlining results and outcomes, the Board wants input from stakeholders on the policy change needed, and strategies and tactics we needed to reach these results.

How is the process being handled? Voices for Ohio’s Children has convened a working group of its Public Policy Partners Advisory Committee and Public Policy Partner representatives to oversee the development of a non-partisan statewide multi-issue child policy agenda. This group is gathering input on an initial policy framework by holding regional meetings; gathering results from an online survey; securing input from policy calls; and encouraging partners to hold local children’s caucuses. They will recommend a policy agenda to the full Voices’ Board on September 11, 2009 for approval. Once the agenda is approved, Voices will engage a communications firm to develop concise messages and a communications plan to engage advocates, families, providers and policy makers across Ohio in this work.

Who can participate and is there a fee? Participation is open to anyone, and it is free. Please sign up to attend one of the regional meetings, complete an online survey, or participate in one of the conference calls. Voices will also give you the tools and training you need to convene a children’s caucus in your community.

What is the initial policy framework? The initial policy framework we propose was developed by a combination of background materials from Voices for Ohio’s Children (What Ohio’s Children Need State Policy Agenda) and the national Children’s Leadership Council. As the Ohio affiliate of Voices for America’s Children, a member of the Children’s Leadership Council, we believe that we can adapt and customize this national policy agenda to represent the unique needs of Ohio’s children. The Children’s Leadership Council is a coalition of child advocates representing 35 leading national policy and advocacy organizations who are working everyday to improve the health, education, and well-being of children and youth in order to prepare them for school, work, and life. The CLC organizations have members in every state in the nation. For the first time, there is a strong, unified group of organizations speaking with one voice to achieve a singular mission – building the public awareness and creating the political will necessary to make greater federal investments in America’s children and youth a reality.

FIVE-RESULT AREAS WE WANT TO ACHIEVE POSITIVE RESULTS FOR OUR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

SAFE: Many children have physical, mental or developmental disabilities or face harmful environmental conditions that require specialized services and treatment. Some of these issues can be prevented and many can be addressed most effectively through early identification and timely treatment. Close to one million children are abused or neglected each year and more than 500,000 children are in foster care. The systems serving all of these children often fall far short of meeting their needs and helping them stay connected to caring adults and included in family and community life. Ohio needs to invest in the well-being of all our children, especially those who are vulnerable and face tough challenges by ensuring more timely, preventive, and comprehensive responses to their needs.

EDUCATED: Investing in early childhood helps America’s children and strengthens our families and communities. Because infancy through age five is a critical time for brain development, young children need safe and stimulating environments that will prepare them to succeed in school, work, and life. Reliable, high-quality early childhood opportunities also give working parents the support and peace of mind they need to be productive at work. Early care and education creates a bridge to work for so many families.

HEALTHY: All children must have the opportunity to grow up healthy. That means having access to affordable, quality, comprehensive health care-- physical, dental, and mental health care--that addresses the unique health care needs of children. Investing in children’s health care strengthens Ohio by creating a healthy and productive workforce.

CONNECTED: Millions of youth are dropping out of high school and disconnecting from the education and labor market mainstreams, with many falling into harm’s way. Addressing this challenge will require a significant, sustained effort to create pathways that will put disconnected youth back on track and build a system of support for in-school youth, especially those in areas of high youth distress. Ohio must have a new vibrant, productive workforce ready to follow in the footsteps of the generation set to retire.

EMPLOYABLE: Investing in assistance for families who need help with basic necessities is an investment in America’s future. Strong and self-sufficient families produce children that are better prepared for school, work and life. These programs do not replace parents or do their work for them, they help make families stronger and provide the help parents need to become more self-sufficient when times are tight.