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Georgia VOICES for Georgia’s Children is dedicated to being a powerful voice for children, setting 10-year objectives to drive state policy and budget in support of children's well-being. Working on a Youth Policy Framework, the organization focuses on vulnerable youth services, programs, and supports to ensure a safe, healthy, educated, connected, and employable future for all children and youth. Drawing from key sources, VOICES influences legislation and policy to prioritize the needs of Georgia's young population. Join VOICES in advocating for policies that benefit children and shaping a better future for Georgia’s youth.
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VOICES for Georgia’s Children • Mission: To be a powerful voice for children and to inspire Georgians to act on their behalf • Key Message: “It’s time for Georgia’s children to reflect the leadership of Georgia’s economy.” • Core Strategy: To set 10-year objectives on 5 measures of children and drive state policy and budget to achieve our goals.
Georgia Youth Policy Framework: A Policy Logic Model Youth Policies Investments Children & Youth Results • Universal • Youth-focused (Ages 0-21) • Vulnerable Youth Services Programs Supports Safe Healthy Healthy System (Public, Private & Non-Profit) Educated Connected Employable Policy Implementation Sources: : (1) Connell, Gambone and Smith (2000) Community Action Framework for Youth Development; (2) Ferber, Pittman and Marshall (2002) State Youth Policy: Helping All Youth to Grow Up Fully Prepared and Fully Engaged; (3) Center for Study of Social Policy (2003) Policy Matters: Setting and Measuring Benchmarks for State Policies: Engaging Youth in Positive and Productive Roles: Recommendations for State Policy; (4) Foundation Consortium of California (2001) Results for Children Initiative (RCI) Theory of Change
2005 Introduced 240 Passed 50 Bills 42 Resolutions 8 2006 Introduced 254 Passed 48 Bills 40 Resolutions 8 General Assembly 2005-2006
Bills Passed -- 2006 • GENERAL • Children’s Budget Study Committee • SAFETY • Sex offenders law • Timely child abuse reports • HEALTH • Newborn screenings increased to 29
Bills Passed – 2006 (continued) • EDUCATION • Lower class sizes • 65% rule for all education funds in the classroom • Parent permission to drop out of school • DOE $ for DFCS youth • CONNECTEDNESS • Child support formula • Age for parental consent to marry • State child care tax credits • Youth incarceration in DJJ through age 21
Policy Interests for 2007-2008 • State Children’s Budget • Health Insurance for All Children • Child Care Quality Rating System • Early Interventions • Juvenile Code Issues • Therapeutic Care for Foster Children • School Funding Sources
Make a Difference: Be a Voice for Georgia’s Children! • Get to know your representatives: General Assembly, Senate, school board, city council • Stay informed: Read FCP updates; join Voices’ listserv • Show up: Attend advocacy days at the capitol and VOTE • Speak up: Share your knowledge; become one of the rare citizens who regularly contacts your representatives