Daily Update August 5, 2015 - Keeping Kids in Families kickoff 8/4

A webinar was held August 4 to  kickoff  Keeping Kids in Families. This initiative developed from the triad of American Public Health Services Association (APHSA), The Alliance for Strong Families and Communities, and National Organization of State Associations for Children (NOSAC). The triad formed in 2014 to impact the child welfare finance reform debate.  

Tracy Evans, APHSA, provided background information noting the current political climate. The triad is launching a campaign to promote safe, caring permanent families. The desire is to develop support policy solutions to include investments in prevention, early intervention, and treatment.  Child welfare has been stagnated. Although addressing practice, little has been done to improve funding.  We need policy and funding solutions. 

Keeping Kids in Families campaign is scheduled to launch Aug 10.  Together Georgia will be invited to join and sign-on to advocate for policy solutions.   

There is a good possibility of bipartisan legislation coming forth this September.  We need to let policy makers know our networks are ready to respond.  We need your voice.

Susan Dreyfus, The Alliance, stressed the key is to mobilize from outside in, rather than limit to within the beltway -  let every member of congress know by their constituents. We need to move beyond the antiquated 1996 lookback. We need a core set of principles and strategies for meaningful reform. 

It is time to take this message forward.  Campaign ambassadors will be assigned to facilitate the process.

Updates were given from providers in Florida and Texas noting their work around developing opportunities for advocacy outreach and building collaboration. 

Marlo Nash, The Alliance,  concluded the meeting noting the Senate Finance Committee hearing - there is momentum and agreement on principles that may lead to bipartisan legislation being dropped in September.  The  Keeping Kids in Families launch is well-timed. Now is the time to reach out, use tools and get others engaged.

Together Georgia will forward additional information as it becomes available. 

tool kit

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