tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45589840270127864122024-03-13T17:39:37.355-04:00Policy For Results blogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00188093844913024173noreply@blogger.comBlogger511125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-32021399567304277732013-10-15T12:34:00.004-04:002013-10-15T12:34:57.571-04:00We've Moved - New PolicyforResults Blog!!!We are excited to announce that we have a brand <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/blog" target="_blank">new blog</a>! Our new blog is housed on our newly designed PolicyforResults website. Don't worry - we've moved our old content over so you can still read and comment on the policy posts found here. And, there will be even more new information on the new blog!<br />
<ul>
<li>The new <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/blog" target="_blank">PolicyforResults blog</a> can be found <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/blog" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
<li>The new <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/blog/rss" target="_blank">PolicyforResults RSS</a> feed can be found <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/blog/rss" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
<li>And both are connected to CSSP's new <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/" target="_blank">PolicyforResults website</a>.</li>
</ul>
There will be a lot of new content and updated data coming soon! Come and visit!<br />
<br />MMartinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03936883050873411950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-57897347255666252272013-10-10T10:08:00.000-04:002013-10-10T10:16:08.149-04:00The Impact of the Government Shutdown on Children and FamiliesWhile the government shutdown is well into its second week, it is important to keep in mind the devastating consequences that are continuing to impact the most vulnerable children and families. Though programs that directly ensure public health and safety have avoided the spending freeze, including Medicaid and Social Security, most of the programs that are affected are still vital supports and services that help sustain young women and children, low-income families, and the elderly.<br />
<br />
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which provides temporary financial assistance to help pregnant women and families pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical costs, has stopped awarding new funds, however states have the <a href="http://www.clasp.org/resources_and_publications/publication?id=1285&list=publications">option</a> to continue providing <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4558984027012786412">benefits with state dollars. </a>Since TANF provides significant services in addition to cash assistance, such as GED preparation, vocational training, postsecondary education, vocational rehabilitation, help with child care, work stipends, job retention services and more, discontinuing the program during the shut-down – particularly if it continues for much longer - would be a devastating for families in need.<br />
<br />
Head Start programs will also be affected by the shutdown—a total of <a href="http://www.clasp.org/news_room/clips?id=0348">23 programs serving 19,000 children</a> will be affected as their grants begin to expire. Those cuts are in addition to the 57,000 children pushed of Head Start as a result of <a href="http://policyforresults.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-impact-of-sequester-on-head-start.html">the sequester</a>, on top of a $400 million mandatory cut to the program nationwide. The longer the shutdown continues, the more Head Start programs and young children will be adversely impacted. <br />
<br />
Implications of the government shutdown to nutrition programs are equally alarming. The <a href="http://policyforresults.blogspot.com/2013/08/snap-and-minimum-wage.html">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a> (SNAP), which helps over 47 million low-income Americans, will continue providing benefits, but only until the end of October. States have the option of continuing the SNAP program through 2014, but the <a href="http://feedingamerica.org/how-we-fight-hunger/advocacy-public-policy/shutdown-impact-nutrition-programs.aspx">$2 billion</a> available for contingency funds that would be used to compensate the loss of funding would not be enough to support the program in the long-term, since SNAP provides about <a href="http://feedingamerica.org/how-we-fight-hunger/advocacy-public-policy/shutdown-impact-nutrition-programs.aspx">$6 billion</a> in support to families per month.<br />
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The Special, Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which assists over <a href="http://www.clasp.org/news_room/clips?id=0347">9 million</a> at-risk mothers, infants, and young children in accessing healthy food, nutrition information, and health referrals, will also continue until the end of October. Like SNAP, most states have funds to continue WIC for a week or so, but the program won’t be able to continue for very long, with emergency funds running out by the end of the month.<br />
<br />
The impact on supplemental nutrition programs is also impacting the elderly. Senior Nutrition Programs have stopped as a result of the shutdown. The Department of Health and Human Services <a href="http://feedingamerica.org/how-we-fight-hunger/advocacy-public-policy/shutdown-impact-nutrition-programs.aspx">can no longer fund</a> Meals on Wheels, which provides more than one million home-delivered meals to seniors who need them each day. This crucial service has also been impacted by the sequester, which is discussed in this <a href="http://policyforresults.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-ongoing-impacts-of-sequester-on.html">previous post</a>.<br />
<br />
The government shutdown is risking the basic supports and services low-income families need to survive. Although there are emergency funds to continue certain programs in the meantime, the long-term consequences will be harmful and widespread. State policymakers should use their discretion to continue the programs that can provide supports and services to vulnerable families; however, the only sustainable solution is for the government to go back to work in serving children and their families as soon as possible to minimize the impact.<br />
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Natasya Gandanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18424188120701925496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-85369586120469274742013-10-02T09:03:00.000-04:002013-10-02T09:03:46.859-04:00Poverty and the Brain<a href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/341/6149/976.full.pdf">Recent findings</a> show that living in poverty, and the mental strains associated, can impede proper brain functioning. A series of experiments run by researchers at Princeton, Harvard, and the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom concluded that living in poverty can tax the cognitive abilities of anyone experiencing it and that those cognitive abilities return when the burden of poverty disappears. In essence, the research found that poverty imposes such a substantial burden that people living under those circumstances have difficulty making important decisions.<br />
<br />
Previously released studies showed a correlation between poverty and “counterproductive behavior.” For example, these studies found that the poor are less likely to have preventative health care, fail to adhere to drug regimens, are tardier, and less likely to keep appointments. These behaviors can deepen poverty; however, previous explanations have only focused on the impact of environmental conditions as an explanation—predatory lenders in poor communities may create high interest rate borrowing, and unreliable transportation can cause tardiness and absenteeism. Other studies have focused on what they deemed the “characteristics of the poor,” for example lower levels of formal education that can create misunderstandings about contract terms, and less parental attention that may influence the parenting style of the next generation.<br />
<br />
The research recently conducted at Princeton, Harvard, and Warwick is dedicated to a different explanation of poverty, one which focuses on the mental processes required for living in impoverished conditions. Their findings suggest a strong relationship between poverty and mental functioning. The poor must deal with having an inconsistent stream of income, juggle expenses, and are often forced to make difficult compromises, and these everyday occurrences can be distracting. Constant worries about budgetary concerns diminish the cognitive resources available to make thoughtful choices and actions-restricting the ability of people living in poverty to provide full consideration to problems that arise. The findings show that the mental burden of poverty is equivalent to losing 13 IQ points, which is the same as losing an entire night of sleep and is comparable to the cognitive difference observed between chronic alcoholics and “normal” adults.<br />
<br />
As the report states, “Being poor means coping with not just a shortfall of money, but also with a concurrent shortfall of cognitive resources.” The importance of this research indicates that the problems associated with the poor are not actually within poor people themselves, but with anyone who finds themselves living in poverty. These findings have important policy implications—policymakers should create strategies and solutions that reduce and avoid cognitive taxes on the poor. Policies focused on alleviating poverty through raising the minimum wage as <a href="http://www.nelp.org/page/-/Press%20Releases/2013/PR-California-Minimum-Wage-Bill-Signed-2013.pdf?nocdn=1">California</a> recently did, help to address some of the institutional factors impacting poor families across the country. Other policies, which mitigate the effects of poverty, such as food assistance and health care are also ways to assist families trying to make ends meet.<br />
<br />
In response to the <a href="http://www.cssp.org/media-center/press-releases/cssp-statement-on-new-poverty-data-the-need-for-equitable-policy-change">recently released</a> poverty data, it is important to keep in mind how many people are living within these conditions. Federal budget issues such as the maintained sequester cuts, totaled at a reduction of <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/09/20/2657331/need-know-continuing-resolution-just-passed-house/">$986.3 billion</a> in overall discretionary funding, are detrimental to the families that depend on these supports and services to survive. This not only impacts parents and their children financially – but also cognitively.<br />
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Natasya Gandanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18424188120701925496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-68778336443154326822013-09-23T09:00:00.000-04:002013-09-23T09:00:01.860-04:00The Far-Reaching Impact of Parental Incarceration on Children
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September is <a href="http://www.recoverymonth.gov/">National
Recovery Month</a>, a time to promote the societal benefits of prevention,
treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders, celebrate
people in recovery, laud the contributions of treatment and service providers,
and promote the message that recovery in all its forms is possible. Nowhere is
this emphasis on recovery more profound and necessary than for families
involved with the criminal justice system, because of the far-reaching impact
that incarceration has on parents, their children and future generations.
Nonviolent offenders with drug-related charges would be much better served by
drug treatment rather than mandatory minimum sentences, which do little to
rehabilitate individuals or to increase public safety. In fact, incarceration can have the
opposite effect.</div>
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In line with this view, last month Attorney General Eric
Holder <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/12/politics/holder-mandatory-minimums/index.html">announced</a>
that the U.S. Justice Department would cease pursing mandatory minimum
sentences for certain low-level, nonviolent drug offenders. Citing racial disparities, prison
overcrowding as well as the related economic and social impacts, Holder questioned
some assumptions about the criminal justice system's approach to the "war
on drugs," saying that excessive incarceration has been an
"ineffective and unsustainable" part of it.</div>
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In their <a href="http://futureofchildren.org/futureofchildren/publications/docs/20_02_08.pdf">article</a>
in the <a href="http://futureofchildren.org/"><i>Future of Children</i></a>, authors Christopher Wildeman and Bruce
Western compiled multiple sources of research to describe the intergenerational
effects of imprisonment on inequality. Research on adult men suggests that
imprisonment diminishes their earnings, disrupts their romantic unions, and
compromises their health. Likewise, the imprisonment of a partner, on average,
compromises the well-being of those who are left behind. Parental incarceration
has been linked to increased physical aggression in boys, and criminality and
delinquency throughout the life course.</div>
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Many studies have considered the consequences of parental
incarceration for children’s behavioral problems more broadly. Having a parent
incarcerated causes children of all ages to express a mix of internalizing
behaviors, such as being anxious, depressed, or withdrawn, and/or externalizing
behaviors, such as acting out or having temper tantrums. The internalizing
behaviors tend to occur in older children, but the externalizing behaviors hold
across the life course.</div>
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Not only does parental incarceration affect children’s
behavior, but it is associated with other social problems that can lead to
severe marginalization in childhood and adolescence. Children of incarcerated
parents are at elevated risk of homelessness, foster care placement, and infant
mortality. Maternal incarceration may have even more substantial effects on
foster care placement than paternal incarceration does, a risk especially high
for African-American children.</div>
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In an effort to keep families together whenever possible and
to further the action taken by Attorney General Holder, policymakers can
support several policies that will decrease children’s exposure to having a
parent incarcerated:</div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Limit prison time so that nonviolent drug
offenders are not needlessly exposed to the psychological damage of
incarceration, are free to work and earn an income, and spend time with their
families.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Provide effective drug treatment for nonviolent
drug offenders to support their recovery, enabling them to improve their health
and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full
potential.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Identify and address substance use disorders
early on. Research shows that </span><a href="http://www.recoverymonth.gov/Recovery-Month-Kit/Resources/Fast-Facts.aspx#prevention-works" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">for
every $1.00 invested</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> in prevention and early treatment programs, $2.00 to
$10.00 could be saved in health costs, criminal and juvenile justice costs,
educational costs, and lost productivity.</span></li>
</ul>
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Providing drug treatment is a family strengthening policy
that rehabilitates individuals, promotes the integrity of the family, and furthers
the justice system’s goal of
public safety. For more policies related to reducing incarceration, including <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/children-safe-supportive-successful-families/promote-workforce-strategies-for-reintegrating-exoffenders/recidivism-rate/executive-summary">promoting
workforce strategies for reintegrating ex-offenders</a>, see Policyforresults.org.
It is also important to consider alternatives to detention for juveniles. <a href="http://www.njjn.org/uploads/digital-library/Brain-Development-Policy-Paper_Updated_FINAL-9-27-12.pdf">Brain
science</a> has shown that juveniles are resilient and are very likely to be <a href="http://www.prisonpolicy.org/scans/lost_opportunities.pdf">successfully
rehabilitated</a><a href="" name="_GoBack"></a> with appropriate interventions. Many juveniles are also parents, and thus strategies to <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/youth-prepared-to-succeed/reduce-juvenile-detention/juvenile-detention/executive-summary">reduce
juvenile detention</a> will prevent the youngest generation from inheriting the
stressors associated with the incarceration of their young parents.</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Andrea Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672662614072778720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-61055867177895800522013-09-19T17:14:00.000-04:002013-09-19T17:17:53.188-04:00A Look at the 2012 American Community Survey Data & Three Cities<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">According to the </span><a href="http://www.cssp.org/media-center/press-releases/cssp-statement-on-new-poverty-data-the-need-for-equitable-policy-change"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">U.S. Census Bureau’s Community
Population Survey</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">, in
2012 46.5 million people lived in poverty – 16.1 million of them children. The
report showed that Black and Hispanic families continue to have
disproportionally higher poverty rates and lower incomes than White families.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">While the national data
provide a sense of the magnitude of poverty and disparities in the U.S., it is
often difficult to imagine what that means for communities. However, the
subsequent American Community Survey (ACS) data - which was released today -
provides a more detailed look at <span style="background: white;">demographic
characteristics in cities and states. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">CSSP
believes that place matters and strongly impacts the health, safety,
educational and employment opportunities of children and families. We work in a
number of communities that face significant challenges due to years of
disinvestment, including unemployment, failing schools and housing instability.
These communities are trying to take a more comprehensive approach to
addressing these issues. The ACS data highlight some of the significant
obstacles in place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">California is one of only three states that has seen an increase
in poverty since 2011. In 2012 <b>Fresno,
CA</b> – a recipient of </span><a href="http://www.cssp.org/community/neighborhood-investment/place-based-initiatives/promise-neighborhoods" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Promise Neighborhoods</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> planning grant and a
</span><a href="http://www.cssp.org/community/neighborhood-investment/place-based-initiatives/building-neighborhood-capacity" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Building Neighborhood
Capacity Program</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> (BNCP) grant – faced a poverty rate of 31.5 percent, up from
28.8 percent in 2011. In Fresno, nearly half of all Black residents (47.1 percent),
30.1 percent of Asian residents and 38.1 percent of individuals identifying as
Hispanic lived in poverty.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Though median incomes in the state of Wisconsin remain
unchanged in 2012, residents of </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Milwaukee,
WI</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> – a BNCP grant recipient – </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">continue
to experience an unacceptable level of disparity. More than 42 percent of
Milwaukee’s children lived in poverty, including 55.2 percent of Black
children. An immense gap remained across income levels as the median household
income for Black families was $24,994, compared to $45,268 for White families.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Tennessee’s poverty level in 2012 was not statistically
different from the 2011 rate. In </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Memphis,
TN</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> – also a BNCP grant recipient – 28.3 percent of residents lived in
poverty including more than a third (33.6 percent) of Black residents and 14.7
percent of White residents. In Memphis 27.1 percent of households relied on
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits at some point in 2012. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
data released today provide a snapshot across several indicators and capture information
that can be used to make informed public policy and funding decisions –
critically important in the midst of sequester cuts. State and local poverty
rates can only be significantly and sustainably reduced if opportunity gaps are
addressed. A growing number of communities are learning how to help
policymakers better understand what is actually happening in their
neighborhoods and the kinds of resources required to address local needs.</span><br />
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MMartinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03936883050873411950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-77244409930579776802013-09-17T17:19:00.000-04:002013-09-18T16:33:34.891-04:002012 Poverty Data: New Data from the U.S. Census on Poverty, Income, and Health Insurance.Earlier today, the U.S. Census Bureau released the <a href="http://www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/p60-245.pdf">2012 data</a> on income,
poverty, and health insurance coverage. For the second consecutive year,
neither the official poverty rate nor the number of people in poverty at the
national level were statistically different from the previous year’s
estimates—the poverty rate remained at 15 percent – amounting to 46.5 million
people living in poverty. While there was not an increase in the poverty rate, the
2012 data still indicated significant racial disparities in both poverty and
income. The poverty rates among non-Hispanic Whites and Asians were 9.7 percent
and 11.7 percent respectively, while the poverty rates for Blacks and Hispanics
were 27.2 percent and 25.6 percent respectively.<br />
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<b>Poverty and Income Data
Highlights</b></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The percent of people in deep poverty, with
incomes below 50% of the poverty threshold, remained at 6.6 percent from 2011,
which is still a substantial increase from the 5.2 percent rate seen in 2006
and 2007 (prior to the recession) and even from the data collected in 1967
where deep poverty was at 4.4 percent.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The poverty rates for children, those under the
age of 18, was 21.8 percent, not statistically different from 2011.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Median household income in 2012 was $51,017, not
statistically different from the 2011 median income of $51,100.</span></li>
</ul>
<b>Health Insurance Data
Highlights</b><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The percentage of people without health
insurance coverage decreased to 15.4 percent from 15.7 percent between 2011 and
2012, while the number of uninsured people in 2012 was not statistically
different from 2011, at 48 million people.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The percentage and number of people covered by
government health insurance increased to 32.6 percent and 101.5 million people
in 2012 up slightly from 32.2 percent and 99.5 million people in 2011.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The percentage of Asians and Hispanics without
health insurance decreased from 16.8 percent and 30.1 percent to 15.1 percent
and 29.1 percent respectively.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The percentage of uninsured children decreased
from 9.4 percent to 8.9 percent in 2012.</span></li>
</ul>
<b>Safety Net Programs</b><br />
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<ul>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Unemployment
insurance</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> was able to raise 1.7 million people out of poverty in 2012.</span></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Social Security
</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">income helped 15.3 million people aged 65 and older out of poverty in 2012
– if these payments were excluded - it would quadruple the number of elderly
people living in poverty.</span></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> (SNAP), while not included in the poverty
calculations used for the data today, if considered, would have reduced the number
of people in poverty by 4 million people in 2012.</span></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The Earned
Income Tax Credit</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> (EITC) also reduced the number of children classified as living
in poverty in 2012 by 2.9 million children.</span></li>
</ul>
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<b>The Important Role of
Public Policy.</b> Public policy helps create pipelines of educational
opportunity and new jobs. It also creates the supports and services that help
poor individuals and families while they work toward those opportunities. As
evident in the data, the most noticeable statistic changes that occurred in
2012 were in health insurance coverage – with the number of uninsured children
dropping from 9.4 percent to 8.9 percent in 2012. This demonstrates the critical value of policies
that make a public investment in children and families. Public investments have
proven to have a real impact on reducing poverty – and subsequently improving
the quality of life for millions of children and families. Unfortunately, the
$85 billion in cuts to supports and services as a result of sequestration are
likely to only exacerbate the conditions of poverty and increase the percentage
of those living in unacceptable conditions – unable to meet their basic needs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Need for a Focus
on Equity.</b> The racial disparities in the poverty data indicate that Black
and Hispanic families have continued to have disproportionately higher poverty
rates and lower incomes compared to White families, which has been consistent
for more than three decades. This inequity shows the need for innovative
solutions and public investments aimed at supporting real change. Policy strategies should take into account the
existence of disparate opportunities and outcomes—attention to equity creates solutions that best meet the needs of the <i>entire</i> community.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To read <a href="http://www.cssp.org/">CSSP's</a> Statement
on the New Poverty Data and Implications for Children and Families please <a href="http://www.cssp.org/media-center/press-releases/cssp-statement-on-new-poverty-data-the-need-for-equitable-policy-change" target="_blank">click here</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For more strategies to <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/children-safe-supportive-successful-families">Ensure
Children Grow Up in Safe, Supportive and Economically Successful Families</a> visit <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/">PolicyforResults.org</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More from our blog: a primer on <a href="http://policyforresults.blogspot.com/2010/03/defining-poverty-developing.html">poverty
measurement</a> and the Census <a href="http://policyforresults.blogspot.com/2010/09/this-week-annual-release-of-poverty.html">instruments</a> used.<o:p></o:p></div>
Natasya Gandanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18424188120701925496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-45167792192285027982013-09-16T14:03:00.000-04:002013-09-16T14:03:10.922-04:00A New Well-being Resource! Webinar Recording: Raising the Bar: Child Welfare's Shift Towards Well-Being<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #262626; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Over the last decade, there has been an increasing awareness about the poor developmental outcomes for children and youth in the child welfare system. The recognition of the need to improve well-being as a central focus of child welfare’s work has grown from an understanding of the importance of early childhood and adolescence in shaping outcomes, and the impact of toxic stress on the development of children and youth.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #262626; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
To address the importance of focusing on well-being for children and youth in the child welfare system, <a href="http://childwelfaresparc.org/" target="_blank">SPARC</a> and the <a href="http://www.cssp.org/" target="_blank">Center for the Study of Social Policy</a> hosted a <a href="http://childwelfaresparc.org/webinar-invitation-raising-the-bar-child-welfares-shift-towards-well-being/" target="_blank">webinar </a>on Thursday, September 12, 2013. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #262626; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Speakers included:</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #262626; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 15px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 35px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Clare Anderson</strong>, Deputy Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services;</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Amy Templeman</strong>, Well Being Supervisor, Office of Well-Being for the District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency;</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Carla Perkins</strong>, Well Being Education Supervisor, Office of Well-Being for the District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency;</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Aisha Hunter</strong>, Trauma Grant Specialist, Office of Well-Being for the District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency;</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Julie Fliss</strong>, Supervisory Planning Advisor, Office of Well-Being for the District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency;</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 3px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Dr. Cynthia Tate</strong>, Deputy Director, Office of Child Well Being, Illinois Department of Children & Family Services</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #262626; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
To watch this webinar please<a href="http://childwelfaresparc.org/webinar-invitation-raising-the-bar-child-welfares-shift-towards-well-being/" target="_blank"> click here</a>. To read the corresponding policy brief co-released by SPARC and the Center for the Study of Social Policy, <a href="http://childwelfaresparc.org/raising-the-bar-child-welfares-shift-towards-well-being/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</div>
MMartinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03936883050873411950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-76311097243086274262013-09-11T09:00:00.000-04:002013-09-11T09:00:07.064-04:00Making Higher Education More Affordable<div>
Over the past couple weeks, affordable education, and the
Obama administration’s related policy proposal, has been a highly publicized
area of interest. In the new economy, higher education is an important
investment for students working to ensure opportunities and success for their
future. A good example of this can be
seen through the unemployment rate—it is a clear indicator of the benefits of
higher education—showing considerable variation based on education status. For
individuals with just a high school diploma, the unemployment rate in 2012 was<a href="http://www.ed.gov/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/whitehouse_education_better_bargain.jpg">
8.3%</a>, as opposed to individuals with a bachelor’s degree at just 4.5%.
Median weekly earnings also jumped to <a href="http://www.ed.gov/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/whitehouse_education_better_bargain.jpg">$1,066</a>
for those with a bachelor’s degree, compared to $652 for those with only a high
school diploma. The new job market is transitioning into a higher skilled
workforce, and anything less than a college degree is frequently insufficient to
maintain a position within the middle class.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, the costs of higher education limit who can access
these benefits, often leaving low-income families far behind. Many families are
forced to choose between a heavy student debt load or skipping college
altogether. College is too important a
benefit to professional success and financial security for this to be a
decision that families have to make.<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to the White House <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/08/22/fact-sheet-president-s-plan-make-college-more-affordable-better-bargain-">Fact
Sheet</a> on the President’s Plan to make college more affordable:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The average tuition at a public four-year
college has increased by more than 250% over the past three decades, while
incomes for typical families grew by only 16%.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Declining state funding has forced students to
shoulder a bigger proportion of college costs; tuition has almost doubled as a
share of public college revenues over the past 25 years from 25% to 47%.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The average borrower is now graduating with over
$26,000 in debt.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Only 58% of full-time students who began college
in 2004 earned a four-year degree within 6 years.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Loan default rates are rising, and too many
young adults are burdened with debt as they seek to start a family, buy a home,
launch a business, or save for retirement.</span></li>
</ul>
As part of the Obama Administration’s plan for a Better
Bargain for the Middle Class, there have been three alternatives proposed to
make college more affordable: pay for performance, promote innovation and
competition, and ensure that student debt remains affordable. Paying for
performance includes tying financial aid to student outcomes instead of
enrollment rates, in addition to identifying colleges that do the most to
assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds as well as colleges that are
improving their performance.This information will be available on a college “<a href="http://collegecost.ed.gov/scorecard/index.aspx">scorecard</a>.” The
administration plans to spark innovation and competition by highlighting
colleges where innovations are enabling students to achieve good results.
Lastly, the “Pay as You Earn” plan caps federal student loan payments at 10% of
discretionary income, so students have more flexibility in managing their debt.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although these alternatives offer some promise and
developing new solutions is a step in the right direction, more policies and programs
to increase affordability for college are necessary for students, especially
those who are first-generation, those who come from disadvantaged
circumstances, students with disabilities, and many others who come from
non-traditional backgrounds. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
For results-focused state strategies aimed at <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/youth-prepared-to-succeed/increase-college-completion/college-graduation/executive-summary">increasing
college completion</a>, visit <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/youth-prepared-to-succeed/increase-college-completion/college-graduation/executive-summary">PolicyforResults.org</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Natasya Gandanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18424188120701925496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-43268439576142678572013-09-05T10:49:00.000-04:002013-09-05T10:49:43.693-04:00Where we are now 50 years later--The March on Washington<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 50<sup>th</sup>
Anniversary of the March on Washington that took place <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/transcript-president-obamas-speech-on-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-march-on-washington/2013/08/28/0138e01e-0ffb-11e3-8cdd-bcdc09410972_story.html">last
Wednesday</a> highlighted significant areas of progress, while also drawing
attention to the advancements that still need to be made. Although there are
many reasons to celebrate, including equal access to public accommodations,
laws against racial discrimination and employment and African American voting
rights as a result of the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the
Voting Rights Act of 1965, the hard economic goals of the march that were
critical to transforming the life opportunities of African Americans have not
entirely been achieved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In fact, there
are growing economic divides, and despite the important protections established
through the law, discrimination has taken new forms. Fifty years after the
march, and 45 years after the passage of the Fair Housing Act, major banks
still discriminate on the basis of race through predatory practices and lending
activities. For example, an investigation into the nation’s largest home <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/13/business/wells-fargo-to-settle-mortgage-discrimination-charges.html">mortgage
lender</a>, found that the bank charged higher fees and rates to more than
30,000 minority borrowers across the country than they had to white borrowers
who posed the same credit risk. Another concern related to housing can be seen
when you look at the population in homeless shelters. African Americans make up
40 percent of the population living in homeless shelters, while comprising of only
13 percent of the U.S. population. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The inequality extends
to other areas of financial security – including other types of assets and
income. In the last 30 years, there has been no significant progress in closing
the gap between the income of African Americans or Hispanics and white
Americans. In 2011, the median income for African American families was <a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/27/how-dr-king-shaped-my-work-in-economics/?hp&_r=1">$40,495</a>,
just 58 percent of the median income of white families. By 2009, the median
wealth of white families was 20 times that of African American families. The
Great Recession also had a disproportionate impact on African Americans—the median
wealth among African American households dropped by 53 percent between 2005 and
2009, and the poverty rate increased to 27.6 percent by 2011, 3 times the poverty
rate for white households that year at 9.8 percent. About 65 percent of African-American
children live in low-income families—45 percent of which live in communities
with concentrated poverty, as opposed to 12 percent for white children. Living
in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty can significantly impact the lives of
children and their families. Concentrated
poverty is closely linked with many social and economic challenges, including
behavioral problems in young children, higher crime rates, and environmental
hazards that impact health.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Discrimination is
also still prevalent in the job market. Research shows that applicants with “African
American sounding” names get 50 percent fewer calls for interviews, and are </span><a href="http://www.epi.org/files/2013/EPI-The-Unfinished-March-An-Overview.pdf" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">twice</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
as likely to be unemployed. In </span><a href="http://www.epi.org/files/2013/EPI-The-Unfinished-March-An-Overview.pdf" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,
the African American unemployment rate was 14.0 percent, 2.1 times the white
unemployment rate at 6.6 percent, and even higher than the national unemployment
rate during the Great Depression from 1929 to 1939 (13.1 percent).</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite being the
land of opportunity, many young children growing up in America are dependent on
their parents’ income and education to determine the probability of their
success into adulthood. Unfortunately, discrimination and lack of education and
job opportunity is often persistent from one generation to the next, which
limits the opportunities for improving future outcomes. The good news is –
there are ways for public policy to begin to address the inequities that still
exist. In keeping with the progress that has already been made, improving equitable
access to decent housing, maintaining high-quality, integrated education, creating
opportunities for equitable early childhood initiatives and creating a federal
jobs program for full employment are all policy options aimed at advancing equity.
To read the report on The Unfinished March by the </span><a href="http://www.epi.org/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Economic
Policy Institute</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, click </span><a href="http://www.epi.org/files/2013/EPI-The-Unfinished-March-An-Overview.pdf" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></div>
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Natasya Gandanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18424188120701925496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-25722585289692687632013-08-26T09:00:00.000-04:002013-08-26T09:00:09.894-04:00The Impact of the Sequester on Head Start<div class="MsoNormal">
The on-going effects of the federal sequester are continuing
to hit low-income children and families the hardest. As a result of the
mandatory <a href="http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/news/2013/07/01/68644/cutting-off-access-to-pre-k-education-and-child-care/">$400
million cut</a>, Head Start programs this school year will <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/head-start-eliminated-services-to-57000-children-in-us-as-a-result-of-sequester/2013/08/18/e1181810-06d9-11e3-9259-e2aafe5a5f84_story.html?hpid=z2%22">eliminate
services</a> for 57,000 children, 1.3 million days from Head Start Center
calendars will be cut, and 18,000 employees will have to undergo layoffs and
reduced pays. These changes will affect tens of thousands of poor families
across the country who rely on Head Start for early learning programs, day
care, and a network of social services and medical care. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some Head Start centers are trying to minimize the impact as
much as possible by cutting administrative costs and support services, but the
effects are still unfavorable. For example, Head Start in Arlington County,
Virginia is reducing their bus services this year, which means that many
children will no longer have a reliable form of transportation to make it to
class. Other Head Start programs are shortening their school year or the school
day. The latest figures show that 18,000 program hours will be cut next year by
centers that will start later in the day or end earlier. The cuts also force
Head Start programs to lay off staff, reduce hours, and reduce benefits.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While some places are reducing services and staff, most
programs have had to completely cut their services to children. In California
and Texas, services were cut to 10,000 children combined. Virginia has trimmed
nearly 1,200 spots, Maryland cut 460, and D.C. is reducing participants by 100.
Nationwide, these cuts compromise 6,000 children in Early Head Start, which is
designated for infants and toddlers up to age 3, and another 51,000 in Head
Start programs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some locations have been able to use local funds to
compensate the drop in federal funding to maintain the level of service, and more
affluent communities or outside organizations were able to fill-in for the
loss, which is the primary reason why the budget cuts were not as dramatic as
the initial projections; however, these solutions are not sustainable. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition to the important educational benefits for
children in Head Start, the program also allows low-income families a form of
quality daycare that they otherwise would not be able to access or afford. The <a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/17/crushed-by-the-cost-of-child-care/?hp&_r=1">exorbitant
costs of daycare</a> force many parents, and mothers in particular, to decide
whether or not working is even affordable. Many women cannot be assured of both
working and making a decent income after taxes and child care costs. For
instance, daycare can cost up to 30% of one income in a two-salary couple and
is the greatest expense for low-income households surpassing both food and
housing. In New York, costs of daycare can average $25,000-$30,000 per
child—higher than the cost of a year of public college.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The effects of sequestration on Head Start programs are
devastating for low-income children and families nationwide. It is essential to keep in mind that public
investments in the health, welfare, and education of young children and their
families have significant positive returns on investment, but the sequester is
clearly eliminating lifelines.<o:p></o:p></div>
Natasya Gandanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18424188120701925496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-79674507186698741192013-08-19T13:33:00.000-04:002013-08-19T13:40:42.269-04:00Paid Family Leave: Promoting Economic Stability for Children and Families
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The opportunity to take leave from work when needed
is of crucial importance to working families. Most people, regardless of gender
or whether they have children, need to take time off from work for medical,
family or other personal reasons at some point during their careers. Any family
could face a serious injury or illness and need time off to focus on medical
needs – and should be able to do so without fear of losing their jobs. Women
who give birth require time off from work for both the birth and recovery – and
regardless of whether they have given birth, parents also naturally wish to
take time to bond with a new child. According to the Center on the Developing
Child at Harvard University, <a href="http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/resources/reports_and_working_papers/foundations-of-lifelong-health/"><span style="color: #0563c1;">bonding
with caregivers is crucial</span></a> for children’s health and well-being and has
lifelong effects on their physical and mental health. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The federal <a href="http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Family
and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)</span></a> enables workers to take up to 12 weeks of
unpaid, job-protected leave for serious illness, a sick family member, or to
bond with a new child. However, <a href="http://www.clasp.org/admin/site/publications/files/Businesses-FMLA-Unmet-Need-Paid-Leave.pdf"><span style="color: #0563c1;">according
to the Center for Law and Social Policy</span></a>, about 40% of workers are not
eligible for leave under FMLA. Such workers are at risk of losing their jobs
when they need to take time off for medical or family reasons. Even when
workers are eligible, the law is often underutilized because many workers can’t
afford to take time off without pay. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Many low-income workers have two or more part-time
jobs to make ends meet. However, part-time employees generally do not receive
benefits such as health insurance or paid leave, so the workers who can least
afford a loss of income are the least likely to have paid family leave or even
paid sick days. Many low-income workers <a href="http://www.clasp.org/admin/site/publications/files/Businesses-FMLA-Unmet-Need-Paid-Leave.pdf"><span style="color: #0563c1;">lose
all income</span></a> while on leave. <a href="http://www.clasp.org/admin/site/publications/files/Businesses-FMLA-Unmet-Need-Paid-Leave.pdf"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Millions
of workers</span></a> who need leave for medical or family reasons either struggle to
make ends meet while on leave or are unable to take leave at all because they
can’t afford the loss of income.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Blacks and Latinos are disproportionately affected
by lack of access to paid sick days or family leave. According to a <a href="http://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/GlynnLatinosPaidLeave1.pdf"><span style="color: #0563c1;">report
by the Center for American Progress</span></a>, Black and Latino workers are
significantly less likely than white or Asian workers to get paid sick days or
paid family leave. A Latino worker is almost half as likely as a white worker
to receive paid family leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Latino
workers are also less likely to receive paid vacation days, a benefit provided
to over 60% of Asian, Black and white workers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This summer, Rhode Island became the fourth state to
pass a paid family leave law. The Temporary Caregiver Insurance Bill (<a href="http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText13/HouseText13/H5889Aaa.pdf"><span style="color: #0563c1;">H.B.
5889</span></a>, <a href="http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText13/SenateText13/S0231B.pdf"><span style="color: #0563c1;">S.B.
231</span></a>) expands the state’s Temporary Disability Insurance benefits to workers
who need to take time out of work to care for a family member or bond with a
newborn or newly-adopted child. The expanded benefits will be <a href="http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/News/pr1.asp?prid=9580"><span style="color: #0563c1;">funded through
additional employee contributions</span></a> of approximately 0.075% of their income
to TDI. For a worker earning about $40,000 a year, this would mean he or she
would pay 64 cents a week to participate in the expanded benefit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">California was the first state to pass a paid family
leave policy. An <a href="http://www.cepr.net/documents/publications/paid-family-leave-1-2011.pdf"><span style="color: #0563c1;">evaluation</span></a>
found that most employers report that paid family leave had either a “positive effect”
or “no noticeable effect” on productivity (89 percent), profitability/performance
(91 percent), turnover (96 percent), and employee morale (99 percent). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The evaluation also found that abuse of the
policy by employees was rare. Low-income workers who utilized the paid family
leave policy had much higher levels of wage replacement during their leaves and
were more satisfied with the length of their leaves than low-income workers who
did not use the benefit. In addition, female workers who were breastfeeding
that used paid family leave also breastfed their babies for twice as many weeks
on average as those who did not use paid family leave. According to the <a href="http://www.clasp.org/admin/site/publications/files/Breastfeeding-Paid-Leave.pdf"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Center
for Law and Social Policy</span></a>, paid family leave is a crucial support for breastfeeding
mothers. The United States’ <a href="http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calls/breastfeeding/executivesummary.pdf"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Surgeon
General</span></a> has stated that “[o]ne of the most highly effective preventive
measures a mother can take to protect the health of her infant and herself is
to breastfeed”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">New Jersey has enacted a similar policy, which has
allowed <a href="http://blog.nj.com/njv_guest_blog/2012/05/njs_paid_family_leave_program.html"><span style="color: #0563c1;">over
80,000 workers</span></a> to take family leaves averaging 5. 2 weeks with partial wage
replacement. As in Rhode Island, paid family leave insurance policies are funded
by worker contributions—much like unemployment insurance—<a href="http://www.clasp.org/admin/site/publications/files/Businesses-FMLA-Unmet-Need-Paid-Leave.pdf"><span style="color: #0563c1;">amounting
to less than one-half of one percent of wages</span></a>. The Washington State
legislature passed a paid family leave law in 2007, but the benefits have not
gone into effect yet; <a href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2013-14/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/2044%20HBR%20FBR%2013%20E2.pdf"><span style="color: #0563c1;">a
bill</span></a> signed into law in July 2013 will further delay the implementation of
the law until the legislature appropriates specific funding and sets a new<i> </i>implementation
date. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">State policymakers can consider the supports
currently available to workers in their state who need to take time off from
work for family or medical reasons. They can also strengthen other key supports
for working families such as child care assistance and paid sick leave policies.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Please visit <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/"><span style="color: #0563c1;">PolicyforResults.org</span></a> for more
information about how policymakers can ensure that <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/children-safe-supportive-successful-families"><span style="color: #0563c1;">c<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">hildren grow up in safe, supportive and
economically successful families</span></span></a>. To learn more about policies that
support children’s healthy development through providing support to their
families sign-up for <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Policy for
Results</span></a> updates and look for our new report – Supporting Early Healthy
Development- Coming Soon!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Libby Cochranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15395103897784711682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-5838677898257545162013-08-15T12:25:00.000-04:002013-08-15T12:25:24.137-04:00Pathways to Opportunities for Ex-OffendersWhen formerly incarcerated individuals
reintegrate into the community, they face a number of barriers to employment,
education, and access to services. If current trends continue, over half of released
inmates are bound to return to prison within three years. To combat this issue,
it is essential to reduce and avoid the possibility of recidivism. One important way to do that is through
workforce development and education programs for inmates while in prison.<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt;">
Research has shown that higher education
is directly linked to reducing recidivism rates; however, inmates have
extremely limited access to programs that provide education and training.
Education increases human capital and improves general cognitive functioning
while providing specific skills, and for inmates, it can help to obtain and
maintain employment while also deterring criminal activity. Education and
training provides ex-offenders with marketable skills essential for employment
and dramatically improves their outcomes, so making quality education programs
accessible to inmates can minimize the obstacles for ex-offenders during their
reintegration – which ultimately leads to safer communities for all of us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt;">
This <a href="http://www.spotlightonpoverty.org/users/spotlight_on_poverty/documents/Nixon%20and%20Pell_Spotlight_08022013.pdf">commentary</a>
from <a href="http://www.spotlightonpoverty.org/">Spotlight on Poverty and
Opportunity</a> highlights the drastic limitations of incarcerated students,
especially after their Pell Grant eligibility was removed in 1994—since then,
higher education programs dropped from <a href="http://www.spotlightonpoverty.org/users/spotlight_on_poverty/documents/Nixon%20and%20Pell_Spotlight_08022013.pdf">350
to 8</a><u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"> for inmates</span></u>
nationwide. Up to that point, Pell Grants had been the primary source of
funding for higher education programs in correctional facilities. Though some
states have been able to provide funding streams to fill the gap, many of the
effects are still present and impacting thousands of people who will return to
the community. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The removal of Pell Grant eligibility and
the deep cuts in education programs increased the already disparate outcome of
educational attainment among the incarcerated population. The number of
incarcerated individuals receiving postsecondary education in prison dropped by
<a href="http://www.urban.org/uploadedpdf/411963_classroom_community.pdf">44%</a>.
Only <a href="http://www.urban.org/uploadedpdf/411963_classroom_community.pdf">17%</a>
of state and federal prisoners had some level of postsecondary education
compared to <a href="http://www.urban.org/uploadedpdf/411963_classroom_community.pdf">51%</a>
of the population outside of prison, and only <a href="http://www.urban.org/uploadedpdf/411963_classroom_community.pdf">65%</a>
of state and federal prisoners had diplomas or GEDs, compared to <a href="http://www.urban.org/uploadedpdf/411963_classroom_community.pdf">82%</a>
of the population. Additionally, <a href="http://www.urban.org/uploadedpdf/411963_classroom_community.pdf">7 out of
10 prisoners</a> who had a GED reported obtaining it while in prison, which
demonstrates just how important these programs can be in helping inmates obtain
their education.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another important consideration is that inmates
are not the only ones that are affected—the multiple barriers ex-offenders face
affect their innocent children and entire families. An important statistic to
keep in mind is that <a href="http://www.cssp.org/policy/papers/Promoting-Workforce-Strategies-for-Reintegrating-Ex-Offenders.pdf">1
in every 28 child</a><u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;">ren</span></u>
in the United States has a parent behind bars, and failed reintegration harm
both ex-offenders and their children. Policies to support employment for
reintegrating ex-offenders support the well-being and economic success of both
generations, as well as do much more to ensure community-wide safety and
economic growth. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt;">
To read the commentary on Spotlight on
Poverty and Opportunity, click <a href="http://www.spotlightonpoverty.org/users/spotlight_on_poverty/documents/Nixon%20and%20Pell_Spotlight_08022013.pdf">here</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt;">
For more information on Promoting
Workforce Strategies for Reintegrating Ex-Offenders – including providing the
needed supports and services that help their families thrive - click <a href="http://www.cssp.org/policy/papers/Promoting-Workforce-Strategies-for-Reintegrating-Ex-Offenders.pdf">here</a>
and <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/children-safe-supportive-successful-families/promote-workforce-strategies-for-reintegrating-exoffenders/recidivism-rate/executive-summary">here</a>.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Natasya Gandanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18424188120701925496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-65989445473276847462013-08-09T12:51:00.003-04:002013-08-09T12:52:31.962-04:00SNAP and the Minimum WageLast week the House Budget Committee held a <a href="http://budget.house.gov/hearingschedule2013/hearing7312013.htm">hearing</a> marking the War on Poverty’s 50th anniversary. The testimony provided, and the following discussions, included a wide variety of opinions regarding the effectiveness of safety net programs. Of the heavily debated, SNAP drew a significant amount of attention. Policy for Results has previously posted on the significance of <a href="http://policyforresults.blogspot.com/2012/06/snap.html">SNAP</a>, but in light of the hearing, here are a few important <a href="http://feedingamerica.org/how-we-fight-hunger/programs-and-services/public-assistance-programs/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program/snap-myths-realities.aspx">facts</a> to keep in mind:<br />
<ul>
<li>Snap is targeted at the most vulnerable families</li>
<li>76% of SNAP households included a child, an elderly person, or a disabled person</li>
<li>The majority of households have income well below the maximum allowed for eligibility</li>
<li>SNAP benefits do not last most participants the whole month</li>
<li>90% of SNAP benefits are redeemed by the third week of the month</li>
<li>58% of recipients currently receiving SNAP benefits turn to food banks for assistance at least 6 months of the year </li>
</ul>
Despite the support that SNAP provides to working families, in November, SNAP benefits will be cut for all participants. For families of three, the <a href="http://www.offthechartsblog.org/snap-benefits-scheduled-to-be-cut-next-november/">cut</a> will be $25 to $30 a month—a total of $300 to $360 a year. Nationally, the total cut is estimated to be $5 billion in fiscal year 2014. <br />
<br />
<div>
The SNAP program is intended to provide supplemental support to families and research shows that it does. However, the statistics also highlight another important factor addressed at last week’s hearing. A majority, 60%, of households receiving SNAP have someone who is <a href="http://www.cbpp.org/files/1-29-13fa.pdf">employed</a>, and 90% of households receiving SNAP have a family member who finds work within a year. While this demonstrates the importance of what a crucial support the program provides to working families, this also shows the inefficiency of the current minimum wage to provide families with the opportunity to meet their basic needs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the past, the federal minimum wage would increase slightly with inflation, helping to keep millions of Americans out of poverty—minimum wage workers who worked full-time and year round <a href="http://www.clasp.org/admin/site/publications/files/Declining-Wages-Require-Growing-Income-Supports.pdf">earned</a> nearly enough to keep a family of three above the official poverty level. However, since the early 1970s, the minimum wage has fallen significantly – by over <a href="http://www.npr.org/2012/07/08/156458470/raising-minimum-wage-a-help-or-harm">25%</a>. The current minimum wage is $7.25, but the minimum wage in 1968 would have been equivalent to $10 an hour. Even after the 2007-2009 federal increases, the minimum wage remains far too low to sustain working families.<br />
<br />
If the minimum wage were to increase to $10.10, a worker currently making $15,000 would earn <a href="http://www.npr.org/2012/07/08/156458470/raising-minimum-wage-a-help-or-harm">$20,000</a> a year—a significant difference for families living in poverty.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Increasing the federal minimum wage to <a href="http://www.epi.org/publication/bp357-federal-minimum-wage-increase/">$10.10</a> by July 1, 2015, would raise wages for about 30 million workers, who would receive over $51 billion in additional wages over the phase-in period. Women would be disproportionately affected, comprising 56% of those who would benefit from the increase. Around 55% of affected workers currently work full time, more than a quarter are parents, and over a third are married. This would not only dramatically impact these families but would also positively impact the economy - GDP would increase by roughly $32.6 billion, resulting in the creation of approximately 140,000 net new jobs over the phase-in period.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Looking for meaningful solutions for the future, it is essential to maintain safety net programs that can assist the most vulnerable. However, long term solutions have to address the minimum wage. Families working full time should be able to provide their families with their basic needs – and right now they can’t. The research shows that many of the beneficiaries of SNAP are working and are still unable to afford food. To seriously address poverty requires ensuring working families are adequately paid and that when needed, there is a safety net in place to ensure that children and their families can continue to meet their needs.<br />
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Natasya Gandanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18424188120701925496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-6638896945113586632013-08-07T14:50:00.000-04:002013-08-07T14:50:43.736-04:00Helping Homeless Youth Come In From the Cold
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Each
year, </span><a href="http://www.endhomelessness.org/pages/youth"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">an estimated
380,000 youth under 18</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> experience homelessness. Some homeless youth have
been thrown out of their homes by a parent or caregiver. Many have run away
from their homes or foster care situations because of factors such as abuse, neglect
and domestic violence. Older youth often find themselves on the streets after
aging out of the foster care system at 18. Once out on the streets, youth are vulnerable
to abuse and exploitation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Homeless
youth are much more likely to become victims of crime, especially violent
crimes. A </span><a href="http://www.jfcy.org/PDFs/SYLS_Surviving_the_Streets_2010.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">study of homeless
youth</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
found that 76% had been victims of a crime in the previous 12 months, and that
most homeless youth surveyed had been victims of violent crime-- far higher
rates of crime victimization than those found among youth with housing. The
study found that homeless youth of color and lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are victimized at even higher rates
than other homeless youth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The Importance of Data.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Serving
the needs of homeless youth is made more challenging by the difficulty in
getting an accurate count of how many young people don’t have a safe place to
live. Reliable information about how many homeless youth there are and what
they need is essential for effective service provision; however, it is very
difficult for researchers to find homeless youth willing to talk to them, much
less get a clear picture of their needs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This month the Urban Institute released a new </span><a href="http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/412876-counting-homeless-youth.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">report on the
Youth Count! Initiative</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, highlighting promising practices in getting an
accurate count of the homeless youth population.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">According
to the </span><a href="http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/412876-counting-homeless-youth.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">report</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, surveys that ask
youth about their housing situation rather than just asking if they are
homeless yield better data since homeless youth often rely on a range of
strategies to find shelter, including ‘couch surfing’ with friends or
relatives, staying in shelters, sleeping in abandoned buildings, cars or other
places. Broader survey questions about housing stability also allow researchers
to identify the related needs of homeless youth—not only their need for stable
housing, but also other needs that cause or result in youth homelessness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Understanding
the needs of homeless youth requires engaging with organizations that provide
services to this population since youth may be more willing to connect with
trusted service providers. Methods such as hosting magnet events and utilizing
social media were found to be effective in finding homeless youth to
participate in surveys. Engagement with organizations that serve LGBTQ youth
was found to be particularly important, as LGBTQ youth may be reluctant to
share personal information about their housing situation, gender identity and
sexual orientation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Durso-Gates-LGBT-Homeless-Youth-Survey-July-2012.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Research conducted
by the Williams Institute</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> suggests that about 40% of homeless youth receiving
services identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. The </span><a href="http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Durso-Gates-LGBT-Homeless-Youth-Survey-July-2012.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">leading cause of
homelessness</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
cited by LGBTQ youth is family rejection of their sexual orientation or gender
identity resulting in youth running away or being forced to leave home by
family members. Since research suggests that LGBTQ youth are both
disproportionately likely to become homeless and more likely to be victimized
while homeless, effective methods for assessing and serving the needs of LGBTQ
youth is a key aspect of ending youth homelessness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Trying to Survive is Not a Crime. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
is important to have an accurate count and assessment of the needs of youth
with unstable housing; however, policies that encourage youth to reach out when
they need help rather than further marginalizing them are also critical. Youth
may resort to theft or other petty crimes to survive, and many trade ‘survival
sex’ to meet basic needs such as food and shelter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Homeless youth are often targeted by adults
who offer them food and a place to stay and then coerce them into prostitution
or other forms of exploitation. Homeless youth are frequently arrested for such
survival crimes, including survivors of human trafficking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
many areas, even ‘acts of living’ such as sleeping, eating, sitting or
panhandling in public places </span><a href="http://www.nationalhomeless.org/publications/crimreport/CrimzReport_2009.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">have been made
illegal</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
in an effort to drive homeless people from high-visibility public spaces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Attempts to access or improvise clean
drinking water or restroom facilities can lead to arrest. A report by a United
Nations investigator found that homeless populations in the United States are </span><a href="http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/18session/A-HRC-18-33-Add4_en.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">often denied
access to water and sanitation facilities</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> in violation of international
standards. Criminalizing such survival tactics makes it harder for youth to
stay safe and meet their basic needs when they find themselves on the streets,
and the fear of being arrested can discourage youth from seeking help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A </span><a href="http://www.usich.gov/resources/uploads/asset_library/RPT_SoS_March2012.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">2012 report from
the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> found that
criminalizing acts of living through ‘zero tolerance’ approaches to
homelessness are not effective and that “[c]ommunity residents, government
agencies, businesses, and men and women who are experiencing homelessness are
better served by solutions that do not marginalize people experiencing
homelessness, but rather strike at the core factors contributing to
homelessness.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Strengthening
Families and Supports for Youth. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">According to the </span><a href="http://b.3cdn.net/naeh/5a3c6b2bf975ee8989_1bm6bhh9y.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">National
Alliance to End Homelessness</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> (NAEH), the key to addressing the core
factors of homelessness is employing prevention and early intervention services
for at-risk youth as early as possible. The NAEH highlights the importance of
measures that strengthen families through counseling and resources so that youth
have the support they need. Without such resources, factors such as family
conflict, poverty, lack of affordable housing, inaccessible health care and
systemic racism may result in youth being displaced from their families. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ensuring that every child has a
safe, permanent home is crucial, not just for reducing homelessness, but for
ensuring their well-being. For young people aging-out of foster care, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">an effective support system is needed so that
youth can access safe housing, health care, education opportunities and other
supports. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A number of states including
California, Illinois and the District of Columbia have extended foster care
eligibility to age 21 in an attempt to ease this transition. Funded in part by
the federal </span><a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/fosteringconnections/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue;">Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">, extended support is a positive step toward preventing youth from becoming
homeless after aging out. </span><a href="http://www.chapinhall.org/research/brief/extending-foster-care-age-21-weighing-costs-government-against-benefits-youth"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue;">A study</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> found that Illinois foster youth </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">were twice as
likely to have attended college - and more than twice as likely to have
completed at least one year of college by age 21- compared with former foster
youth from neighboring states where eligibility ends at 18. Extended
eligibility<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> was also associated with </span>delayed
pregnancy, higher earnings, and a greater likelihood of receiving independent
living services. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There are a number of interrelated
factors that impact a child becoming homeless Addressing those factors in a
comprehensive way through public policy is a critical part of addressing youth
homelessness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>State policymakers can implement
child welfare, health care, education and social safety net policies in their
state that are more effective in preserving and strengthening families to
ensure that children and youth have what they need to thrive. They can also
strengthen laws and policies to prevent the criminalization and victimization
of homeless young people and assist them in accessing the resources they need
to survive homelessness and move forward as successful adults. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For more information on ways to </span><a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/children-safe-supportive-successful-families/increase-exits-from-foster-care-to-permanency/exits-to-permanency/executive-summary"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">increase exits
from foster care to permanence</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> and </span><a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/youth-prepared-to-succeed/support-youth-transitioning-from-foster-care/transition-aged-youth/executive-summary"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">support youth
transitioning from foster care</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, please visit </span><a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">PolicyforResults.org</span></span></a><u><span style="color: blue;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
Libby Cochranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15395103897784711682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-62369894549298397792013-08-01T09:00:00.000-04:002013-08-02T08:53:39.834-04:00A New Brief! Promise Zones and Policy Implications<div class="MsoNormal">
The Center for the Study of Social Policy is excited to
release a <a href="http://www.cssp.org/policy/2013/Promise-Zones.pdf">new
policy brief</a> on the Obama Administration’s plans to launch “<a href="http://financing-community-change.blogspot.com/2013/07/administration-announces-promise-zones.html">Promise
Zones</a>.” Promise Zones, the latest
addition to a continuum of place-based strategies, will foster partnerships
between the federal government and communities, leverage local investments, and
increase access to tools and resources to help in community revitalization
efforts. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Over the next four years, the administration will designate
20 communities as Promise Zones, including up to five in 2013. The communities
will be designated in urban, rural, and tribal communities with poverty rates
over 20 percent. This place-based program will target local needs by helping
communities focus on job creation, increasing economic activity, improving
educational opportunities, reducing violent crime, and leveraging private
investment. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Although Promise Zones will not receive direct funding,
selected communities will have access to several resources, including tax
incentives. If enacted by Congress, private businesses will receive tax
incentives for hiring and investing in Promise Zones. The tax incentives are
intended to spark job creation and attract private investment in high poverty
neighborhoods, and because these tax incentives are targeted to the communities
in greatest need, they have the potential to both create jobs and reduce
poverty. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Similar tax incentives have been utilized previously through
Empowerment Zones and the Renewable Communities Program as designated by the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Agriculture.
Under the Empowerment Zones and Renewable Communities programs, qualifying
businesses are eligible for billions of dollars in <a href="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=19170_taxincentivesqa.pdf">tax
incentives</a> through employment credits, low-cost loans, increased tax
deductions, partial-exclusion of tax on capital gains upon the sale of certain
assets, as well as other incentives. <o:p></o:p></div>
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However, there can be unintended consequences for tax
incentive programs if not implemented as intended. <a href="http://www.goodjobsfirst.org/accountable-development/enterprise-zones">Tax
incentives for Empowerment Zones</a> have previously received criticism for not
specifically targeting distressed areas enough to attract investments, and many
states have loosened their zone criteria to encompass any area within the state
to qualify—therefore no longer serving their original anti-poverty intent. Moving
forward, it is essential to maintain the anti-poverty goal of the tax
incentives included in the Promise Zones proposal—that is the surest way to
benefit communities with the highest need and to transform our nation’s highest-poverty
areas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To read CSSP’s policy brief on Promise Zones, click <a href="http://www.cssp.org/policy/2013/Promise-Zones.pdf">here.</a> </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To access CSSP’s Investing in Community Change blog, click <a href="http://financing-community-change.blogspot.com/2013/07/promise-zones-brief.html">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
Natasya Gandanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18424188120701925496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-12524685260805371832013-07-31T09:00:00.000-04:002013-07-31T09:00:08.767-04:00The Ongoing Impacts of the Sequester on Communities<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The government-wide spending cuts known as the sequester
took effect on March 1, forcing <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/sequestration-federal-agency-impact/">$85
billion</a> in federal budget reductions by the end of September. As we <a href="http://policyforresults.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-sequester-goes-into-effect-bad-news.html">previously
described</a>, these cuts, which only affect discretionary programs (i.e. programs
for which Congress must annually appropriate dollars) have reduced the budgets
of the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Education, Justice and
Labor, among others. As the months have progressed we are increasingly seeing
how these cuts at the federal level trickle down to impact states and communities,
causing multitudes of reductions in services and programming. </div>
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A <a href="http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/news/2013/07/12/64832/mapping-the-sequester/">map</a>
from the <a href="http://www.americanprogress.org/">Center for American Progress</a>
shows how the sequester is impacting states, including Head Start programs,
public schools, housing assistance, tribal programs and programs for seniors.
These stories from across the nation reveal just how much states and local
governments depend on federal funds to maintain their levels of service. Head
Start programs have been forced to develop <a href="http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/04/15/2963753/the-sequesters-broad-reach-in.html">longer
waiting lists</a>, cut children from the program, eliminate or reduce transportation
for children to centers, and lay off staff. Some <a href="http://themoreheadnews.com/local/x2002145063/Sequestration-cuts-pinching-schools">school
districts</a> have been forced to sell offices, reduce teacher personal days,
lay off teachers and support staff, and eliminate arts, music and physical
education programs. The consequence of these moves are larger classroom sizes
and a lower quality of education. The sequester is also causing longer <a href="http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/investigations/LWRD--202445131.html">waiting
lists for housing choice vouchers</a>, and in some places leading to vouchers
being taken back and current voucher holders being reverted to a waiting list
if they have not yet secured a lease with a landlord.</div>
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Funds for tribal programs have also faced <a href="http://www.charkoosta.com/2013/2013_05_09/Sequester_threatens_tribal_programs.html">extreme
cuts</a>, including 21 percent cuts in tribal housing grants; a 23 percent cut
to Native job training; and a 35 percent cut to Energy Assistance. The
sequester is being felt much heavier in tribal lands because unlike states,
tribes cannot levy property taxes on lands held in trust, or gain significant
revenues from income taxes, given the chronically low incomes of most residents
on Indian reservations. Although the federal government pays about <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/in-montana-an-indian-reservations-children-feel-the-impact-of-sequesters-cuts/2013/03/21/90b61722-916e-11e2-bdea-e32ad90da239_story.html">10
percent</a> of the budget for a typical U.S. public school district; on federal
lands, it contributes as much as 60 percent. This can translate to the
reduction or <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/in-montana-an-indian-reservations-children-feel-the-impact-of-sequesters-cuts/2013/03/21/90b61722-916e-11e2-bdea-e32ad90da239_story.html">elimination
of education programs</a> and services, including the elimination of summer
school, vocational training for high school youth, and can lead to the inability
to fill vacant teacher and support staff positions (such as school guidance
counselors and mental health counselors). The effects of cuts for mental health
programs in tribal schools can have devastating consequences for tribal
communities because research shows that Native American children and youth have
disproportionately high rates of depression, substance abuse and suicide. </div>
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The across-the-board cuts of the sequester are reducing
services for people who immediately need them, but they also have long-term
fiscal consequences. For example, states
have had to roll back on the <a href="http://www.pressherald.com/news/meals-on-wheels-feeling-the-pinch-from-sequestration-cuts_2013-03-31.html?pagenum=full">Meals
on Wheels</a> program, reducing the number of visits seniors receive, and
creating a waiting list for seniors in need of delivered meals. This is a crucial service that enables
seniors to remain in their homes. Not only does the delivery of meals provide
nutrition assistance to seniors, but it serves as a check-up and social
interaction for those who live by themselves and are sometimes otherwise socially
isolated. Cutting these services actually costs taxpayers more money in the
long term, because a tax dollar spent providing support services to someone at
home can prevent having to spend many more tax dollars on providing full-time
care to the same person in a nursing home or an assisted-living facility.</div>
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To deal with these, and likely future cuts to the federal
budget, states will need to focus on policies that maximize their use of
federal funds and intelligently and efficiently prioritize their own funds. To make the best use of funds during tough
fiscal times, it becomes increasingly important to budget using a results-based
public policy framework. First, states should <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/principles-for-tough-fiscal-times/principles/set-priorities-for-budget-decisions">set
priorities</a> for budget decisions by engaging stakeholders and focusing on
measurable results. </div>
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State and local policymakers are being forced to do more
with less, and innovative strategies are needed to make this happen. Facing the
current fiscal year of sequestration as well as other budget cuts, it will be
ever more important for policymakers to support policies that maximize federal
dollars, maximize return on investment and generate savings to invest in what
works. This includes maximizing funds for the <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/maximize-the-use-of-federal-funds/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-">Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program</a>, utilizing the <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/maximize-the-use-of-federal-funds/employment-and-training-programs">Food
Stamp Employment and Training Program</a>, taking advantage of the flexibility
of the <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/maximize-the-use-of-federal-funds/temporary-assistance-to-needy-fami">Temporary
Assistance to Needy Families</a> funds to target priority areas, and ensure
that families are aware of the benefits of filing for <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/strategies-for-tough-fiscal-times/maximize-the-use-of-federal-funds/federal-tax-credits">federal
tax credits</a>. </div>
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For more results-based public policy, visit <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/">Policyforresults.org</a>.</div>
Andrea Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672662614072778720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-53715677480915072272013-07-29T10:11:00.001-04:002013-07-29T10:11:26.027-04:00Helping Families Afford a Decent Place to Live
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Housing insecurity can have serious
negative impacts on the health of young children. </span><a href="http://www.childrenshealthwatch.org/upload/resource/ushousingandchildhealth_ajph_dc_aug11.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Research</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> shows that when
a child’s home is overcrowded or their family has to move multiple times due to
financial pressures, children are at risk of poor mental health, have difficulty
coping with stress, difficulty with social relationships and suffer from poor-quality
sleep. Research on housing insecurity states that:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Housing
insecurity </span><a href="http://www.childrenshealthwatch.org/upload/resource/ushousingandchildhealth_ajph_dc_aug11.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">increases the
risk</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
for childhood injuries, elevated blood pressure, respiratory conditions, and
exposure to infectious disease <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A
history of multiple moves is associated with an increased risk of substance
abuse, behavior problems, poor school performance and teen pregnancy for older
children and adolescents<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Adolescents
who experience school moves are </span><a href="http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/3211287?searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dcauses%2Band%2Bconsequences%2Bof%2Bstudent%2Bmobility%26acc%3Doff%26wc%3Don%26fc%3Doff&Search=yes&searchText=consequences&searchText=student&searchText=mobility&sea"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">50% more likely</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> not to graduate
from high school <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Multiple
moves in childhood are associated with lower overall health in adulthood <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
some cases inadequate housing is a contributing factor in an increased risk of
children </span><a href="http://www.jstor.org.proxy.lib.umich.edu/stable/pdfplus/3211287.pdf?acceptTC=true"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">being removed
from their homes by child welfare services</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In light of the negative impacts of housing insecurity on the
health, well-being and life outcomes of children, effective housing policy is
crucial to keeping children safe, healthy and well. This includes both policies
to help homeless families find proper housing and policies to prevent families
from losing their housing in the first place. However, budget cuts at the
federal, state and local level mean that many local housing agencies are unable
to meet rising demand for housing assistance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Federal funding cuts to the </span><a href="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Housing Choice Voucher
Program</span></span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> (formerly known as Section 8) due to sequestration means
that thousands of eligible people including very low-income families, the
elderly and people with disabilities are unable to get the assistance they need
to afford the rent on a decent place to live. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Housing vouchers are a critical support for many working,
poor families who live in areas where rents are high and affordable housing is
in short supply. Under the program, families pay 30-40% of their income on rent
and the voucher covers the remainder. As funding for the program has fallen, many
housing authorities have closed waiting lists (which already number in the tens
of thousands in many states) and have stopped issuing new vouchers. Some have
laid-off staff to avoid cutting off assistance to families who currently have
housing vouchers and might become homeless without them. The US Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimated earlier this year that </span><a href="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=HCVPSeqLetter.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">125,000
households</span></span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> will lose their housing assistance due to sequestration. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">People who have been on the waiting list for years and finally
reached the top <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are being told that they
won’t be getting help after all; for instance, the </span><a href="http://www1.nyc.gov/apps/311/allServices.htm?requestType=service&levelOneId=3B3E9720-05BC-11DE-AC9C-EF5AFBC474DE&levelTwoId=3B3E9720-05BC-11DE-AC9C-EF5AFBC474DE-5&serviceName=NYCHA+Section+8+Program+Cuts&finalSubLevel=2"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">New York City
Housing Authority</span></span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> is no longer accepting new applications or processing new
vouchers, and says that “[f]or Section 8 voucher holders who have identified an
apartment and not yet scheduled an appointment to have the housing unit
inspected and for those voucher holders who are still searching for an
apartment, the vouchers will be terminated immediately.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Housing Authority of New Orleans had to </span><a href="http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/hano_recalls_700_section_8_vou.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">recall housing
vouchers recently issued to 700 families</span></span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> who had spent years on
the waiting list and who now will have to find some other way to avoid
homelessness. In Hartford, Connecticut </span><a href="http://www.ct.gov/dss/cwp/view.asp?Q=523042&A=4125"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">20 families</span></span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
have had their vouchers rescinded, as have </span><a href="http://www.nbcwashington.com/blogs/first-read-dmv/Fairfax-County-Freezes-Housing-Vouchers-Program-Due-to-Sequester-201548091.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">42 families</span></span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
in Fairfax County, Virginia. In El Paso, Texas, </span><a href="http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_22835762/100-families-lose-section-8-housing-aid"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">100 families currently
receiving assistance were told in March</span></span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> that their vouchers
were being taken away and they would have to either leave their homes and move
into public housing or figure out another way to keep a roof over their heads. In
Washington DC, the United States Senate is currently considering the </span><a href="http://thehill.com/images/stories/blogs/flooraction/jan2013/s1243.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Transportation,
Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill</span></span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">,
which would provide funding for housing choice vouchers and other housing and
homelessness measures; however, at the moment local housing authorities do not
know if next year they will face further cuts or be able to issue vouchers
again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Receiving a Housing Choice Voucher for a family whose housing
is insecure is an invaluable support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, even if a family is one of the lucky few who receive a voucher,
in most states landlords can legally refuse to rent to potential tenants simply
because they are receiving rental assistance. Due to the widespread
discrimination against tenants receiving housing vouchers, in recent years some
state and local policymakers have acted to reduce the obstacles preventing
low-income families from finding a place to live. Earlier this month, Oregon
passed a </span><a href="http://gov.oregonlive.com/bill/2013/HB2639/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">new law
prohibiting discrimination</span></span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> against tenants who pay part of
their rent with a housing voucher. Chicago has </span><a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/cchr/AdjSupportingInfo/AdjFORMS/Section8VouchersSourceofIncomeDisc.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">a long-standing
city ordinance</span></span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> prohibiting such discrimination, and in May an </span><a href="http://www.cookcountygov.com/taxonomy/Human%20Rights,%20Commission%20On/Legal%20Documents/cc_human_rights_ord.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">amendment to
Cook County’s Human Rights Ordinance</span></span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> extended these rights
countywide. States such as Minnesota, Vermont and Massachusetts have similar
tenant protections, as do some other municipalities including New York City. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Legal protections and housing assistance programs help to
reduce barriers to housing security, but ensuring that affordable housing is
available in communities is critical to the success of such measures. A number
of states have created innovative policy approaches in recent years in an
attempt to increase the availability of affordable housing so that families are
not priced out of the market in their area. The Illinois </span><a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1435&ChapterID=29"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Affordable Housing
Planning and Appeal Act</span></span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> requires that at least 10% of
housing in each community have affordable rents or mortgages. Connecticut,
Massachusetts and Rhode Island have similar statutes. Such policies help to
encourage the expansion of affordable housing so that families are not forced
to repeatedly move due to rising rents or remain in areas of concentrated
poverty because no other affordable housing is available. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">State policymakers should consider new approaches to
increasing the availability of affordable housing – to ensure that working
families aren’t “priced out” of the market. They can also increase the legal
protections that prevent landlords from discriminating against families who use
housing assistance to make ends meet. Approaches to ensuring safe, stable and
affordable housing options for families not only provides a critical concrete
support now – but leads to better health, education and other well-being
outcomes for children in the future. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">For policy strategies that </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/children-safe-supportive-successful-families/promote-affordable-housing/family-housing-affordability/executive-summary"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: blue;">promote
affordable housing</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">, please visit
PolicyforResults.org.</span>Libby Cochranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15395103897784711682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-34628173404149113742013-07-29T09:47:00.000-04:002013-07-29T09:47:16.732-04:00A New Resource from SPARC! Raising the Bar: Child Welfare’s Shift Toward Well-beingThe recognition of the need to improve well-being as a
central focus of child welfare’s work has grown from an understanding of the
importance of early childhood and adolescence in shaping outcomes, and the
impact of toxic stress on the development of children and youth. The federal
government has initiated efforts to prioritize well-being and encourage states
to improve outcomes related to educational success, child health,
social-emotional development, and connection and support to a child’s family,
for children and youth in the child welfare system. Indications of that
commitment are seen in the <a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/110/hr6893/text"><i>Fostering Connections to Success and
Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008</i></a> and<i>
</i>the<i> </i><a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr2883/text"><i>Child and Family Services Improvement and
Innovation Act of 2011</i>.</a><br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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CSSP is excited to have recently authored a paper for <a href="http://childwelfaresparc.com/">the State Policy Advocacy Reform Center</a>
(SPARC) at <a href="http://www.ffcampaignforchildren.org/">First Focus,</a> addressing
well-being,<i> </i><a href="http://childwelfaresparc.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/raising-the-bar-child-welfares-shift-toward-well-being-7-22.pdf"><i>Raising the Bar: Child Welfare’s Shift
Towards Well-Being</i></a>. The paper
highlights the importance of ensuring the well-being outcomes for children in
the child welfare system are addressed – and that while addressing safety and
permanence we should also be ensuring that children are healthy, successful at
school and meeting developmental milestones – not to mention engaging in normal
activities like playing sports and attending social events. The brief
summarizes the research and policy and practice trends related to well-being,
and highlights federal, state, and local efforts. It also outlines action l steps for
policymakers and advocates to implement a policy and practice agenda in their
community to enhance well-being. <o:p></o:p></div>
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To read more, please access the brief <a href="http://childwelfaresparc.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/raising-the-bar-child-welfares-shift-toward-well-being-7-22.pdf">here.</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;">For more on promoting well-being and supporting children,
youth and families involved in child welfare please visit</span> </span><a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/tools/policymakers-corner/a-fact-sheet-series-for-policymakers/child-welfare">CSSP</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span><span class="MsoHyperlink">and </span><a href="http://childwelfaresparc.com/">SPARC</a><span class="MsoHyperlink">. </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;">For
results-based policy strategies to promote well-being please visit</span> </span><a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/tools/policymakers-corner/a-fact-sheet-series-for-policymakers/child-welfare">PolicyforResults.</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Natasya Gandanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18424188120701925496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-15407601663882509602013-07-25T15:40:00.000-04:002013-07-25T15:40:36.889-04:00Extending Medicaid to 26 – A New Policy Brief!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The Center for the Study
of Social Policy has released a new policy brief, <i><a href="http://www.cssp.org/policy/2013/The-Affordable-Care-Act-and-Implications-for-Youth-Aging-Out-of-Foster-Care.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">The Affordable Care Act and Implications for Former Foster
Youth</span></a></i>, addressing the Medicaid regulations extending coverage
until youth turn 26.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As highlighted in the
brief, 41% of foster youth between the ages of 18-26 do not have health
insurance, while these foster youth are almost more than twice as likely to
struggle with mental health problems and have significantly higher rates of
health needs in general. Despite the understandable need for easier access to
healthcare, foster youth have fewer options in comparison to their peers.
Medicaid is essential in providing the necessary care and insurance to foster
youth as they transition into adulthood.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To better address the
needs of children in foster care, provisions in the Affordable Care Act, and
the corresponding regulations, extend Medicaid to former foster youth until age
26. To q<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4558984027012786412"><span style="color: blue;">ualify </span></a>for the extension of Medicaid, the
youth must have been in foster care at the time of their 18<sup>th</sup> birthday,
or have aged out of foster care based on their states’ age limits, and have
been enrolled in Medicaid. These current Medicaid regulations require foster
youth living within the state to receive eligibility for extended
coverage. However, coverage is important no matter where a young person
grows up – so while it is only an option to provide coverage to youth who move
from another state – it serves as an important support to these youth. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The brief provides
recommendations to states to maximize the health of children formerly in their
care, including:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal">Elect the option to provide
Medicaid coverage to former foster youth in different states.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Create an automatic enrollment
process for youth prior to aging out of care.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"> Implement a one-time
Medicaid eligibility determination until the age of 26.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"> Engage former foster youth
and child welfare workers in designing an outreach campaign to identify
successful outreach strategies in hopes of increasing the number of youth
who enroll under this provision.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Select the most appropriate
managed care program, instead of automatic enrollment for state-selected
plans, for foster youth when possible.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Educate all child welfare agency
representatives about the process of enrollment and to implement
integrated care models, such as Health Homes.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Work with Medicaid agencies to
coordinate enrollment eligibility of former foster youth even after the
age of 26.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
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Medicaid provides a
concrete support for young people transitioning into adulthood. To learn more
about concrete supports that help <a href="http://www.cssp.org/reform/child-welfare/youth-thrive"><span style="color: blue;">youth to thrive</span></a>, please read CSSP’s brief on <a href="http://www.cssp.org/reform/child-welfare/youth-thrive/2013/YT_Concrete-Support-in-Times-of-Need.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">Concrete Supports in Times of Need</span></a>. For more
results-focused policy strategies for children, youth and their families
visit <a href="http://policyforresults.org/"><span style="color: blue;">PolicyforResults.</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Natasya Gandanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18424188120701925496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-83383431321610847992013-07-19T17:12:00.000-04:002013-07-19T17:12:27.449-04:00How TANF programs support family economic success
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This week the House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing
entitled </span><a href="http://waysandmeans.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=341992"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">What
Really Works: Evaluating Current Efforts to Help Families Support their
Children and Escape Poverty</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">. The hearing is the second in a
series of three on ways to reform the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
(TANF) program (commonly referred to as welfare). Although the federally-funded
TANF block grant represents a small fraction of total social spending, it helps
</span><a href="http://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/main/2013_family_tan.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">over
a million</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> low-income families make ends meet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">One key aspect of state TANF programs is their role
in helping parents find jobs by connecting them to job training resources and
assisting with their job search so that they can find employment that pays a
family-sustaining wage. However, approaches to supporting family economic
stability vary widely from state to state. According to a </span><a href="http://www.cbpp.org/files/2-26-13tanf.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">report</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
released earlier this year by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, the
current ‘workforce participation’ rules often make it difficult for states to
help families lift themselves out of poverty. For instance, current work rules
severely limit the amount of time that parents receiving TANF benefits can
spend on educational activities such as getting their GED or completing a job
training program. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to the
witness testimony of </span><a href="http://waysandmeans.house.gov/uploadedfiles/kristen_cox_testimony_071713.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Kristen
Cox, the Executive Director of Utah’s Office of Management and Budget</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
at this week’s hearing, current requirements mean caseworkers spend about 70%
of their time proving clients are in compliance with rules and regulations. Ms.
Cox explained in her testimony that caseworkers spend the majority of their
time doing paperwork such as keeping track of how many hours each individual
client has spent on work-related activities, which of the 12 categories of work
each of those hours falls into and whether those hours are below the maximum
number of hours allowed per week for that category of work activity. Ms. Cox suggested
that <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>additional flexibility in the rules related to job
training and workforce participation is needed to allow states to innovate and
help clients more effectively. She stated that rather than‘one size fits all’
solutions for assisting clients in their job search, states need room to
implement new strategies and focus on what works to help families lift
themselves out of poverty. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Another witness, Tara Smith of the University of
Texas at Austin’s Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://waysandmeans.house.gov/uploadedfiles/tara_smith_testimony_071713.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>testified</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> that ‘work
first’ policies are often very ineffective because they don’t take into account
the obstacles that many families face in achieving economic stability or the
local circumstances such as the unemployment rate or local growth industries.
Smith stated that for many families, a two-generation focus that connects the
education and employment sectors has been used successfully to help
participants establish family-sustaining careers and begin building a better
future for their children. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Some states are already rethinking how they use TANF
funding to achieve better outcomes for children and families. States such as </span><a href="http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/11/TANFPerfMeasures/index.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Maryland,
Minnesota, Utah and Wisconsin</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> have been refocusing
the way they measure success to put more emphasis on helping families build a
foundation for future economic stability by finding permanent jobs with higher
pay. For instance, Maryland tracks the rate of paid work placement, the job retention
rate and participants’ gain in earnings. Minnesota measures program success by
looking at the rate at which participants leave the program for employment,
their earnings at the time of placement and the ‘Self Support Index’, or number
of participants who are able to partially or wholly support their families
through employment after three years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">South Carolina’s TANF-funded Family Independence
program </span><a href="http://www.scstatehouse.gov/CommitteeInfo/Ways&MeansHealthcareBudgetSubcommittee/February012013/DSS%20Budget%20Request%20for%20FY%2013-14.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">more
than doubled</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> the number of families that
successfully found employment by setting goals based on ‘positive closures’
(the number of TANF benefits cases closed because families’ earnings increased
until they surpassed the eligibility threshold) rather than compliance with
federal workforce participation activities. </span><a href="http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/412795-Early-Lessons-from-the-Work-Support-Strategies-Initiative-South-Carolina.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">South
Carolina’s organizational change efforts</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> include utilizing data
in decision-making to identify strategies that work as well as streamlining
program implementation to let caseworkers focus more on helping clients and
less on paperwork. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">State policymakers can re-evaluate the role of the
workforce participation rate requirements in how success is defined and
measured in their state’s TANF-funded programs and work toward a more effective
framework for efforts to support family economic stability and reduce poverty.
They may also wish to consider ways that data could be more effectively
utilized to identify successful strategies and streamline implementation to
focus more resources on what works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For more on ways to </span><a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/children-safe-supportive-successful-families/reduce-poverty/poverty-level/executive-summary"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">reduce
child poverty</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, please visit </span><a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">PolicyforResults.org</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Libby Cochranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15395103897784711682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-11647446602933285862013-07-11T14:38:00.000-04:002013-07-11T14:38:24.794-04:00Immigration Reform and Benefits Access as a Means of Keeping Families Together<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
On June 27<sup>th</sup>, the Senate passed the Border
Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 (S.
744), a comprehensive set of reforms of federal immigration policy. Title II of
S. 744 contains many provisions of significance to low-income immigrant
families, including the creation of a new immigrant status, an overhaul of
current family and employment visas, policy on benefits access, and the creation
of new farm worker and temporary worker visas. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The bill creates a new status, registered provisional
immigrant (RPI), for people who were physically present in the U.S. on or
before December 31, 2011; have maintained continuous presence until the date of
application; have paid all federally assessed tax liabilities, fees and
penalties; and have not been convicted of certain criminal offenses. RPI status
may be renewed in six-year periods. After 10 years, individuals in RPI status
may apply to adjust to lawful permanent resident (LPR or “green card”) status.
An additional three years in LPR status is required before people initially
granted RPI status may apply for U.S. citizenship. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The bill allows undocumented farm workers who can
demonstrate a minimum of 100 work days or 575 work hours in the two years prior
to the date of the bill’s enactment to be eligible for an agricultural card
(“blue card”). Workers who work at least 100 days a year for five years or
workers who perform at least 150 days a year for three years can adjust to LPR
status. To be eligible for LPR status, agricultural workers must show that they
have paid all taxes and fees, and have not been convicted of any serious crime.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The bill goes on to describe the applicability of
benefits programs for these new immigrant statuses. A person granted RPI status
or a blue card will not be eligible for nonemergency Medicaid, the Children’s
Health Insurance Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families, or Supplemental Security Income for the duration
of their provisional status. When they adjust to LPR status, they generally
will be forced to wait at least five additional years before becoming eligible
for these programs. A person granted RPI status or a blue card will be able to
purchase private health insurance through the state Health Exchanges created by
the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, as a RPI they are not eligible for the
ACA’s premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Immigration Policy’s
Impact on Children and Families<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The policies contained in this new Senate bill have
important implications for keeping immigrant families together, because
creating a legal means for families to remain in the U.S. will remove the
threat of deportation, thereby preventing the children of immigrants from separation
from their parents. Poor immigration policies and poor implementation and
enforcement of policy can lead to severe consequences for immigrant families,
in particular low-income undocumented children and families. In the first six
months of 2011, the federal government removed more than <a href="http://arc.org/shatteredfamilies">46,000 parents</a> of U.S.-citizen
children, and an alarming number of these children end up in foster care.
Unfortunately, the exact number of children in foster care due to deportation
of their parents is challenging to find because child welfare departments and
the federal government do not document cases of families separated in this way.
These children must wait months or years to see their parents, if they ever see
them again at all. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The trauma of separation can be substantial for both
immigrant parents and children. Parents are held in detention centers for an
indefinite amount of time while their case is being reviewed, which leaves
parents and children in the dark about when they will see each other again. Detention
centers are on average <a href="http://www.hrw.org/reports/2011/06/14/costly-move">370 miles away</a>
from a detainee’s home, which can make visitation extremely difficult for
families with limited resources. If the separation is long, the issue of
language barriers can arise for infants and toddlers, who oftentimes must
adjust to speaking English in their foster homes, and lose some of their native
language. Loss of language can even become a major barrier to reunification, as
some caseworkers and children’s attorneys deem communication between parent and
child to be too difficult.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What Works<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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The Senate-passed bill would create new immigrant
statuses that would bring millions of undocumented workers into more stability.
While neither the Senate bill nor current federal policy extend public
anti-poverty programs to families in RPI or LPR status, state policymakers have
some leeway in supporting immigrant families’ ability to maintain their
housing, meet their nutritional needs and support their ability to maintain
consistent employment. Having access to these benefits can support families’
ability to maintain the <a href="http://www.clasp.org/admin/site/documents/files/info_03d.pdf">extensive
employment, income and fee requirements</a> for RPI and LPR status, which would
protect them from deportation, thereby preventing the devastating consequences
of the separation of families, including trauma, parental alienation and loss
of language and culture.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Immigrant families that live and work in the United
States can be assisted in their stability and integration into the community
with the help of public benefits. Federal statute limits the eligibility for
essential means-tested social services, such as health insurance and food
assistance, to non-citizens and legal residents who have lived in the U.S. for
a minimum of five years. Under the Senate bill, an individual who began as a
RPI would have to wait at least 15 years before becoming eligible to receive
benefits from federal means-tested programs. However, states have the ability
to use their funds to expand coverage to programs for low-income children and
families who are not qualified for coverage under federal funding. States can:<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>Elect to provide Medicaid and CHIP to lawfully present
immigrant children and pregnant women who meet the Medicaid state residency
requirement.</li>
<li>Provide state-only food assistance to qualified immigrant
families.</li>
<li>Expand TANF coverage to some or all qualified immigrants
during the five-year ban. This could include cash assistance, childcare,
transportation and/or housing assistance.</li>
<li>Implement welcome/outreach programs for new immigrants to
assist with integration into society.</li>
<li>Support programs that assist eligible immigrants through
the process of naturalization and increasing their civic engagement.</li>
<li>Support the policy force in addressing immigrant communities
with proper communication and culturally sensitive measures.</li>
<li>Support policies that protect immigrants from deportation.</li>
<li>Create exceptions to the termination of parental rights
timelines for incarcerated, detained and deported parents.</li>
<li>Institute “time-of-arrest” protocols for local law
enforcement agencies to enable parents to decide who should take custody of
their children.</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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For more on how access to benefits can <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/children-safe-supportive-successful-families/reduce-poverty/poverty-level/executive-summary">reduce
child poverty</a> and <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/children-safe-supportive-successful-families/prevent-child-abuse-and-neglect/rate-of-child-maltreatment-victims/executive-summary">prevent
child abuse and neglect</a>, see <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/">Policyforresults.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
Andrea Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672662614072778720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-8454883759780284832013-07-11T13:41:00.000-04:002013-07-11T13:41:03.730-04:00Helping Survivors of Domestic Violence Keep Their Children Safe
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Domestic violence has a huge impact on children, even if the abuse is not
directly targeted at them. Every day in America, far too many children witness
their mother being terrified, humiliated and assaulted by an abusive partner.
According to the </span></span><a href="http://endingviolence.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/st_final_ipv_report.pdf"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">National
Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV)</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, 25.6% of children
and youth have been exposed to family violence and 17.9% had witnessed a parent
being physically assaulted by their partner. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The trauma experienced by children who live in homes with domestic
violence can be significant and long-lasting. Even very young children are affected
by the stress and tension their mother feels due to the abuse in a domestic
violence relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exposure to
domestic violence puts children at risk of having unhealthy relationships as
adults. Further, children growing up in a home where abuse is the norm are </span></span><a href="http://jiv.sagepub.com/content/18/2/166.abstract"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">more likely to become either
perpetrators or survivors of domestic violence as adults</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In families where concerns for a child’s well-being are serious enough
require the involvement of the child welfare system, it is crucial that child
welfare professionals understand the complex needs of domestic violence
survivors when considering potential interventions. Many survivors of domestic
violence remain in abusive relationships because of barriers to safety such as
lack of housing, counseling, employment and legal services to obtain protection
orders, divorce and custody. If survivors and their children have support in
overcoming such barriers, they often can rebuild their lives without the
additional trauma of the children being removed from their parent and placed in
foster care. The child welfare system has the potential to support child
well-being through recognizing the dynamics of domestic violence in families
and responding appropriately.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several states have taken steps to ensure that
their child welfare systems are able to respond to domestic violence
effectively and with sensitivity towards the specialized needs of children and
survivors of domestic violence. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The </span></span><a href="http://endingviolence.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/st_model.pdf"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Safe and
Together model</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> is being used in Connecticut, Florida, Missouri and Ohio to train
child welfare professionals on how to work with families traumatized by
domestic violence to achieve better outcomes for children. This model hinges on
the basic principle that it is in the best interest of children to be safe and
together with the non-offending parent or family member so that children can
have the safety, stability and healing from trauma that they deserve. The model
advocates for a partnership with the non-offending domestic violence survivor as
the most effective and efficient way to promote the well-being of the children,
as well as, when appropriate, intervention with perpetrators of domestic
violence to help them build a healthier relationship with their children. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In addition
to utilizing domestic-violence specific models, many states have instituted a
Differential Response model in child welfare, which provides an alternative to
the one-size-fits-all investigation approach to reports of child maltreatment. This
allows child welfare professionals to assist families with a low to moderate
risk of harm in accessing services to help address concerns about children’s
well-being rather than taking the traditional investigative approach. This
approach is not appropriate for all reports of child abuse and neglect;
however, for many families-- including many survivors of domestic violence--
this alternative approach offers the opportunity to work in partnership with
child welfare workers to ensure their children’s well-being. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a </span></span><a href="http://www.iarstl.org/papers/ARinMNfromProtectingChildren.pdf"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">randomized
experimental study conducted in Minnesota</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> comparing this alternative response to
the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">adversarial
investigation</i>’ approach, researchers found that families in the alternative
response group had greater increases in child safety and a lower likelihood of
a subsequent report of child maltreatment during the follow-up phase. Both
families and child welfare workers were more satisfied with the alternative
approach. This was achieved at a significantly lower cost which researchers
found more than offset the initial investment costs of alternative response. Similar
models are being implemented in a number of other states, and research in other
states such as </span></span><a href="http://www.iarstl.org/papers/NevadaDRFinalReport.pdf"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Nevada</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and </span></span><a href="http://www.americanhumane.org/assets/pdfs/children/differential-response/pc-dr-ohio-section2-final-evaluation-report-1.pdf"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Ohio</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> has found similar
positive outcomes.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">State policymakers
may wish to consider ways that policies can better meet the needs of survivors
of domestic violence and their children, including trauma-informed services for
child witnesses of domestic violence. They may also wish to evaluate the way
the child welfare system responds to family violence, support systems of care
in meeting the needs of families and advance research-informed approaches to
achieving better outcomes for children and families who have experienced
domestic violence. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more
information on </span></span><a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/children-are-healthy/promote-childrens-seb-health/seb-health/executive-summary"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">promoting
children’s social, emotional and behavioral health</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/children-safe-supportive-successful-families/prevent-child-abuse-and-neglect/rate-of-child-maltreatment-victims/executive-summary"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">preventing child
abuse and neglect</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, please visit PolicyforResults.org. For information on Strengthening
Families, a successful approach to preventing child abuse and neglect, please
visit </span></span><a href="http://www.cssp.org/reform/strengthening-families"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">CSSP.org</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Libby Cochranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15395103897784711682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-14357201264350637532013-06-25T12:32:00.000-04:002013-06-25T12:33:51.249-04:00Title IX is a Beginning, Not a Destination: Programs for Pregnant and Parenting Youth<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sunday was the anniversary of </span><a href="http://www2.ed.gov/policy/rights/reg/ocr/edlite-34cfr106.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Title
IX</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">,
the Education Amendment that prohibits sex discrimination in public education,
including discrimination against pregnant and parenting students. Many
Americans primarily associate Title IX with its dramatic impact on young
women’s opportunities to play sports; however, the spirit of Title IX is far
more encompassing. While great progress has been made since the early 1970s to ensure
that girls and women have equal opportunities to get a quality education, many
barriers remain—especially for pregnant and parenting students. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">According to a </span><a href="http://www.nwlc.org/sites/default/files/final_nwlc_pregnantparenting_report.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">report
by the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC)</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, pregnant and
parenting youth still often face discrimination at school that violates their
legal rights under Title IX. Tremendous stigma surrounds teen pregnancy, and
some teachers and school staff still assume that pregnant students will
inevitably drop out. The report finds that these negative assumptions about
pregnant and parenting youth often lead to overt discrimination such as the
illegal expulsion of pregnant students, pressuring these students into enrolling
in low-quality ‘alternative’ education programs, refusing to excuse absences
for medical appointments or even childbirth, and not letting students make up
work that they missed when absent due to pregnancy. Pregnant students are often
denied the services available to other students with temporary medical
conditions including home or hospital-based instruction. Although schools are
required under the law to have Title IX coordinators to ensure that claims of
sex discrimination are addressed, some schools either have a coordinator who
does not know what his or her responsibilities are or have no coordinator at
all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The report emphasizes that rather than pregnancy
being the end of the road for students, it can be a powerful motivating factor
in encouraging formerly disengaged students to succeed in school and in their
careers in order to provide their children with a better life. The report also
argues that pregnancy is not the root cause of lack of educational achievement
among students, but rather that factors like poverty, lack of access to health
information and care, and a weak support system are the underlying factors that
increase students’ risk of both teen pregnancy and low educational attainment. If
students do not complete high school, it becomes far more difficult for them to
go on to college or access jobs that pay a family-sustaining wage. With a young
child to look after, it becomes even more critical for young parents to be able
to earn a good living. Yet the child that may motivate a parenting student to
succeed may be viewed by school staff as a liability and a reason to write the
student off as ‘hopeless’. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Some states have enacted policies to support
pregnant and parenting youth in continuing their education and developing the
parenting and life skills they will need to raise a child. The District of
Columbia’s </span><a href="http://cardozohs.com/ourpages/auto/2012/10/23/54242371/Fact%20Sheet%20SY12-13.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">New
Heights</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> program serves pregnant and parenting youth at 14
DC public schools using a youth development framework. The New Heights program
provides supportive case management and educational workshops for expectant and
parenting (male and female) students enrolled in DC public high schools. The
program includes assistance with securing services such as child care vouchers,
food assistance, job training opportunities, as well as workshops on topics
such as pre-natal care, parenting, life skills, financial literacy, career
planning, healthy relationships and other issues. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/cg/pp/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">The
California School Age Families Education</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> (Cal-SAFE) program
provides students with academic and support services to finish their education,
build parenting skills and enroll their children in child care and development
programs. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">According to a </span><a href="http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/cg/pp/index.asp"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">2010 report</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
to the California state legislature:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Over 73% of the students who left the
Cal-SAFE Program had successfully completed their high school education
(compared with the </span><a href="http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/resources/pdf/teen-preg-hs-dropout.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">40%
completion rate</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> for teen mothers nationally)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Only 8.47% of the babies born while
their parents were enrolled in the program represented repeat pregnancies
compared with the 20% national repeat birth rate in 2004<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Only a 6.7% rate of low birth weight
among children born to parents enrolled in Cal-SAFE, significantly lower than
the national rate of 13.4% for mothers under 15, and 10% for mothers aged 15-19<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Over 60% of the children of Cal-SAFE
students attended a child care center funded by the Cal-SAFE Program and
received services based on assessed developmental needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Over 94% of the children enrolled in the
program were up-to-date on their immunizations, substantially higher than the rates
for all children ages 19-35 months nationally (82%) and in California (81%)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a00; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Unfortunately, many
programs to support pregnant and parenting youth face budget cuts. In California,
for example, the Cal-SAFE program showed a </span><a href="http://gradstar.com/docs/2000-2012CalSAFEEvalRptFINAL12Oct5.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">major
drop</span></span></a><span style="color: #1a1a00; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> over three consecutive years in the number of youth served
after its funding was changed to a block grant with more flexible requirements
for school districts, allowing schools to move funding away from the program.
Prior to the funding change, participation had grown for eight straight years
since the program was introduced. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
</div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a00; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">One option for states
looking to fund improved services for pregnant and parenting youth is the </span><a href="http://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/oah-initiatives/paf/home.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Pregnancy
Assistance Fund (PAF)</span></span></a><span style="color: #1a1a00; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">. The </span><a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ148/content-detail.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Affordable
Care Act</span></span></a><span style="color: #1a1a00; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> created this $25 million competitive
grant program to </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">provide pregnant and parenting teens and
women with a network of supportive services to help them continue their
education and access critical supports such as health care, child care and
family housing. The funds can also be used to improve services for pregnant
women who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. So
far state and tribal entities in 16 states and the District of Columbia have
received grants for up to three years to develop and implement programs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Title IX is the minimum legal
requirement for schools, but it is only a beginning. Federal law leaves a lot
of room for state policymakers to develop strategies to promote the well-being
of pregnant and parenting youth and their children. State policymakers may wish
to consider reviewing how well schools in their state protect the rights of
students to have equal access to education regardless of their gender. They may
also want to consider what programs are currently in place to support pregnant
and parenting youth and explore research-informed approaches that have produced
positive results for young families.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">For more information about
how to </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/youth-prepared-to-succeed/reduce-teen-and-unplanned-pregnancies/teen-pregnancy/executive-summary"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">reduce
teen and unplanned pregnancies</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">, as well as how to </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/youth-prepared-to-succeed/increase-high-school-graduation-rates/high-school-graduation/executive-summary"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">increase
high school graduation rates</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">, please visit </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">PolicyforResults.org</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For CSSP resources on supporting pregnant and
parenting youth who are also involved in the child welfare system <a href="http://www.cssp.org/reform/child-welfare/pregnant-and-parenting-teens"><span style="color: blue;">click
here.</span></a> </span>Libby Cochranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15395103897784711682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-76705591043472508622013-06-21T09:00:00.000-04:002013-06-21T10:20:43.762-04:00Facilitating the Enrollment of Newly Eligible Families into the Exchanges<br />
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Beginning on October 1, 2013, individuals and small
businesses will be able to purchase private health insurance through
state-based competitive marketplaces called Affordable Insurance Exchanges
(Exchanges), also known as the Health Insurance Marketplaces. Between the
expansion of Medicaid and the subsidies that will become available to assist low-income
families to purchase other types of insurance, these Exchanges are estimated to
expand insurance coverage by the tens of millions. Health insurance is
important for multiple reasons – and dramatically impacts outcomes for
low-income families. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A <a href="http://www.nber.org/papers/w17190">study</a> by the National Bureau of
Economic Research found that having Medicaid corresponds with increases in
hospital, outpatient, and drug utilization, increases in compliance with
recommended preventive care, and declines in exposure to substantial out-of-pocket
medical expenses and medical debts. There is also evidence of improvement in
self-reported mental and physical health measures, perceived access to and
quality of care, and overall wellbeing. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Affordable Insurance Exchanges will have a large impact
on currently uninsured populations, especially young adults aged 18-34, who are
the <a href="http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/2012/UninsuredInTheUS/ib.pdf">most
likely to be uninsured</a>. However, enrolling in health coverage is a <a href="http://files.www.enrollamerica.org/best-practices-institute/publications-and-resources/2012/In-Person_Enrollment_Assistance.pdf">significant
obstacle</a> for many Americans and their families. Many face challenges such
as limited access to technology, low literacy skills, and language or cultural
barriers. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) simplifies the enrollment process
and makes it much more consumer-friendly, many will need the assistance of
trained and compassionate advisors in order to understand their coverage
options and enroll in the most appropriate public program and/or health plan. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The Affordable Care Act (ACA) addressed the importance of
in-person assistance by requiring all Exchanges to provide Navigator grants to
entities for conducting public education activities to raise awareness about
the new coverage options, helping people apply for, and enroll in, plans
offered through the Exchanges, as well as providing referrals. It is the
responsibility of Navigators to provide fair and impartial information to
consumers about health insurance, the Exchange, Qualified Health Plans, and
insurance affordability programs including premium tax credits, Medicaid and
the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Navigators will also provide
referrals to consumer assistance programs and health insurance ombudsmen for
enrollees with grievances, complaints, or questions about their health plan or
coverage. Furthermore, Navigators are directed to provide information in a
culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, including to persons with
limited English proficiency; and to ensure accessibility and usability of
Navigator tools and functions for persons with disabilities.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services submitted
a related <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/04/05/2013-07951/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act-exchange-functions-standards-for-navigators-and">proposed
rule</a> for the Navigator Program on April 5<sup>th</sup> and closed the comments
period in May, with a final rule expected within the next few months. This
proposed rule would establish conflict-of-interest and training standards,
including standards for certification and recertification, for Navigators.
States have the option of creating their own standards, as long as they meet
the minimum requirements of the forthcoming final federal regulations.</div>
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<br /></div>
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As state policymakers design their Navigator Programs,
important lessons from other consumer enrollment programs should be considered.
According to an <a href="http://ccf.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Designing-Navigator-Programs.pdf">issue
brief</a> from the <a href="http://ccf.georgetown.edu/">Georgetown Center for
Children and Families</a>, there are several components a Navigator Program
should include in order to be responsive to people with low-income.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Target navigator resources to the most vulnerable.</b>
Research indicates that the lowest income and rural consumers prefer the kind
of high-touch in-person services offered by community-based organizations while
more moderate-income individuals may be comfortable with using a website or
applying over the telephone with assistance from the Exchange’s call center.
Given that resources are limited, it will be strategic to target navigator
services through community-based groups that are best able to reach the most
vulnerable, uninsured populations, focusing on those who are less likely to
maneuver the eligibility and enrollment process on a self-service basis.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Integrate assistance for all insurance affordability
programs. </b>Two key factors drive the need for integrated navigator programs.
First, many families will be covered through multiple programs (i.e. 75% of
parents in the Exchange will have children in Medicaid or CHIP) and a
significant number of people with fluctuating incomes will transition back and
forth between Medicaid and the Exchange. Second, the ACA’s “no wrong door”
approach requires that states provide access to all coverage options regardless
of how and where consumers apply. Thus, consumers will best be served if
navigators are highly trained and can provide assistance for all insurance
affordability programs, while states will benefit from efficiency gains and
economies of scale in consolidating navigator-type services.</div>
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Several <a href="http://www.chc-inc.org/downloads/PB%20Navigator%20Report.pdf">enrollment
strategies</a> employed by Massachusetts were instrumental in the state’s
success in reducing the uninsured population. Massachusetts’ enrollment gains
under state health reform have been attributed to four key features of their
implementation plan. These enrollment strategies help to explain why 97% of
Massachusetts’ population is insured. </div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li>Massachusetts utilized data-driven eligibility and
enrollment.</li>
<li>The state created a single, integrated eligibility system
that offered information about various health coverage programs.</li>
<li>The state provided grants to community-based
organizations for public education and enrollment support.</li>
<li>Massachusetts coordinated a strong public education
campaign to inform consumers about coverage options and the individual mandate.</li>
</ol>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p>In-person assistance will be critical to informing people
that health coverage is available, to providing education about new coverage
options, and to help with benefit utilization. Previous experiences with the
creation of CHIP, and health insurance expansions in Oregon and Massachusetts
show that an aggressive outreach and marketing campaign will achieve the result
of markedly reducing the number of uninsured families - leading both to better
health and economic security outcomes.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>CSSP Resources for Health Reform Implementation</b></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><u><a href="http://www.cssp.org/publications/health-reform-and-place-based/Health-Reform-Implementation-Opportunities-for-Place-Based-Initiatives_Going-Beyond-Coverage-to-Improve-Community-Health_Issue-Brief-1.pdf"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Health Reform Implementation Opportunities
for Place-Based Initiatives: Going Beyond Coverage to Improve Community Health
- Issue Brief 1</span></a></u></li>
<li><u><a href="http://www.cssp.org/publications/health-reform-and-place-based/Health-Reform-Implementation-Opportunities-for-Place-Based-Initiatives_Consumer-Protection-and-Patients-Bill-of-Rights_Issue-Brief-2.pdf">Health
Reform Implementation Opportunities for Place-Based Initiatives: Consumer
Protection and Patient's Bill of Rights - Issue Brief 2</a></u></li>
<li><u><a href="http://www.cssp.org/publications/health-reform-and-place-based/Health-Reform-Implementation-Opportunities-for-Place-Based-Initiatives_Community-Roles-in-Assuring-Coverage-and-Benefits_Issue-Brief-3.pdf">Health
Reform Implementation Opportunities for Place-Based Initiatives: Community
Roles in Assuring Coverage and Benefits - Issue Brief 3</a></u></li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
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For results-focused public policy strategies to ensure
that children and families are healthy, visit <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/">Policyforresults.org</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Andrea Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672662614072778720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558984027012786412.post-15201670199068128712013-06-19T17:06:00.000-04:002013-06-19T17:15:29.212-04:00Combating Domestic Child Sex Trafficking: the Crucial Role of State Policy<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Child sex trafficking is often viewed as a problem
that only happens in other countries – such as Thailand or Cambodia. Many don’t
realize that American children, often younger than 15, are coerced into
prostitution in communities all over the US. According to the <a href="http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/cshti0810.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">Bureau of Justice
Statistics</span></a>, 83% of the victims in confirmed cases of human trafficking are
U.S. citizens. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are also widespread
misconceptions that trafficking victims ‘choose’ the prostitution ‘lifestyle’;
in reality, many children who have been trafficked are only <a href="http://ecpatusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Who-Is-There-to-Help-Us.3.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">10-14
years old</span></a> when they are first victimized by pimps and well below the age of
consent. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Last
week the Senate Committee on Finance held a full committee hearing entitled <a href="http://www.finance.senate.gov/hearings/watch/?id=7625cf19-5056-a032-5249-8eba2e571fb0"><span style="color: blue;">Sex
Trafficking and Exploitation in America: Child Welfare’s Role in Prevention and
Intervention</span></a> to explore the issue. Witness testimony highlighted:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 74.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">the need to promote public awareness of
the issue of domestic child sex trafficking, especially among youth at risk of
exploitation;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 74.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">the lack of housing and trauma-informed
care for exploited children;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 74.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">the potential role of the child welfare
system in preventing child trafficking and helping survivors; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 74.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">the importance of training for law
enforcement, educators, social workers and others who work with children; and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">the need for legal recognition of
children who have been trafficked as survivors of child sexual abuse, not as
juvenile offenders or ‘child prostitutes’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Although the <a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-106publ386/html/PLAW-106publ386.htm"><span style="color: blue;">Trafficking
Victims Prevention Act of 2000 </span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>recognizes minors under 18 who have been
induced to perform commercial sexual acts as human trafficking victims, child
survivors of sex trafficking are still often arrested and put on probation or
in juvenile detention. Some state policymakers have attempted to resolve this
issue by passing legislation such as ‘Safe Harbor’ laws that protect child
survivors of commercial sexual exploitation from being prosecuted for
prostitution and require that agencies recognize them as survivors of sexual
abuse rather than viewing them as criminals. States that have already passed
such legislation include <span style="color: black;">Connecticut, Florida,
Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington State. </span>A bill has
been proposed and is currently being considered in the U.S. Senate which would
extend such protections to child survivors nationwide.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In
addition to concerns about the legal status of children who have been
trafficked, witness testimony emphasized the need for effective,
trauma-informed services to help children who have been trafficked and the role
of the child welfare system in ensuring children get the services they need. In
her <a href="http://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/GravesFAIRGirlsTestimonyFINALLLLL.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">witness
testimony</span></a>, Asia Graves, Maryland Outreach Services Coordinator and Survivor
Advocate at FAIR Girls in Baltimore, stated that funding for emergency and
transitional housing for homeless youth is urgently needed—in particular,
dedicated beds for youth who have been exploited by sex traffickers. Homeless
youth often have to choose either sleeping outside or returning to the pimps
who have been exploiting them. Faced with the dangers of sleeping out on the
streets, many children return to the adults who have been abusing and
prostituting them. According to Graves, agencies and non-profits often have to
‘fight’ each other for beds so that the homeless and exploited youth they serve
can have a safe place to sleep and sometimes resort to staying with sleeping
children in hotel lobbies over night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The
testimony of all four witnesses emphasized that reform of the child welfare
system is key. A large proportion of children who are trafficked have already
been involved in the child welfare system and many are still legally in systems
of care while being trafficked. According to the <a href="http://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Senate%20Finance%20Committee%20Testimony_Goldfarb_June%202013%20(2).pdf"><span style="color: blue;">witness
testimony of Susan Goldfarb</span></a>,</span><span style="color: #4d4640; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Executive
Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County, over 70% of
trafficked children in the Boston area had a previous history of abuse and/or
neglect and child welfare involvement. The Commissioner of the Connecticut
Department of Children and Families, The Honorable <a href="http://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Final%20US%20Sen%20Finance%20Committee%20(1)%206_5_13%20(2).pdf"><span style="color: blue;">Joette
Katz, stated in her testimony</span></a> that in Connecticut, 98% of children who are identified
as survivors of sex trafficking had previous involvement with child welfare
services, and many were legally in the care and custody of the Connecticut
Department of Children and Families while they were being prostituted by
traffickers. Ms. Goldfarb raised concerns that when children have been abused
by someone who is not a caregiver, often the child welfare system does not
intervene even when a report is made. Ms. Goldfarb stated that the child
welfare system needs to view survivors of child sex trafficking as ‘their kids’
in order to ensure that children get the protection and services that they
need. The witnesses highlighted the crucial importance of providing trafficked
youth with the specialized foster care and trauma-informed services that they
need to heal and stay safe once they have escaped their exploiters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Some states have implemented policies to better
protect children from sex trafficking and address the related issues in the
child welfare system. Connecticut now accepts all cases of child sex
trafficking through its Careline (the child welfare intake and information
center) whether or not the alleged perpetrator is the ‘entrusted’ caregiver.
The state has established an Interagency Human Anti-Trafficking Response Team
(HART) led by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families which reviews
and monitors Careline to ensure an appropriate response to children’s needs
(including for victims with still unsubstantiated cases) and coordination with FBI
and Homeland Security to ensure cases of child sex trafficking are prosecuted
to fullest extent of state and federal law. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To help raise awareness, the Georgia Department
of Education has partnered with <a href="http://streetgrace.org/"><span style="color: blue;">Street Grace</span></a>,
a nonprofit dedicated to ending domestic minor sex trafficking, to launch an </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://streetgrace.org/georgia-department-of-education-collaboration/"><span style="color: blue;">initiative</span></a><span style="color: black;"> to educate teachers and students throughout the state
about the exploitation of children. The Georgia Attorney General has also
launched a </span><a href="http://www.notbuyingit.org/"><span style="color: blue;">public awareness
campaign</span></a><span style="color: black;"> around the issue. In Texas, </span><a href="http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB04009F.HTM"><span style="color: blue;">H.B.
4009</span></a><span style="color: black;"> created a Human Trafficking Prevention Task
Force to address the issue statewide and mandated that all newly-licensed law
enforcement officers receive training on human trafficking.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">State policymakers may want to re-examine the legal
framework to protect survivors of child sex trafficking in their state, the
measures currently in place to prevent sex trafficking, and the programs and
policies in place to address trauma and ensure that survivors get the help they
need. They may also want to consider the training and education programs
currently available to professionals that work with youth and to youth
themselves to reduce their vulnerability to sex traffickers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For more information about how policymakers can
support the well-being of children and families and for policy strategies aimed
at <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/topics/policy-areas/children-safe-supportive-successful-families/prevent-child-abuse-and-neglect/rate-of-child-maltreatment-victims/executive-summary"><span style="color: blue;">preventing
abuse and neglect</span></a> please visit <a href="http://www.policyforresults.org/"><span style="color: blue;">PolicyforResults.org.</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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Libby Cochranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15395103897784711682noreply@blogger.com0