What is the Child Watch Visitation Program?

IntroductionThis Sample Materials Appendix was designed to be usedin conjunction with the Child Watch Visitation Program Manual.These creative materials, from Child Watch programs across thecountry, have been compiled to aid in the development of futureChild Watch programs. Volunteers are encouraged to excerpt,duplicate and replicate these materials, as needed. (Remember,imitation is the ultimate form of flattery!)Special thanks to advocates and volunteers whose materialsappear in this appendix. Your efforts are invaluable and will makethe work of future Child Watch coalitions a great deal easier.i

iiiContentsIBuilding a Strong Coalition 1Child Watch Program DescriptionsRecruiting LetterCollaborator Fact SheetCoalition Meeting MaterialsCommitment SurveysSample Coalition Site Visit MaterialsCoalition Newsletter ArticlesIIPreparing Data and Written Materials 31Issue PapersStatistical ProfilesSite ProfilesVisit AgendasOther Creative IdeasIIIPlanning the Visit 83Working With SitesDescription FormEvaluation FormSite Confirmation LetterWorking With ParticipantsInvitation LettersResponse CardsParticipant Confirmation LettersIVFollowing-Up .. 113Debriefing QuestionsProgram EvaluationsPost-Visit PollPost-Visit Check/ResultsThank You Letters to SitesThank You Letters to ParticipantsAction AgendasVPress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143Press ReleasesPress Clips

IBillLDING A STRONG COALITIONChild Watch Program Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3Recruiting Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7Collaborator Fact Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9Coalition Meeting Material 11Commitment Surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 17Sample Coalition Site Visit Materials 21Coalition Newsletter Articles 251

T ...T ...T ...T~:""...T ...T ...T ...T ...T...T ...T ...T ...T ...T...TAT...T...T ...T ...T ...T ...T ...T ...T ...T ...T ...T...T ...TCOALITIONFOR CHILDRENYOUTH&FAMILIESP.O. Box 26666'" Albuquerque. NM 811~'" 5QS.841-1710ALBUQUERQUE CHILD WATCH·AQBlru'sDt(ease FaiprojutorfDiztUocally)yt» NKioMlCoUlCiloCNt~Voau,atricc Associt.tm.oCRetird PersOlS,Kilaruis 1*ru.tina.l Ie Cot.1tio1for QiJ4lU, Yo~ Ie FmiasWHAT IS CHll.D WATCH!Child Watch is a public education. awareness and action program developed by the Children'sDefense Fund in Washington. DC. In Albuquerque, Child Watch is being sponsored by the NationalCouncil of Negro Women. American Association of Retired Persons, Kiwanis Imernational &Coalition for Children. Youth & Families.Child Watch is designed to build a stronger voice for the needs of children. youth and families incommunities nation wide. Child Watch does this by recruiting a>mmunity leaders to participate inissue briefings on topics such as teen violence, homelessness, prenatal care, etc... and to visit localprograms which serve children. youth and families. Site visits to programs helps to make peopleaware of the real faces and stories behind the grim starUtics which haullI our country today. Sitevisits also help people to realize that we know what to do to make a difference in the lives ofchildren and families at risk for negative outcomes. Child Watch encourages individualsparticipating in the program to take at least one action to improve the lives of children locally.WHAT IS THE CHILDREN'S DEFENSE FUND!The Children's Defense fund is the nations pre-emine1lI child advocacy organization in the UnitedStares. It exists to provide a strong and effective voice for the children of America who cannotvote. lobby, or speak outfor themselves.WHY IScmLD WATCH BEING CONDUCTED LOCALLY!New Mexico may be the "Land of EnchammellI"... but when it comes to the health and well-beingof our children. New Mexia> a>nUnual1y ranks near the bottom of the nation for outcomes such aschild poverty, teen birth rate. high school drop out rate and teen violent deaths. And the faas show,the lives of children and youth in New Merico are getting worse. As a result, New Merica's futureeconomy, civic and political leadership are in jeopa-dy. Child WlICh has been launched to helpmake New Mexicans more aware of and accountable for ,improving the lives of our children, youthand families.BOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED!Call the Coalition for Children. Youth & Families at 841-1710. The Coalition can register you toparticipate in a Child Watch program. If you have already participated, join with the Coalition.National Council of Negro Women, American Association of Retired Persons and KiwanisInternational to organize future programs in Albuquerque. Our goal is to build a strong andpowerful voice for children in our state.. . .' r .. Frances Va~'(;iaingBOARD OF DIRECTORS' • Honorary Co-Olaitm= .. Senator and Mn. Jdl Binpman .. ScnaIOC and Mn. Peu: [)omcnici .. Execuove [)ireCl:ou_~ Ba""". • . Di Uncia BarT .. ~._, ..--• Offi= .. Rabat Gm:n~OWIUolAH .. AnPc VadUo, Va.Qw1UolAN .. NarerJo Ard>cr. SE.O£r~.. Brian 8~mea.TIlEASUJlDl.. rcctOC$ ... .. No" ICalisl1man.. Carl Bou .. Don Ow"", .. Mary lDu Edward .. Ma~ E1lisu>n .. Stephanie Fanow .. Ella J. Faqtio ..~ Froac .. lA~O

Meetthe realchildrenbehind thestatistics.Economists, CEOs, and smallbusiness owners now believe that ourfailure to nurture and educate our childrenis the biggest threat to America - toArizona. In arecent poll, distributed to 200ChiefExecutive Officers in Arizona, 66%of the respondents said that children'sissues should be a top priority for thecorporatecommunity.Visions ofArizona's Children isan on-site educational opportunity speciallydesigned for business and communityleaders who want to be more informedabout what's happening with Arizona'svulnerable children andfamilies. Visions enablessmall groups of leaders toobserve, first hand, someofour at-risk children andsome ofthe programs thatserve them.Asa Visionsparticipant, you will visit ­programs that work-likeacomprehensivepreschoolthat provides children withhope, love, and the rightstart toward success. Andyou will see programs thatevoke emotion -liketheneonatal unit ofthe countyhospital with its babiesstruggling for life.This will not be a solicitation formoney. Our purpose is to educateArizona's leaders about the needs ofchildren and to change public policy fromcostly intervention after crisis to preventiveinvestment before children get sick, dropout of school, suffer family breakdown, orget into trouble."It is my firm beliefthat the quality oflife Iour state's children isthe single most importantdeterminant ofArizona's future, andthat the businesscommunity has anessential role to play i,developing our state'spublic policy. "- Mark DeMichele,President/CEOArizona PublicService Company"1':~ Visions of Arizona's._...Childre:-:..~ ~on'CJ:l1 ,'r "-:~i!,ire:' ~ A(::\':l .',.::.':' ..4Supported by theAnnie E. Casey Foundation

MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff GabelPARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDRENCHILD WATCH FACT SHEET1055 Broadway. Suite 130Kansas City. Mlssourl 64105(816) 842-0944FAX - (816) 842·8079THE PURPOSE OF CHILD WATCH is to introduce community leaders throughoutthe greater Kansas City metropolitan area to the needs of children and families. ChildWatch employs an up close and personal approach. Community leaders whoparticipate in the program will:• Visit places where successful children's programs are up and running• Receive background information on children's issues• Participate in policy discussions with prominent local experts• Develop advocacy action plans for themselves and their organizationsBASED ON THE SUCCESSFUL CHILDREN'S DEFENSE FUND MODEL,Child Watch visitation programs have been launched in approximately 35 citiesnationwide since 1990.NUMEROUS LOCAL PROGRAMS ARE SUCCESSFULLY SERVINGCHILDREN AND FAMILIES. Site visits to exemplary programs in the areas ofeducation, health, teen years and family life will illustrate issues and policies that affectservice delivery to all children and families in our community.AN EXPANDING GROUP OF LOCAL COLLABORATORS WILL IMPLEMENTCHILD WATCH. Organizations currently committed include: American Associationof Retired Persons, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurians, JuniorLeague of Kansas City, Missouri, Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties,Kiwanis International, Links, Inc., and Labor Council of Greater Kansas City.CHILD WATCH IS A JOINT PROJECT OF EWING MARION KAUFFMANFOUNDATION AND PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN who are coordinatingand supporting the efforts of the local collaborators.THE FIRST SITE VISITATIONS WILL BEGIN FALL 1992. Recently convenedcollaborators will develop the local Child Watch program this summer and offer the firstsite visitation program along with the release of Report Card '92.CHILD WATCH VISITATIONS WILL BE MADE THROUGHOUTMETROPOLITAN KANSAS CITY including the counties of Jackson, Clay, Platte,Johnson and Wyandotte.A JOINT PROJECT OF HEART OF AMERICA UNITED WAY. INC ~l\:D THE GREATER KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AND A,FFllI.o.TEO TRUSTS5

" ~~kent COUllty"J adolescentI: \) pr~gnancy~.,; hild Watch25 Sheldon Blvd. S.E. Suite 312· Grand Rapids MI49503 • 451·0452What is theChild Watch Visitation Program?The Child Watch Visitation Program is provided through the Children'sDefense Fund of Washington, DC. It brings local leaders directly to sights intheir area that deal with the effects of poverty-stricken and needy families.In Michigan, the statistics are startling:Every 17 minutes an infant is born into poverty.Every 6 hours an infant dies.EverY 52 minutes an infant is born too small to be healthy.Every 30 minutes an infant is born to a teenage mother.The Child Watch Visitation Program brings community leaders in directcontact with the people behind the statistics. Witnessing the challengesfacing vulnerable children and families first-hand motivates communityleaders to work for social change and preventive public policy. A ChildWatch visit may be to a neonatal intensive care unit, a school for pregnantteenagers, or a clinic caring for families addicted to drugs.The Child Watch Visitation Program is designed to dispel the myth that"nothing works." It also sensitizes leaders to the obstacles which facechildren and families in their own communities.6

Dear Organization President:Kiwanis International, the Association of Junior Leagues, theAmerican Association of Retired Persons, National Council of NegroWomen, National Council of Churches, and the National Council of LaRaza have all joined with the Children's Defense Fund as nationalcollaborators in the Child Watch Visitation Program.I am writing as a representative of the Junior League ofLansing. We have agreed to take the lead role in establishing aChild Watch Visitation Program (CWVP) here in the Lansing area. Wehope your organization will join us as a member of our local ChildWatch Coalition.The CWVP is designed to expose community leaders and otherinfluential citizens to the reality of underprivileged children'slives and to show them that there are positive, concrete thingsthey can do to help solve the problems they see. The facts aboutchildren in America are staggering but not until individuals seefor themselves the challenges facing particular children andfamilies do they become motivated to work for change.Child Watch seeks to personalize children's struggles bytaking participants on strategically planned site visits to socialservices illustrating both the range of serious problems facingchildren AND the various programs working on their behalf. Sitevisits are supplemented by both briefings from program and policyexperts and written background materials. At the conclusion of theprogram, participants are assisted in finding ways to help childrenand families.We are forming a coalition made up of local affiliates of thenational CWVP collaborating organizations and other interestedgroups, and we would very much like your Kiwanis Club to join us.The form and extent of your involvement will depend upon yourorganization's interest and resources. CWVP is an excellentopportunity for local organizations to work together to build anintegrated, sustained response to children's issues.We will be meeting on Wednesday, January 15th at 6:00 p.m. inthe Large Conference Room of Jones and Co., 112 South Street.(Please park and enter the building from Grand Ave.) Please feelfree to contact me at (XXX) XXX-XXXX if you have any questions orare unable to come. I am looking forward to hearing from andworking with your organization.Sincerely,Lorri MatterLocal Child Watch Coordinator7

Milwaukee Child WatchCollaboratorsThe Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) NetworkThe Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Network is a five-year-old coalition of 175 organizations with a goal ofdeveloping community-based and community-wide efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect within theMilwaukee community. The CAP Network supports devoting greater resources to building a preventionstrategy, to building collaboration among the pUblic and private agencies that deal with children and familiesand to initiate planning, organizing and evaluation activities to insure that such prevention services areafforded the families in Milwaukee.City of Milwaukee Health DepartmentThe mission of the City of Milwaukee Health Department is to ensure that services are available to enhancethe health of individual residents, to promote healthy neighborhoods, and to protect the health of theMilwaukee community. This encompasses physical, mental, and environmental health and consists ofdisease prevention and control, health promotion, and environmental measures.Interfaith Conference of Greater MilwaukeeThe Interfaith Conference brings together faith groups and congregations in the Greater Milwaukee area inaddressing issues affecting the quality of life for the poor, disadvantaged, and powerless. Integrating thesocial ministries of the member judicatories, Interfaith enables the religious community to participate moreeffectively with political, economic, and social institutions in determining public policy.Junior League of MilwaukeeThe Junior League of Milwaukee is an organization of more than 1200 women from the Greater Milwaukeearea committed to promoting volunteerism and to improving the community through the effective action andleadership of trained volunteers. The organization is currently focusing for community impact in the areasof education and child and family welfare.Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee, Inc.The Kiwanis Oub of Milwaukee which has 240 members, is committed to improve the Greater Milwaukeecommunity, especially for youth, through volunteer resources and action. As part of Kiwanis International'sfocus - Young Children: Priority One - the Kiwanis Oub of Milwaukee has activities associated with matemaland infant health and early childhood development.Kiwanis Division #6 of Wisconsin - Upper Michigan DistrictThe district supports Kiwanis International's major emphasis program, Young Children: Priority One, byimplementing projects in the following areas: pediatric trauma, safety, child care, early deVelopment,maternal & infant health, nutrition, and parenting skills.Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee· Child Advocacy & Monitoring Project (CHAMP)CHAMP is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) type project, part of a nation-wide movement whichutilizes volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children. CHAMP volunteers serve as part of ateam of lawyers and social workers.9

;edgwick County~AMILY AND YOUTH COMMISSION6,dd~sing the health and quality of lif~ far all our communiry's children'TO:Child Watch Coalition MembersFROM:Co-ChairPatty Dengler (267-5293), Jim Garner (838-8180)SUBJECI': Coalition Meeting 2/17/93The next Child Watch Vzsitation Program meetings is:DATE: Wednesday, February 17, 1993TIME: 7:00 P.M.LOCATION: East Heights United Methodist Church4407 East DouglasWe will meet in the dining room. Parking is on the east side ofthe building with entrancesfromeither Douglas or Crestway. Enter the building through the extreme south doors on the east sideofthe building. The dining room is immediately to the right ofthis entry.WHAT NAMES ARE GOING ON THE LE1TERHEAD?The PRiRecruitment Committee has requested the names that will be on the letterhead for theChild Watch Vzsitation Program. It was brought to our attention that several attendees at ourprevious meetings HA VE NOT SENT IN THEIR COMMITMENT SURVEY. The success oftheprogram depends upon the energy, ideas, participation and funding from you, the communityleaders. in order to finalize planning and budgeting...your commitment is needed. Ifyou havenot done so, please complete the enclosedform and send to the Sedgwick County Family & YouthCommission. The Commitment Surveys will be compared to attendance sheets from previousmeetings. Nonparticipants will be droppedfrom the mailing list. This list will be availoble atthe next meeting. Please notify us ofany errors. Ifyou have a conflict and are not able toattend, please contact Jim Gamer at 838-8180.Note: The Program Committee has scheduled a meeting for Friday, February 5, 1993, 8:45A.M., at 334 N. Topeka to complere initial planning for sites/briefs. You are invited to attendand/or send in suggestions.enclosures: Minutes from January 25 meetingCommitment Survey Form2700 N. Woodland Wichita, KS 6720411(316) 838-8180

CHILD WATCH VISITATION PROGRAMMEETING OF COALITION MEMBERSFEBRUARY 17, 1993AGENDAWelcome and IntroductionsApprove Minutes- Patty- EllenSurvey Commitment Forms/Names on Letterhead:JimBreakout into Committees:ProgramPRIRecruimzentLogisticsOutcomes/Follow upCommittee Repons:Open Discussion:Set Next Meeting Dare/LocationAdjourn:12

I. Welcome and Introductions.CIDLD WATCH VISITATION PROGRAMMEETING OF COMMUNlTY COLLABORATORSJanuary 25, 1993Grace Presbyterian ChurchMINUTESA. Jane Murphy welcomed everyone and thanked Carolyn Benefiel for makingarrangements for the meeting to be held at the church. Jane also thanked JudeLanghurst for recording the minutes of the first three meetings of communitycollaborators and handling the necessary correspondence related to the meetings.B. Each person introduced him or her self by name and the organization represented.C. Jane introduced. Ellen Myers, Inter-Faith Ministries, who will serve as recorderfor the meetings of Child Watch, and Jim Garner, Sedgwick County Family andYouth Commission, and Patty Dengler, Junior League of Wichita, who will serveas co-chairs of the Child Watch Visitation Program (CWVP) in Wichita.II.Minutes.Jim Garner summarized the minutes of the January 9 meeting for those who were not atthe meeting.III.Commitment Survey.A. Commitment survey forms were distributed to those who had not yet completedthem. These need to be returned by the next meeting so that the listing ofcollaborators for the CWVP letterhead can be finalized.B. Patty said that the response so far has been good and people have been assignedto committees based on the survey responses.IV.Time Line.A. Dry Run...It was agreed at the January 9 meeting that a dry run is needed forthe CWVP. Sharon Ladin had suggested that we could do the dry run and beready to launch the program by March. After much discussion concerning SpringBreak in the schools (March 22-27), lead time needed by the target audience, theWeek of the Child, religious observances in April, the group reached a consensusthat the dry run should take place during the week of March 28.B. Launch Date.. .If the dry run occurs in March, we could run the program inApril and possibly do a second group in May. Exact dates were riot chosen since13

we do not know sites, size of groups, and other details, but the group agreed thatwe want to complete at least one program before Jun~.V. Breakout into Committees.The group split into four committees - Program, PR and Recruitment, Logistics, andOutcomes and Follow-up. After 30 minutes of committee brainstorming, the groupreconvened for committee reports. The general consensus is that there is a lot of workto do!A. Program - Michelle Reagan reported that the program committee agreed that aHead Start classroom should be one of the sites visited. Beyond that thecommittee was not able to agree on other sites and felt the need for more inputfrom the larger group to identify sites and the message of the CWVP in Wichita.The committee also felt a need to coordinate with the logistics committee.B. PR and Recruitment - Jude Langhurst reported that Connie was veryhelpful to this committee in looking at how other groups attract people. TheCEO is very difficult to attract. Collaborators will be asked to contact VIP's inthe corporate world whom they know and ask the VIP's to contact their peers inmanufacturing, finance, health, and legal services.For names of religious leaders, the committee will ask Inter-Faith Ministries.The committee also hopes to get some help from Carol Rupe whose husband isthe current president of United Way, which has an established "loaned exec"program.Jude asked the program committee to keep the legislative calendar in mind whenplanning dates for the CWVP.The committee already has some ideas about stationery.permission to use the Children's Defense Fund logo.They are seekingPatty said that the names of corporate, elected, and religious leaders turned in atthe last meeting will be given to the PR committee and that any other suggestionsshould be given to Jude.C. Logistics - Ellen Myers reported that much of the work of this committee cannotbe accomplished until we know the date and size of the group going through theCWVP. The committee has a list of possible sites for the training and ofagencies and businesses to contact regarding transportation.Jane Murphy volunteered to investigate setting up a bookkeeping system forCWVP.14

Jim Garner has agreed to handle mailings for CWVP. The Logistics committeewill draft confirmation letters to the sites and the briefers using the examples inmaterial from Sharon Ladin and get the letters and a inailing list to Jim.D. Outcomes and Follow-up - Elizabeth Jackson reported that Debbie Youngsuggested that hand-written "thank you" notes go to all of the CWVP participantsand that the committee would ask for all collaborators to help with that.The committee will develop evaluation forms using materials from Sharon Ladinas guides. These will probably be in a pre-testlpost-test format using statisticsmainly from Sedgwick County, with some from Kansas and the nation.The committee will follow-up the CWVP with telephone calls to all theparticipants. Other foIIow-up activities will depend on the type of program weactually do, but there will definitely be on-going communication with participantsafter the event.E. Michelle Reagan asked for suggestions from the group for sites to visit. Amongthose mentioned were: Head Start classroom, Wichita Children's Home, aprivate or church day care facility, a health care facility, a kindergartenclassroom, a special education class, a neo-natal intensive care unit. Thediscussion again raised the questions of what is the message and what is the bestway to get the message across. Again no conclusions were reached about definitesites. Jude said the PR committee was considering a motto to focus thecampaign, "Quality child care keeps Kansas working." Elizabeth suggested thatindividuals submit suggestions for sites to the program committee. The programcommittee decided to hold another meeting before the next general meeting ofcollaborators. Anyone interested in helping with program's responsibilities iswelcome to attend. The time and place will be announced in a letteraccompanying the minutes.VI.Groups who have committed resources.Inter-Faith MinistriesDowntown KiwanisNortheast KiwanisMedical Society ofSedgwick County AuxiliaryBEST(tentative) and WISECities in SchoolsLINKSSedgwick County Family & Youth CommissionAmerican Association of Retired PersonsKansas Children's Service LeagueSocial and Rehabilitation ServicesJunior League of WichitaAfrican American Family PreservationChild Care AssociationThese names and possibly a few others will appear on the CWVP letterhead.15

VII.Next meeting.Ellen Myers will arrange a meeting place for the next genenil meeting of Child Watchcommunity collaborators on Wednesday, February 17 at 7 p.m.Patty Dengler thanked everyone for attending and contributing ideas to the meeting.meeting was adjourned.TheRespectfully submitted,S. Ellen MyersRecorder16

COMMITMENT SURVEYCHILD WATCH VISITATION PROGRAMEach organization that participates will have its name placed on the Child Watch Visitation Programstationery. To assure the success of the program in Wichita and in exchange for Child Watch recognition,a commitment of time, money or services must be made.Individual's name:_Individual's address:_City: ZIP: Phone: _Organization's name:_President/Executive Director:Organization's address:__City: ZIP: Phone: _Organization's contributions:__ Staff timeVolunteer time--__ Financial resources__ Transportation__ Other services:_As an individual I can contribute:Time-- Money__ Other Services:_I am interested in serving on the following committee(s):__ ProgramPublic relations & recruitment--__ Logistics__ Outcomes I follow-up17

CHll.D WATCH VISITATION PROGRAM QUESTIONNAIRE1. In your opinion what are the most critical issues facing Boston's children?2. Ifwe were to decide to develop a Child Watch Visitation Program on which one of the followingareas do you think we should focus?Education (including literacy)Housing and homelessnessMaternal and child healthEarly childhood development (inclUding child care)Teenage pregnancySChool drop-outsSubstance abuseYouth employmentAdolescent parents3. Depending on what project you have selected, who or what group do you think should be asked toparticipate in the orientation and site visit?Business leadersLegislatorsGovernment officialsState Department CommissionsEducatorsFoundationsReligious LeadersOther4. What possible outcomes should we expect participants to accomplish as a result of their visit?5. Do you wish to continue to participate in developing a Child Watch Visitation Program?YesNo19

6. What role can you and your agency plan in developing and implementing a Child Watch VisitationProgram?Prepare orientation sessionsMeeting spaceTransportationClerical supportPostage, copyingPresent orientationsSelect and prepare visitation siteAccO~pany group on site visitEvaluation of site visitFollow up to site visitRefreshments at meetings7. In what way can AARP help you and your organization in your efforts on behalf of children inneed?Additional Comments:Name:_Agency:Address:Telephone:,___Phyllis Baritz, Intergenerarional SpediJlistAARP -Area 1155 Amherst StreetGranby, MA 01033(413)467-970020

The Junior LHgue of ctI8Itnton, Inc. .61 Folly R..... a-tu&a I, 80ultl CeroIIna 2N07 • (103) 7a-I2MFebruary 6, 1992TO:PH:RE:Charleston Child Watch Coalition membersLedlie BellCathy ForresterCheryle FreibergerChild Watch Visitation Pilot Program updatePlease mark your calendars - Tuesday, March lOth is the datefor our next coalition meeting and our pilot visitation program.Each organization is encouraged to have 2 or 3 representatives.Enclosed please find the updated mailing list - we ask thatrepresentatives from each organization coordinate their efforts inchoosing the participants for this visitation program. Attached isthe response form, please submit it to Junior League Headquarterson or before. February 25th, so that we can confirm transportationand meal arrangements. The schedule for the day is as follows:8:30 am9 - 10:15 am10:30 am10:45 - 11:45 am12 - 1 pmBus to MUSC from the Lowcountry Children'sCenter (LCC) at 1061 King streetMUSCBus from MUSC to LCCLeCLunch and debriefing with Ms. SharonLadin, Children's Defense Fund ChildWatch Coordinator from Washington, DCThe theme for this program is "forward to your participation!A Healthy Start".Welook21

Charleston child watchVISITATION DAYA HEALTHY STARTTuesday, March 10, 1992 - 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Our pilot Child Watch visitation day for organizations on thecoordinating coalition will be called "A Healthy Start." It willfocus on Infant Mortality, visiting MUSC Children's Hospital and onChild Abuse, visiting the Lowcountry Children's Center. Followingthe visitations, a box lunch will be provided during a debriefingsession where we will discuss future plans for the Charleston ChildWatch program.Yes, our organization would like to participate in theChild Watch visitation day on March 10.________ We are unable to participate on March 10, but would liketo be contacted regarding future sessions.Organization:Contact Name:Title:Address:____Telephone:Number of members in your local chapter:__March 10Participants:NameTitleNameTitleNameTitlePlease return by Friday, February 25, 1"2 to:Cathy Forrestercommunity Vice PresidentThe Junior League of Charleston, Inc.51 Folly RoadCharleston, SC 29407Questions? 723-5645WE ENCOURAGE EACH ORGANIZATION TO SEND 2-3 MEMBERS. SPACE ISLIMITED, HOWEVER WE WILL TRY TO ACCOMMODATE EVERYONE WHO WOULD LIKETO JOIN US.22

Greater Kansas City Child Watch Visitation Program.Meeting ofPotential CollaboratorsApril 21, 19927:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.7:15 a.m. Continental Breakfast7:30-7:45 a.m WelcomeJan Kreamer, President, GKC Community FoundationCarl Mitchell, COO for Youth Programs, Kauffman Foundation7:45-8:15 a.m Child Watch Site ViSitation ProgramSharon Ladin, National Child Watch Coordinator, Children's Defense Fund8:15-8:30 a.m. Today's Site VisitMark Kenney, Child Watch Coordinator, Kauffman FoundationJane McKim, Child Watch Coordinator, Partnership for Children8:30-8:50 a.m. Policy Briefmg on Maternal and Child HealthMargo Quiriconi, Project Early, Kauffman Foundation8:50-9:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Break and Board Van9:00-9:15 a.m. - Question/Answer with Margo (Enroute to Site)9:15-10:15 a.m Site ViSitsTruman Medical Center (TMC) Obstetrics ClinicDr. David Mundy, M.D., ObstetricsSuzanne Meyer, Director ofSocial WorkChildren's Mercy Hospital (CMH) NICUDr. Howard Kilbride, Director ofNICU at TMC and Neonatologist at CMHAlice Kitchen, Director ofSocial Work and Community Services10:15-10:30 a.m. All to TMC Board Room10:30-11:00 a.m Debriefmg with Hospital Staff11:00-11 :30 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ClosingIDiscussion - Sharon Ladin and AttendeesWe bope to be back at tbe Oak Training Facility by 11:45 a.m.23

adolescent pregnancy winter 1992-1993ChildWatch Newsletterisitation Challenges Community Leadershis has been an educational and inspirational experience._- "Thesitation far exceeded my expectations.· "'To meet such declicatec:l andvolved people (working on behalfofchildren and youthl made melize how much workis being donein this community.·lese are a rew of the comments made by religious leaders whorticipatec:l in the Leadership Visitation: Focus an Youth, held inuth Central Los Angeles in October.e half-day program, part ofa national effort designed by theildnm's Defense Fund, was convened at the Watts Health Foundan.Religious leaders visitec:l Jordan High School's School Based ainicd Child Care Program and "Sweet" Alice Harris' Parents ofWatts.I'Ough a series of briefings, site visits, and conversations with teens,e program provided up-to-date information on teen pregnancy andenting. with particular attention to the role of poverty and thetreme pressures of life in our cities.the conclusion of the Visitation, CongresswomanMaxine Waters,verend George Regas and Reverend Joe Hardwick challenged theigious leaders to becomea national moral witness for our youthandfind specific ways to become part of the solution.e Leadership Visitation project acts to dispel the myth that -nothingrks· by visiting programs that are workingand explores specificys in which religious leaders and their congregations and organizanscan make a difference in the lives ofour youth.PCW, as a partner in the Joint Venture with P1anned Parenthood Losngeles. is implementing the Leadership Visitation Project in Losngeles County. The Project identifiesand trains a broad range ofaders (such as media, corporate leaders, clergy, foundation directors,mmunity organizers) through briefings by policy and program:perts and carefully planned visits to service sites. Participants then,velop specific actions and agendas.Additional Visitations for religious leadm, newly electedofficials and corporate leaders are scheduled for the s~ring.The Visitation Project will conduct a minimum of 24 Sitevisits with at least 20 participants each, in the next threeyears.The project's goals are to personalize the reality of teenpregnancy and parenting, to create a sense of ~eneya~utreducing the rate of teen pregnancy and allevia~gn~tiveoutcomes of too early parenting, to develop an tnf1~entialrore of citizens committed to promoting cost effectiveprograms, and to establish regional networks ofleaders,providers and policy makers throughout the county,For additional information or to participate in the project,call Dr. Sherry May (310) 395-0098.National Sponsors of Visitation ProjectAmeric:aJl Association of Retired Persons, Association of JuniorLeagues International, Jack and Jill of America, Kiwanis Intema- .tional National Council of C\urchesChild &: Family lustice WorkingGrou~, National Council of La Raza, National Council ofNegroWomenLoal Sponsors of Visitation ProjectBig Sisters of Los Angeles, Center for Population Options, ~drenNow, Children's Hospital L.A. - Division of Adolescent Mecliane,Comision Femenil Mexicana National, Crittenton Center for YoungWomen and Infants, Delta SiglM Theta, El Nido Services, GirlsIncorporated, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, JuniorLeague of Los Angeles, Kiwanis Oub of Boyle Heights, Mayor'sOffice of Youth Development, National Council of Negro Women,The Summit Foundation, YWCA 01 Greater Los Angeles•Alice Harris greets Lesuiership VisiUtion p4rticip4nts lit Parmts of

S.A.Y.C. NEWSThe publication of the Students Advocating for Young Children163 West 91st Street, New York, N.Y. 10024 (212) 769-4310SAYC is sponsored by the Leadership Development Component ofPrep for PrepVOLUME 1EDmON 1 JANUARY 1993s432oBrooklyn Children's Program to beFocus of SAYC ProjectAfterlengthy research,SAYChas decidedtoconduetareseatebprojectand a Child Watch Visitation projectfocusing on the Birch Children's Center/EarlyIntervention Program in EastAatbusb Brooklyn. The Birch Centerruns two very successful programs; atwenty-four bour residency programfor severely retarded cbildren. and anearly intervention day program for delayedchildren.During December SAYCleaders made research visists to thesite. They met with Ruth Mullen,Director of Residency Program, andSteve Reid, DireetorofEar1y InterventionDay Program. During the researchvisits the SAYC members saw firsthand bow retarded children and mentallydelayed children have to strugglewith each activity oflife. The SAYCresearch team exchanged many ideason bow SAYC's Child Watch ProjectcouldbringneededsupporttotheBircbCenter, and both Steve Reid and RuthMullen were excited by the ideas.OvertheoextfewweeksSAYCmembers will be working hard to organizethe Child Watch Visitation. Fust,the researcb committee will work on areport that descn1les the Birch Center'sfun9tionandoperations. Secondly, theproject commi~ will work on developinga focus and fonnat for a ChildWatcb visitation. The projectscommitteewill also w

COAU110N NEWSLE'I1ER - SUMMER 1992PAGESTATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATChild Watch·Visitation ProgramBy Lisa FeckThe American Association ofRetired Persons and the NationalCOlDlcil ofNegro Women, togetherwith the Coalition for Children, Youth& Families has launched the "ChildWatch" visitation, training and actionprogram in three communities in NewMexico: Albuquerque, Las Crucesand Valencia County. The ChildWatch program is designed toheighten the awareness ofcommunityleaders about the needs and issuesfacing families today by combiningbriefmgs 011 key pUblic policy issueswith visits to effective programs. Forexample, New Mexico ranks last inthe nation in prenatal care. A briefmghighlighting the facts and importanceofprenatal care is combined withvisits to a neonatal intensive care unit,to graphically demonstrate theincreased risk of poor outcomes forinfants whose mothers do not receivecare, and a visit to a well run healthclinic, providing services to pregnantwomen and their children. By linkinginformation to human beings andeffective progt3IIlS or solutions, moreleaders are moved to take action toincrease investment in children, youthand families. Child Watch visitationsalways conclude by focusing onconcrete local actions. For moreinformation can Lisa Feck at theCoalition's office.Child Watch leaders include:AlbuquerqueCarlotta Mitchell, AlbuquerqueChapter, National Council ofNegro WomenEdythe Pierson, AmericanAssociation ofRetired PersonsLas CrucesNina Mervine, National Trainer,American Association ofRetiredPersonsDona Ana Consortium forChildren, Youth and FamiliesValencia CountyJohn S. Aragon, RecruitmentSpecialist, American AssociationofRetired Persons.'..:.":-":'.. :'-..':':'-'."....:;-;. ;.27

CHllDWATCH VISITATION COMMITTEEBy Michelle ReaganThe Child Watch Visitation Programwas developed by the Children'sDefense Fund as a means of training abroad range of leaders across thecountry on the need to invest in ourmost precious nationalresource-children. Through a series ofcarefully planned visits to a variety ofchildren's services and programs, thesecommunity leaders can confront childsuffering on a very personal level and,hopefully, become motivated to workfor positive change.The Child Watch Program showsthe participants not only problemsfaced by local children, but services inthe community that are experiencingsuccess in dealing with them. Theseservice providers receive a welldeserved pat on the back as well asaccess to a newly emergingconstituency to aid them in their work.The Association of Junior Leagues,Int., is joined by Kiwanis International,the American Association of RetiredPersons, Jack and Jill of America, theNational Council of Churches, t~eNational Council of La Raza, and theNational Council of Negro Women insponsoring the Child Watch Programnationally. Fifty cities now havePrograms in the planning or executionstages.The Junior League of Wichita istaking the lead in designing a ChildWatch Course for Wichita. OnSeptember 29, the Child WatchCommittee held their first communitycollaboration meeting which broughttogether local affiliates of the nationalsponsoring organizations. The goal tocreate a large and diverse coalition ofcommunity groups to design andimplement the Program wassuccessfully begun with that firstworkshop and will continue withmeetings throughout the fall andwinter.The Child Watch committee is cochairedby Michelle Reagan and formerWJL president lane Murphy. Membersinclude Sarah Robinson, JudeLanghurst, Lynn Cody Hawks, andPatty Dengler. Judy Frick serves asSustaining Advisor.The program format will combinewritten materials and policy briefingswith the site visits. The writtenmaterials will provide participants withbackground information on the issues28Left to right. back row: Sarah Robinsonand Michelle Reagan. Front row: JudyFrick and Jane Murphy. Not pictured: JudeLonghurst, Lynn Cody Hawks, PattyDengler and Carol RupeBelow is a picture from the Child Watchcoalition meeting held on November 2 atheadquarters planning the Child Watchvisitation program.presented and give them a tangiblerecord of the program. The policybriefings will try to illuminate the mazeof public policy issues that surroundchildren's problems. Finally, the visitsthemselves will resemble our ownCommunity Course by providing toursof local child service providers. TheChildren's Home, a Head Start center, acounty health department, a neonatalintensive care unit are all possible sites.Programs participants williearn-ashave many a WJL member-that theycan make a difference in the lives ofchildren.December 1992 Propeller 9

Prime. lIme/V\a'f • \'\'\7...Child Watchby Job~.s.AragonDuring the last legislativesession, AARP took an activepan in supporting legislationpertaining to children.By so doing we played amajor role in increasingawareness of cbildren'sproblems in this stUe. Whatbenefits children, benefitsus all. Thequality ofour futureis at stake!In recent years, the statusof our nation's children hasdeclined. For example. inthe United States:• Every 8 seconds, a childdrops out ofschool.·• Every (j] seconds, a teenagerhas a baby.• Every 53 minutes, a childdies ofpoverty.• Every day, 100,000 children·~ homeless.The US and South Africaremain the only industrializednations that fail to pr0­Vide universal health cover-. age and child care.Many churches have undertakencbildren'sadvocacy··andjoined the Children'sDefense Fund's"Leave No Child Behind"·campaign. In New Mexico,AARP has joined the Children'sCoalition,YouthandFamilies in the replicationand implementation ofChildWatch. The Child WatchVisitation Program makesstate leaders more aware ofthe variety and extentofchildand family needs.Approximately 122,000New Mexico children arepoor. There are more New~1exicanwomen and infants.without prenatal and well­-child care than in any otherstate. Our teen suicide rate istwice the national rate. 28%·of our children drop out ofschool.Experience shows that itis not until individuals cansee for themselves that they. become motivated to workfor change.Child Watch takes communityleaders to visit pr0­grams serving children, likeunderstaffed health clinics;dikpidated public ho¥Sing'~ts wq~ families stIUggleagainst dIugs and violence;and hosp#al Neonatal Intensiveeare!tJnits, where tinyinfants fight for each breath.The program sensitizes leadersto the obstacles manychildren must overcome.Child Watch also showsparticipants examples of s0­lutions by visiting qualityprograms working on behalfof poor children and families.Also, briefings from expertsand reading materials.AARP volunteers playleading roles in local ChildWatch programsmValencia,Dona Ana and BernalilloCounties. The Coalition forChildren, Youth and Familiessupports those effortslind works With AARP to expandthe programs.For information about theChild Watch Visitation Program,contact:John S. Aragon, Valencia,804 N. 5th St, Belen,87002 (864-8200)Nina Mervine, Dona Ana,4000 PameIaPl., Las Cruces(S25~138)Edythe M. Pierson, Bernalillo,3100Jane Place NE,Albuquerque (296-7813)29

IIPREPARING DATA AND WRITTEN MATERIALSIssue Papers 33Statistical Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 47Site Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 57Visit Agendas 63Other Creative Ideas 7531

CARING FOR KANSAS crrrs MOTHERS AND INFANTSAN URGENT NEEDGood health is essential to children's development and achievement. Every child needshealth care that begins before birth with prenatal care and continues throughout childhoodand adolescence with attention to preventive, acute and chronic health care needs. Thefailure to assure primary and preventive health care exacts a high human and fIscal toll.The short-term savings ofnot providing crucial health services to children and to allpregnant w9men are outweighed by the economic costs of a generation unable to achieve inschool or in the workplace because ofpoor health.Too many children in Metropolitan Kansas City" are not getting the health care theyneed. On many crucial measures ofmaternal and child health, the area compares poorly toother midwestern states and to many other cities with similarly poor, minority populations.Infant Mortality. The most sensitive indicator of a population's health status, theinfant mortality rate reveals the extent to which the Metropolitan Kansas City area fails tomeet the needs ofmany mothers and children." In 1989, Metropolitan Kansas City's infant mortality rate was 10Ainfant deaths per1,000 live births." During this same period, Wyandotte County and Jackson County had higher infantmortality rates than both the Metropolitan area and their respective states." The counties within the Metropolitan Kansas City area (with the exception ofJohnson County) will require extensive intervention to reduce their infant mortalityrates in an effort to reach the national goal ofno more than 7 infant deaths per 1,000live births by the year 2000.Low Birthweight. The most signifIcant contributor to infant mortality is lowbirthweight. Low birthweight is dermed as birthweight under 2500 grams or 5.5 pounds.While not all babies ofnormal birthweight are automatically healthy, and not all lowbirthweight babies are automatically at a disadvantage, the evidence shows that being bornat low birthweight places a baby at greater risk. A low birthweight baby is more likely to"Metropolitan Kansas City includes Platte, Clay and Jackson Counties in Missouri, andJohnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas.33

need costly special care (neonatal intensive car~, intermediate or sick baby nursery). Thelower the birthweight the higher the likelihood that the newborn will need high technologycare.• In 1989, 6.7 percent of Metropolitan Kansas City's births were low birthweightinfants.• Four ofthe five Metropolitan Kansas City area counties are above the national goalto reduce low birthweight to 5 percent oflive births by the year 2000.Prenatal Care. A primary reason so many infants are born at low birthweight is thattheir mothers receive inadequate or no prenatal care. Babies born to mothers who receiveno prenatal care are three times more likely to be born at low birthweight and two and onehalftimes as likely to require expensive neonatal intensive care. In addition, prenatal care iscost-effective; according to the Institute ofMedicine (National Academy ofSciences), everydollar invested in prenatal care saves $3.38 by reducing low birthweight and associatedcosts. Despite this, many women in the Metropolitan Kansas City area are failing to receivesuch care:• Greater than 14 percent of pregnant women in the Metropolitan Kansas City areareceive inadequate or no prenatal care.• Metropolitan Kansas City area counties will need extensive intervention to reach thenational goal ofincreasing to at least 90 percent the proportion ofwomen whoreceive prenatal care in the first trimester.Early, high-quality prenatal care, including attention to maternal nutrition, illness,smoking and alcohol or other drug use, psychological health, and other risk factors, iscritical to improving pregnancy outcomes, especially low birthweight. While necessary forall pregnant women, prenatal care is especially important for women at increased medicalor social risk. Maternal characteristics associated with receiving late or no prenatal careinclude low socioeconomic status, less than a high school education, or teenaged pregnancy.Women who are substance abusers also are less likely to get prenatal care.BARRIERS TO CAREReceiving prenatal care is one ofthe first steps to healthy beginnings, however womenface barriers in receiving such care. Barriers to care can generally be placed into four234

-------- - ~categories: fmancial barriers, service capacity barriers, organization ofservices barriers,and personal beliefs, attributes, and values baITiers. Many low-income working families areineligible for Medicaid yet have no access to employer-based insurance even ifthey areemployed full-time. Even when a woman has Medicaid coverage, access may be limited.Many providers refuse to accept Medicaid-covered clients or limit the number ofsuchclients. Transportation, hours of services, language and cultural barriers and theavailability ofchild care may also present barriers to receiving needed care. Long waitinglists for specialized services such as substance abuse treatment exist in too many areas.Limited resources keep many pregnant women and children from receiving home visits,social services, health education and access to the WIC (Women, Infant and Children)nutrition program.WHAT YOU CAN DO• Educate local, state and national elected officials and candidates about the problemsfacing Kansas City's mothers and children.• Volunteer to provide transportation to and from prenatal care clinics for pregnantwomen, or otTer to provide free child care for women keeping prenatal careappointments.• Submit articles to organizational or community newspapers, alerting readers to thematernal and child health care crisis in Kansas City.• Encourage employers to provide affordable health insurance to all workers.• Join the Kansas City Child Watch Program as a collaborator.3"35

CHILDREN WITHOUT HOMESIN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIAAN URGENT NEEDChildren need to grow up in homes and in families; not inshelters, or in hospitals, or in institutions.All children need to grow up in permanent, secure homes andcommunities which help foster a sense of belonging, confidenceand success. They need to be free of abuse and neglect.Children need to grow up with strong mental and emotionalhealth. Children with special physical, developmental oremotional needs require extra support.Whenever possible, children's needs should be met in theirown homes and by their own families. But all families needoutside help to support and protect their children adequately.When friends, relatives, churches or other communityinstitutions are not available, families must seek out pUblicagencies for help.WHOHAS RESPONSIBILITY FOR AT-RISK CHILDREN?In Washington, D.C., the Child and Family Services Divisionof the Commission on Social Services in the Department of HumanServices (DHS) is responsible for providing protective services,foster care, and adoptive services to more than 6,500 childrenand their families.The District of Columbia Prevention of Child Abuse andNeglect Act of 1977 requires that DHS provide a range of services tothe children and families in its care. These are to includecounseling, support, and referral to eliminate the need to removechildren from their homes, and case plans and periodic reviewsfor children in foster care, as well as services to reunify thefamily, or, if this is not possible, to ensure prompt adoption.WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE SYSTEM?The current system responds only to families in crisis withno capacity to provide family supports before crises arise orintensify and placement in out-of-home care becomes necessary.Preventive services can frequently be offered as a cost far belowthat required for out-of-home care. Even costs for intensivehome-based services only range from $2,600 to $4,000 per family,far below the per child costs of foster family homes at $5,000 to$9,500, group homes at $28,000 per year and residential treatmentprograms that can run as high as $60,000 annually. Once in outof-homecare, children are often placed inappropriately and37

denied the services they need.ooThe District of Columbia experienced a 19 percentincrease in the number of children reported abused orneglected between 1988.. and 1989, with almost all of theincr~ase in neglect reports. The number of childrenentering out-of-home care increased approximately 50%during that same period.Boarder babies (many born to drug-exposed mothers),spend months in sterile hospital environments longafter they are medically ready for discharge, becausealternative family settings are not provided.o Foster family homes are in short supply. As of April1989, approximately 50% of DHS's foster homes had onechild more than they were licensed for; 30% had twochildren too many; and the remaining 20% had three ormore children too many.ooooFoster parents are denied the supports they need tocare for the increasing numbers of children withspecial physical, mental and emotional needs.Increased training, supports and compensation, as wellas respite care for foster parents are criticallyneeded. In D.C., the monthly payment for a healthychild under 12 is just $307, yet the U.S. Department ofAgriculture reported in 1988 that the cost of raising anurban child in the South was $455 a month.Children continue to be placed in distant states,cutting them off from family contacts and agencyreview. Approximately 300 children, 90 percent of whomhave been diagnosed as severely emotionally disturbed,were in out-of-state mental health treatment centers in1987 at a cost of over $23 million to the city. Forthat same $23 million, 800 children could be providedwith mental health day clinic services and ther4peuticfoster care.Children in foster care do not receive the servicesthey need to be reunified with their families, nor arethey placed with adoptive families when appropriate.They remain in care for.an average of 4.8 years, far inexcess of the national median stay in foster care whichis 17 months.CUrrent severe shortages of trained staff jeopardizethe care children and families receive. About half ofthe Division's social work positions are vacant,resulting in average case loads of 61 families(including 136 children) per worker. (The ChildWelfare League of America's standards recommendcaseloads of 17 families per worker.)38

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE '1'0IMPROVE THE SYSTEM?A comprehensive child-serving system must be built. It mustbegin with preventive services to build resilience and" strengthenfamily functioDing, continue through intensive crisisintervention that seeks to preserve the family unit, and includea variety of options for caring for children in appropriate outof-homecare when that becomes necessary.As initial steps toward improving the system, the Districtgovernment must immediately: 1) develop a cadre of therapeuticfoster homes to care for the many children with special needs whorequire out-of-home care, and 2) hire additional social workersto reduce caseloads, and provide those workers with the trainingand supports necessary to appropriately respond to families incrisis.While some policy makers and others have raised thepossibility of "a return to orphanages" to address the currentgap between children's needs and available resources, such talkis dangerous to the best interests of children. These facilitiesseldom offer the specialized treatment, individual attention, andcontinuity of care that are so critical to a child's development.WHAT YOU CAN DOsupport from individuals and community groups -- along withthe reform of government policies -- is critical to helpingfamilies and children in crisis:ooooooBecome a mentor for an individual child in out-of-homecare to provide tutoring, friendship or enrichmentactivities;Work through community groups to recruit and supportfoster families;Volunteer to work for agencies that provide services tochildren in foster care or children in crisis, such asFor Love of Children (FLOC), Sasha Bruce/Youthworks,Martha's Table, and Grandma's House, or regularly visitwith infants and toddlers in residence at local hospitalsor emergency facilities like st. Ann's Home;Use your own professional skills (writing, accounting,legal, administrative, etc.) to assist an agency servingthese children;Work with others to establish a visitors center wherechildren in out-of-home care can be brought to visit withtheir parents; orAsk D.C. public officials to ensure that all vacant39

social work positions in the Department of HumanServices' Child and Family Services Division are filledand to increase traininq and compensation for fosterparents.CDF's Child Watch Leadership Traininq staff is available toassist you in becominq an active participant in any of theseactivities- (or others that may interest you).40

The State of Children's Health in America:How Texarkana Children CompareWho are the poor children of the nineties?• One in five children in the United States - 14.3 million - lived in poverty in1991, the highest number since 1965. The majority of poor children are white, have aparent that works, and live in small towns and rural and suburban America.In Bowie County, 23.3% of the total population under the age of 18(22,146) is poor. 27% of the total population under the age of 6(1,855) is poor.In Miller County, 30.5% of the total population under the age of 18(3,322) is poor. 33.7% of the total population under the age of 6(1,155) is poor.• The median income of young families with children in the United States(families headed by a parent under 30) plummeted by 32% from 1973 to 1990.What is meant by the -immunization crisis"today?faced in the United States• Over the past decade, the proportion of U.S. infants and toddlers adequatelyimmunized against preventable childhood disease has fallen. The most glaring resultwas a three-year measles epidemic that claimed over 55,000 children, including 89who died in 1990 alone. Twice as many children contracted pertussis last year than in1981, and rubella cases stood five times higher than in 1988.• The United States ranks behind 16 other nations in the proportion of infantsimmunized against polio. When the proportion of U.S. nonwhite infants adequatelyimmunized is compared to other nations' overall rates, the United states ranks 70th inthe world, behind countries such as Borundi, Indonesia, Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad,and Tobago.What is causing this crisis ?• Since 1981, the price of a single dose of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP)vaccine rose from 33 cents to nearly $10. The price for a dose of polio vaccinequadrupled from $2.10 to (9.45. Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine nearlytripled, rising from $9.12 to $25.29.• An increasing number of pediatricians and family practitioners are referring atleast some of their patients to public clinics for immunizations. In one study, theoverwhelming majority of participating doctors cited the affordability of immunizations41

oth to themselves and their patients as the underlying cause.• After adjusting for inflation. funding for community health centers fell by 38percent between 1981 and 1991. With shrinking resources and rising demand forimmunization services, 70 percent of all health centers have reported vaccineshortages in their clinics.What hasbeen the result of declining employer based health coverage?• In 1990. more than 25 million children under the age of 18 - 40 percent of allAmerican children - lacked employer health coverage. even though more than 85percent of all children lived in working families.• According to statistics from the American Census Bureau:•A full third of all white children lacked employer coverage in 1990. Ofthe 25 million children without employer coverage, 17.5 million (70 percent) werewhite. These children comprised n percent of all uninsured children that year.•More than 60 percent of black children and the same proportion ofHispanic children lacked employer health insurance in 1990. For these children.employer insurance is now the exception rather than the rule.If low-Income children have little or no health insurance, how can theygain access to primary health care?• Medicaid is a vital source of coverage for children. Without Medicaid, thenumber of completely uninsured children (which in 1990 stood at 8.4 million) wouldhave risen to more than 18 million. However, in spite of recent Medicaid expansions,little has been accomplished to truly diminish the problem. The collapsing employersystem for children in low and middle income households (annual incomes of between$11,000 and $46,000 for a family of 4 in 1991) remains unaddressed by Medicaidreforms for poor children. .What exactly is 'Medicaid'?• Medicaid operates much like health insurance. Supplied for through the localwelfare offices, it is a federal grant-in-aid entitlement program that provides open-endfinancing for state medical assistance programs for the poor. Persons determinedeligible for benefits are entitled to have payment made on their behalf for health careand services that are covered under their state plan when furnished by health careproviders participating in the program.2Source: The Health of AmeriCa's Children 1992, et at, Children's Defense Fund, Washington, D.C.42

Do all h.ealth care providers participate in the Medicaid program?•No, nor are they required to participate.How do children and families get on Medicaid?Eligibility:• Eligibility depends on having family income that falls within allowable rangesand resources that do not exceed limits set by states.• All children younger than six with net family income at or below 133 percent ofthe federal poverty level ($18,553.50 for a family of four in 1992) are potentiallyentitled to Medicaid.• States have the option to extend Medicaid to some or all children younger thanone with net family incomes at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, butabove 133 percent ($25,807.50 for a family of four in 1992). Texas and Arkansashave exercised this option.State Residence:• Persons seeking benefits must be residents of the state in which they apply forassistance.• Benefits may not be denied simply because persons have no permanentaddress. States must provide a means that permit homeless applicants to proveresidence and receive benefits, even if they are living in temporary housing orshelters.Lawful presence in the U.S.• To receive Medicaid, a child must be a citizen or lawfully admitted forpermanent U.S. residence. Children who are neither citizens nor lawfully present areentitled to coverage for emergency medical conditions only.• Lawful presence may take two forms: The child may be recognized by theImmigration and Naturalization Service (INS) as ·permanently residing under color oflaw (PRUCOL)." This means that INS is aware that the child is living in the U.S. butdoes not intend to deport the child. Or, a child may be classified as a ·temporary"legal resident, as for example, exists for children who are recipients of "amnesty."Children who are neither citizens, nor PRUCOL, nor temporary lawfully present areconsidered ·undocumented."3Source: The Health of America's Children 1992, et alj Children's Defense Fund, Washington, D.C.43

Compliance with special disclosure and reporting requirements• Persons apply for Medicaid for children have to cooperate with therequirements of their respective state agency. They usually have to disclose any-third party liability"- health insurance, etc. A Social Security number is also required.How long do children uSuaUy receive Medicaid?• Since even a slight change in income can cost a child Medicaid, the averagelength of Medicaid enrollments appears to be only between six and nine months forpoor children. Children end up losing coverage when their families get ·churned" inthe application and redetermination process.What kinds of benefits are available to children receiving Medicaidbenefits?• All state Medicaid programs must provide to all recipients under the age of 21virtually all services recognized under federal law, even if these benefits are notcovered for adults. Further, states may not impose limits on benefits for children otherthan limitations related to medical necessity.• In 1967, the EPSDT program was enacted. Its purpose was to find childrenwith ~ctual or potential health problems, and screen, diagnose, and treat theproblems before they became permanent, lifelong disabilities. Its thrust was, and is,disability prevention. Once a condition is disclosed through the screening, treatmentcannot be withheld until the condition reaches a certain level of severity. EPSDTentitles children to treatment as soon as assessment discloses a condition for whichMedicaid-covered treatment is medically necessary.• EP5 DT benefits include: periodic screenings to identify potential physical andmental illnesses and conditions; inter-periodic screening whenever a child issuspected of having a condition or illness in between regularly scheduled exams;immunizations, dental, vision, and hearing car-e; and a wide array of services andtreatment for children with a diagnosed problem.What is the Impact of these health care issues on Texarkana's children?RelOW-income children's access to primary health care:• Low wage-earners are unable to pay for primary health care to physiciansrequiring up-front payment for services.4Source: The Health of America's Children 1992, et ali Children's Defense FUnd. Washington. D.C.44

• Many employers do not provide comprehensive medical insurance.• There is a critical shortage of health care providers who accept Medicaidreimbursements, particularly in the specialty fields of pediatrics and obstetrics.• The above factors result in the emergency room being used as a source ofprimary health care, which is the most costly source of such care. Such care results insignificantly high charges, which low income persons generally cannot afford to pay.• A lack of access to primary health care causes delays In treatment which manytimes leads to even more costly intervention. In other words, minor conditions end upcosting much more when early care is not sought and obtained.• The emergency room cannot provide continuous care and keep appropriatelong-term care records, which is an integral part of primary health care.• The emergency room care is for acute care, and does not provide screening orprevention aspects of primary health care.Re obstetrical or prenatal care for low income women:• Low- income, pregnant women are often considered to be high risk, and areoften forced to travel to Little Rock, Arkansas or to Dallas to receive obstetricalservices..• Failure to receive early prenatal care increases the possibility that high riskconditions will not be monitored during the length of the pregnancy.• While local county health departments provide some prenatal care, the waitingtime to begin receiving care is long.• When many women receive late or no prenatal care, opportunities for earlyintervention and prevention are lost, resulting in higher rate of low birthweight babies.• A lack of access to primary health care for any member of the population whoseeks it causes a negative impact on the quality and continuity of care, its overall cost,and the health of the patient.5Source: The Health of AmeriCa's Children 1992, at ali Children's Defense Fund. WashingtOn, D.C.45

INFANT MORTALITY• Genesee County ranks among the worst of Michigan's 83 counties for infantmortality. (Genesee Child Health Letter, April 1992).• 1987 data shows that Flint was among the 10 worst cities in the U.S. (population100,000 or more) for infant mortality with a rate of 17.6. Black infant mortality inFlint was 21 .3. Flint had low birth weight incidence at least 1.5 times higher thanthe U.S. incidence of 6.9. Flint's overall proportion of births to teens was at least1.5 times higher than the U.S. average. (Children's Defense Fund, 1991).• Teenage mothers have a 14.1 infant death rate, one-fourth higher than the 11.6for women over 20.• The infant mortality rate for black and other nonwhite teenage mothers is 34.1under 15 and 23.3 for those 15 to 19. (Special Report: Adolescents in GeneseeCounty. 1992).CHILDREN'S DEATHS• Of Flint's children under 1 year, 6 died in a variety of accidents between 1980 and1990. (PRIORITY '90s Technical Report, 1992).• Accidents was the leading cause of mortality between the ages of one and 19,accounting for 24 of the 71 who dies in 1990. (Special Report: Adolescents inGenesee County. 1992).• Motor vehicle accidents were responsible for 15 of the 24 deaths. Homicides wereclose behind with a record 23 deaths, ten more than the previous record 13recorded in 1988. This included 22 who were Flint residents. These two causeswere responsible for two:-thirds of all deaths from one to 19 years of age. (SpecialReport: Adolescents in Genesee County, 1992).• There were 3 children suicide deaths in the county from 1980 to 1990. Noneoccurred in Aint. The number in Michigan increased by 71 % (5) during this period.(PRIORITY '90s Technical Report. 1992).• More children under age 5 die of injuries from abusive parents than TB, whoopingcough, polio. measles, diabetes. rheumatic fever, and appendicitis combined.Eady Childhood Health Task Force Report, 1988.47

47,000 ChildrenLive in PovertyIn 1J18J1in JacKsooYi/1e:Jl,(J(J() c01ldreo were battered, abused, oeglected.l~lJ1J1 were sexuaUyassaulted.Toere were 7,(J()(}fuyeoUe del1oqueocy rekrrals.102clllidren CO.01011ttedsexualassault or battery.JlJI5 c1J.i1dreo were arrestedformurder, assaultora weapons offense.Barely50$oftlJe studeots woo coteredtlJe 10t1J grade 10 1J186graduated.142bab1es undertlJe ageof1 died.Oyer:J,(J(J() clllidreo were 00 a wa1tiog list fiJr day care.-14tKJJddsoeededres1deotialmeotaloealtIJ treatment butcouldootget1L55cases ofHIYpos1tiye col1dreo were treatedat 1I01ye.rs1ty HOSP1taL48

Percent"c:hildrenin poverty, 1989: 25.Q% (rank: 46)District of Columbia *Another child is born intopoverty every 4 hours and 41 minutes.All Races White Black Latinoauld population, 1990 NlDbu 117,092 17,472 93,978 7,254aukUm as a percent cistate Percent 193 9.7 23.5 22.2population, 1990Incidence of low birthweight, 1989 Percent 15.9 6.4 18.4 NA(as a percent ciall births) Rmk 51 43 43 NAPercent ofbabies born to mothers who Percalt 13.8 35 16.0 NAreceived late or no prenatal care, 1989 Rmk 50 23 35 NA(as a percent ciall births)Births to teens, 1989 P- 18.2 3.6 215 NA(as a percent ciall births) Rmk 48 1 13 NATotal unemployment rate, 1990 Percent 6.6 3.1 8.9 5.1Rmk 44 4 7 3Youth unemployment rate, 1990 P- 17.7 NA 22.2 NARmk 43 NA 2 NA• 22.9 District ciColumbia infants died for every 1,000 live binhs in 1989 (rank: 51) (change,198Q..1989: -8.4%).• 11.8 percent of the District ofCohnnbia's 3- to ~year-olds were enrolled in Head Start in FY 1990.• In 1990, one worker could care for 4 six·month-olds ina District ofColumbia thUd care center(recommended maximum: 3 (X 4).• 58.2 percent ofDistrict ofColumbia students who entered 9th grade in 1984 graduated in 1988(rank: 50).• 0Uldren were 48.6 percent ofDistrict ofColumbia Medicaid recipients but accoonted for only 10.2percent ofMedicaid spending in FY 1990.• TIle monthly AFDC benefit for a family ofthree in the Oistrict ofColumbia was $409 in 1991(rank: 18). Benefits declined by 13.7 percent between 1980 and 1991 (adjlBted for inflaticn) (rank:19).• QWd support was colleaed in 9.4 percent ofDistric:t ofColumbia c:a&eS in FY 1990 (rank: 48).• Renting a moderately priced two-bedroom apartment cost 94.9 percentof the income ofa personearning the minimum wage in the District ofColumbia in 1991 (rank: SO).• 2,313 District ofColumbia c:hildren were in{Olter c:are on the last day in FY 1990.• There were 8,501 reported cases ofchild abuIe md nqlea inI>istrict eXCcl'lmbja in 1990.Noie: The _ onfoster care and on c:hi1d abwse and nqka ClIMOt be~ ba&uten srara.*STATISTICS FOR YOUR STATE ARE AVAILABLE BY CALLING (202)662-3588.CHltOIEN'S DlFlNSE FUNDTHE STAn Of AMEIiCA'S CHltOIEN '99249

T....T....T....T....TAT....T....T....T....T....T....T....T....T....TATATAT....T....T....T....T....T....T....TAT....T ....TATA"COALffiONFOR CHILDRENYOlITH&FAMILIES1'.0. Box 26666·A.. Albuqumjue. NM 87125-6666 A 505-841-1710IT'S ABOUT TIUE KIDS COUNT IN NEW MEXICOBERNAULLO COUNTY FACT SHEETNEW MEXICO BERNALILLO CO. CO.TRENDover 10,anfAMILY ECONOMICSYell' 1990 1980 1990Percent Children in Poverty 275 16.8 19.5 WORSEPercent Youth Unemployed 26.4 20.3% 20.6% WORSEMedian Real Household Income, $18,429 $19,708 $20.950 BEITERAdjusted for InflationYell' 1981 1981 1991Percent Adult Unemployed 6.9% 7.3% 5.2% BEITERREALm ~ SAfETYYell' 1983-1990 '85-87 •8&-90Percent Women Receiving 41.4% 35.0% 38.0% BEITEREarly Prenatal CareChild Death Rate 37.3 40.6 29.6 BEITERper 100,000 (Age 1-14)Teen Birth Rate, Ages 15-19 75.8 63.2 64.1 WORSEper 1000 WomenTeen Violent Death Rate per 110.3 92.8 84.8 BEITER100,000 teens (Ages 15-19)Yell' 1991 1989 1991Child Abuse & Neglect 40.8 ·33.3 46.3 WORSEInvestigation Rate per 1000children (Ages 0-17)EDUCATIONYell' 1990 1980 1990Percent High School Graduates, 75.1% 76.5% 82.1% BETTER(Age 25 and over)BOAAD OF DIRECroRS: 0 Honorary Co-Otainnc:n • Scn.ator and Mrs. Jdf Binpman 4 Scna_ and Mrs. Pete Oomc:nici 0 E=tive Director. france> Varda-Gio Offi= 4 R.obert c;.....,,~ OWJUU.N 4 ArIgic: VadUo. VIO:.Qw1lMAN 4 NancyJo An:bcr. S£cIt[TAII.T 4 Brian Bumen.. 1lU:AsulUJl 0 Dimcroc-s • Lil\da 8lIrT • Na~ 8lI4 Carl Bon 4 Don o.a- 4 Mary Lou Ed_rd 4 ""'''It E11isu>n 4 S,cpl\anie Fanow • EII.a J. fcnoE6o 4 .laSle Frcia.e 4 larry Fextess • Cathy GoIdbc:rJl 4 N~ Kalish•• Tony Mutcxdli 4 PIoul Nath&ruon • JeTTy Otero 4 Edythe PieDon • Rkk S

.T.T.T.T....T.TATATAT.TAT...TATATAT.....TATATAT.TATAT...TATATATATCOALmONFOR CHILDRENYOUTH&FAMILIESP.O. Box 26666 • AlbuqueTqUe. NM 8712S-6666 • 505-841·1710NEWMEXlCO'KIDS COUNTlQds rount in the lives ·of their families every day. They enJich family lifc and promiSe acontinuation of traditions, values, and family in the fu1Dre.. Children also count for thc.nation, for today's kids are tomorrow's parcD1S, wotters, community lcadexs, voters andinvestors. .INDICATORofCHILD WELIrBEINGNOTE: ASlatumk ofhtiibestit ilul.m:m; aszlc afSlstin.05tidle1Ultim..STATE RANKPercent ofbirths with earlyprenatal carePercent ofchildren not covered by health insurancePercent children in povertyMedian income offamilieswith childrenTecn violent deathrate, Ages 15-19 (per 100,OOOyomb)Tcenage unemployment ratcPercent graduating high schoolPcrcent all births that are to single tcensChild death rate, Ages 1-14 (per 100, 000 dtiIdren)Benefits as a percent ofpoverty (AFDC aui Food StanpsjEducation expenditures perpupilPercent low birth weight babiesJuvenile aJstody rate, Ages 10-15 (per lOOpJOyatths)Infant mortalityrate (per 1,CDO ~ binbs)51st50th48th48th48th48th47th44th38th35th33rd25th23rd12thi~s~ ICIDS

Valencia CountyCounty SummaryFamiliesThe average family size in Valencia Countyis 3.62. The countyemploymentlevel is 59.1percent, which is 6.2 percent less than thestatelevel of63 percent.The annual medianfamily income is $17,832, which is 5.3 percentmore than the state median income.About 35.7 percent of the adults in thecounty have not finished high school. Womenare the headsofl1.9percentor1,839 householdsin the county. Ofthe women who workoutside the home, 1,877 have preschoolchildren.ChildrenThere are 11,900 children in Valencia County,and 3,200 are under the age offive. Schoolagedchildren are sex:ved by 2 school districts:Belen and Los Lunas.Ethnic Heritage of Familiesother 1%Indian 8%Block 1%IEconomic HighlightsPopulation: 61.115Median Income: $17,832;:;l;:ji!.'!tations~'62~;:;:~Technical, Sales, Admin.Precision Production/CraftHow Are TheChildren Doing?\3,738 or 17.2% live in poverty.121 are homeless.92 became teen mothers in1987426 children were the subjectsof child abuse orneglectinvestigations in198853 is the aven,lge standardizedtest score for 8thgraders14.2 %of teens drop out ofschoolAnglo 45%Hispanic 45%S~·. Coafiritmfor CftiftfrUl 96

U1~.'.~ POVER1Y RA1"fS IN ROCHESTERlJlld.r 18lJlld% ttlspOIllc Kids Poor% AfrlcOll.Am. Kids Poor% Whit. Kids Poor1"otaJ % Kids Poor58.047.925.238.464542140'ttILO POVm:rt..8ll1.fS ItLttQt4ROf COUN1V1"otaJ % Kids Poor 28-10B6IiJiliJ&IChUdrBII UCl1tl9 Itl POCl6rfyL 0:Who Ql'ff th~?Whfftff Q/'~ thq'Wh" are'th..,?a r~

t10N~OfCOUNfY'S C"ULO~fN~~f IN 1~OUSlf 100• 40% of children under age 6 live inpoverty• 30-35%ofdtycb1ldren enteringhighschool w1ll not graduate• 16% of kids 12-17 are regular orheavy drug users• 25,000 children have no health insurance• in 1991 there were over 4800 reportedcases ofch1ld abuse• 11 fatalities in 1991 were linked toch1ld abuse• 1300 children are in foster care atany given time·local teen pregnancyrates and ratesofsexually transmitted dis~es rivalthose of the South Bronx• by 24 months, 400h of babies arebehind in immunizationsPOVERIY ...THE HIGH COSTOfNEGleCTING-OURCHILORENPrepared by the Ro~esterAreaChildren's Collaborative. an affiliateofthe YWCA 546-5820'.54

North CarolinaAdoption/Foster Care Statistics'Children in Foster Care in North CarolinaAccording to Division of Social Services informationas of March 31, 1992, 5,441 children were in foster care in North Carolina.• 4,159 were in foster family homes (76%)• 167 were in specialized foster family care (3%)• 525 were in large group facility (residential, 10%)• 141 were in adoptive foster homes (3%)Ofthose children in care:A total of 3,002 minority children were in care (55 %)• 2,786 (51 %) were Black• 98 (2%) were American Indian• 118 (2%) were of other races• 2,438 (45%) were Caucasian• 35% were underthe age 5• 32% were ages 6 through 12• 33% were 13 or older• 49% were boys; 51% were girlsTotal number of children for whom adoption is the plan= 1,648Children ,in Need of Adoption• 226 were under age 6• 130 were ages 7 through 12• 150 were 13 or older• 54.3% were Black• 42% were Caucasian• 0.4% were American Indian• 3.3% were other races55

Cost of Maintaining a Child in Foster .Care1. Board Payments2. Clothing Allotment3. legal: Judges and Attorneys(288.00 + 159.60)4. Medical Costs5. Social Worker Fees2(1 child x 12 months x 155)6. Miscellaneous Expenses(other transportation, medical,Le., prescription, paperwork,phone calls)Month Iy Cost$265.0021.6737.30225.42310.0041.67Annual Cost$3180.00260.00447.602705.003720.00500.00Total$901.06$10,812.60Cost if Child is Placed in Adoptive Home1. Board Payments2. Medical Costs3. legal Services$200.00225.4220.83$2400.002,705.00250.00Total$446.25$5,355.0056

CHILD WATCHSITE VISIT:CONTACT:DESCRIPTIONOF SITE:Truman Medical Center West (fMC)2301 Holmes StreetKansas City, MO 64108(816) 556-3000Suzanne Meyer, Director ofSocial WorkThis 308 bed hospital provides quality medical care to patients without regard to abilityto pay as the public hospital system for Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri.DESCRIPTIONOF PROGRAMS: NurserylNeonatal Intensjye Care Unjt2800 births in 1991 (approximately 15% ofthe babies born in the metropolitan area).Ofthese, 448 (16%) were born at low birth weight (5.51bs. or less). Between 14-15% ofthe total births were pre-term babies.450 babies needed care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at TMC, and 100 weretransferred to Children's Mercy Hospital.Nine (9) percent ofthe mothers had no prenatal care; 35 percent had inadequateprenatal care. By the time of delivery, 30% have developed pregnancy-relatedcomplications. Approximately 40% were uninsured. Fifty-five (55) percent ofthe totalmothers qualified for Medicaid.Nationally in 1991, 8% ofall mothers and 6% ofmothers delivering at suburbanhospitals were identified as substance abusers. At TMC during the same period, over500 mothers or 18-20% who delivered were substance abusers (12% were cocaine users).Prenatal CareTMC offers prenatal care, including the Adolescent Resource Corporation's (ARC)adolescent prenatal clinic, a mother-baby clinic, prenatal labor monitoring and KCPrevention!Assistance/Coping Skillsffeaching (PACT), which provides services fordrug-dependent women who are pregnant.57

Site DescriptionsSite Visit:Contlcts:Parents orWatts Center'Sweet Alice" Harris. Eltecutive Director10828 Lou Dillon AvenueLos Angeles. CA 90059(213) 566-7556Maudine Clark. Program DirectorDescription ofSite:Parents of Watts was founded in 1979 by Ms. Alice Harris to decreasetensions between ethnic groups. Today it serves a variely of unmel needs inthe Willowbrook area of Los Angeles as a "multi-purpose" community centerwith six main programs in five facilities. Parents ofWatts has silt paid stiffmembers along with approximately thirty volunleers.It is localed in an area of concentraled poveny which includes the NickersonGardens. Imperial Couns. Hacienega and lordan Down housing projects.Watts is home to 26.000 residents of which 55% are African American and40% Latino.Descriplion of Programs: Transitional Home for New Mothers Having been a teenage mOlher herself.Alice is concerned with the well being of girls and young women wilhchildren. The Diane Feinstein Home for Young Mothers. established byParents ofWatts. offers shelter for ten young women until they can obtainsecure. permanent housing. The program provides not only sheller. but alsoparenting classes to ensure the delivery of healthy babies and reduce the risk ofchild abuse. Other pregnant leens find communily organizations throughAlice's help. which "adopl" them until childbinh.EduCitional Progr.lms Funded by the Los Angeles School dislrict. lhelordan-Locke Adult School provides classes in parenting. Sp:mish. English as asecond language. and preparatory lessons to obtain a General EducalionDegree.Youth-At-Risk Program Youlh are encouraged to continue lheir educalionthrough tutoring. scholarships. field lrips and summer jail progr.lms. Thepanicipanls have displayed a near perfecl graduation rale.College Preparatory Home The College Preparalory Home is open to eightstudents from lhe Youlh-At-Risk Program who want to continue theireducation beyond high school. Basic shelter and a supponive environment isprovided to studenlS while they attend a junior college. Eligible sludenls arehelped to seck attendance and residence at :l full-lime university.24 Hour Crisis Center Any community resident wilh an urgent need iswelcomed at Parents of Watts. The center offers immediale assisl:lI1ce aswell as continuing counseling services. Parents IIf Watts is the only crisiscenter serving the W:lllS area.Emergency Food and Shelter Four facilities with a total of fony Ileds offeremergency food and sheller to families. baltered men and women and thementally ill.The Visitation Project58

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF TEXARKANA, INC.Children's Dental ClinicMission StatementThe purpose of the Children's DentalClinic is to provide basic dental care tochildren, ages six through twelve years;registered in Texarkana, Texas andArkansas, public schools; who, thoughthey do not qualify for or receive state orfederal assistance, or private insurancebenefits, are unable to receive privatedental care. A child eligible for clinicservices must be referred by schoolnurses of the district in which he or sheis enrolled in school. School districtsserved by the clinic are TISD, TAISD,PGISD, and LEISD. There is no chargefor appointments.••••• ft .When the Clinic Is OpenThe clinic is in session September(after Labor Day) through May , andfollows the school calendar of the areaschools. The clinic is open Thursdayevenings. from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.patients from the clinic who haveagreed to provide their services at nocharge. Dental hygienists areavailable, and a comprehensive dentalhealth curriculum is taught to eachpatient and parent.Location••• * •••••••••The clinic is located at 313 W. Broad. Itconsists of two operatories, onehygiene/exam room, one sterilizationroom, classroom space, and storage.Staffing of Clini~._-_ .... _....Local dentists are providing dentalservices in the clinic, and on a referralbasis when necessary. Jr. League ofTexarkana volunteers provide supportservices and funding.•••••••••••••• ••••••••••••Scope of CareProvidedProject ImpactBasic care to be offered at this clinicincludes: fillings, extractions, hygiene.Pulpotomies and stainless crowns areoptional with each participating dentist.Patients requiring specialized treatmentare referred to dentists acceptingSince its inception (October, 1990),the clinic has provided dental servicesto several hundred Texarkana children,the actual cost value of such serviceswell exceeding $30,000.00.18 EAST BROAD TEXARKANA, ARKANSAS 75502PHONE 5011772-994859

Site DescriptionsSite Visit:Contact:Jordan High SchoolSchool-Based Clinic2265 East 103rd Street. Los Angeles. CA 90002(213) 567-0531Grace StruthersPrincipal. Jordan High SchoolMike GodfreyCoordinator. School-Based Health ClinicsLAUSDBobby Sheffield. M.S.Director. School-Based ServicesWHF at JordanMedria Willmms. Ph.D.Clinical PsychologistWHF at Jor

ALBUQUERQUE CHILD WATCHSITE VISIT:Hogares, Inc.1218 Griego, N.W.Albuquerque, NM(505) 345-8471CONTACT PERSON:Nancy Jo ArcherDESCRIPTIONOF SITE:A group home began in 1971 as an alternativeprogram for youth. Has become a familyoriented home serving children 13 to 18years of age.DESCRIPTIONOF PROGRAM:Hogares provides a home for 225 kids amonth. It provides residential, counseling,and treatment programs in 10 treatmentcenters, which include day treatment, fostercare, and individual living.The population has changed over the years toinclude more substance abuse and ganginvolvement. Many come from single parenthouseholds. With the increase in troubledyouth, many have been in several otherprograms before coming to Hogares.There is a broad base of referral, and theprogram changes to meet the needs. There isa new program for sexual abuse, and aspecialized program for gangs. There areparent support groups, and a 3 to 4 monthwaiting list.There are 160 full-time staff, andvolunteers involved in an "amigo" programand mentoring relationships. The strengthand success of the program rests in anability to assess what families need andplace youth in appropriate programs.The program is funded by United Way, State,Federal, city and County in a 4 milliondollar budget which includes a sliding feescale.61

OUTSIDETHE DREAMVIP ON-SITE VISIT AGENDAEach group will be visiting three sites - they are listed on the back of this page.GROUP I7:00 a.m. Coffee and departure from St. Vincent de Paul Center11:00 Return to S1. Vincent de Paul11:15 Luncheon11:45 Keynote Speaker - Stephen Shames"Outside the Dream"12:45 Call to Action - "Bringing the Dream Closer"Carol KaminExecutive DirectorChildren's Action AllianceGROUP II10:30 a.m. Registration11:15 Luncheon11:45 Keynote Speaker - Stephen Shames"Outside the Dream"12:45 Call to Action - "Bringing the Dream Closer"Carol KaminExecutive DirectorChildren's Action Alliance1:00 p.m. Group II departs for on-site visits5:00 Return to S1. Vincent de Paul CenterThere is a $25.00 fee for the entire morning or afternoon session(includes lunch).To register for this special opportunity, please call 266-0707 by March13, 1992, AND send in the attached registration fonn with your$25.00 check. ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY.63CHILDREN'SACTIONALliANCE4001 North 3rd Street. Suite 160Phoenix, Arizona 85012(602) 266-0707 FAX: (602) 263-8792

OUTSIDETHE DRKt\1EACH GROUP WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THREE OF THE FOLLOWING:TumbleweedJanet Garcia, Executive Director915 N. 5th Street Phoenix, Az. 85004271-9904A community based organization providing services which focus on runaway and homeless youth(ages 10 - 18), and families in crisis. Offers distinct programs for crisis, shelter, independentliving, and support services. Varying lengths of stay dependent on program, houses 25 residentialyouth per day.UMOM Family ShelterRoger Lippi, Director3320 E. Van Buren Phoenix, Az. 85008275-4533Provides private rooms with communal kitchen to 15 indigent families, offers 90 - 120 dayplacement, closely involves community, and provides support services.Salvation Army Family Crisis CenterGary Lillard, Program Director2707 E. VanBuren Phoenix, Az. 85008267-4194Serves 25 families in private rooms, length of stay may be up to 90 days, provides both on-siteand access to support services for homeless families trying to achieve stability.Central Arizona Shelter ServicesMary Orton, Executive Director1209 West Madison Street Phoenix, Az. 85007256-6945CASS offers emergency refuge, all guests must be working on a plan to get off the street, familyroom has 30 beds and cribs, mothers stay with children (aged to 18 for girls, 8 for boys), qualitypreschool on premise, support services offered, varying length of stay dependent on familysituation.YWCA Women in TransitionJill Holcomb, Project Director755 East Willetta Street Phoenix, Az. 85006258-0990Program focuses on homeless single parent families. Goal is to strengthen the family unit andassist in obtaining adequate employment, 16 private rooms available: 8 for mothers and one child,8 for mothers with 2-4 children (aged to 18 for girls, 8 for boys), offers intense support services,on-site child care, length of stay up to 24 months.Maricopa County Accommodation SchoolMike Melton, Principal501 North 7th Avenue Phoenix, Az. 85007275-6389The school offers 9 month academic program for homeless children, provides transportation fromanywhere in Maricopa County daily, accepts children from age 5 - 17, has year round program forthese children, offers support services. School capacity is 130, and is filled.1 CHIIDREN'S ACTION AlliANCE,\ 4001 Nonh 3rd Street. Suite 160. Phoenix. Arizona 85012~ (602) 266-0707 FAX: (602) 263-879264

'lOSII"..~{Medla are requested not to release schedule to the uubBc prior to the event.l,7:30 Meet in Foodl1nk parking lot - (56 West Ave.)7:45 Walk over to WIC site (40 West Ave.) Contact: Connie English464-64737:50-8:15 Welcome - Bonnie Hindman RAF & Rona Wyner RACCOrientation Class for potential WIC clients - Connie English8:15 Walk back to Foodlink for breakfast8:20-8:55 Breakfast/FOODUNKEmergency Food Distribution Network - -Contact: TomFerTaro 328-33809:00 Board bus for Rochester General Hospital (1425 PortlandAve.) Contact: Dr. MicluJel Weitzman 3384097General CommentaIy on Bus - Rona & BonnieImportance of prenatal care - Dr. Phyllis Leppert9:20-10:30 Visit RGH Pediatrics/Neonatal Intensive Care UnitDiscussion - Health Needs of Infants & Pregnant Women- Dr. Michael Weitzman & Dr. Phyllis Leppert10:35 Board Bus for HeadStart Plus Program10:45-11:20 Tour Head Start Program - (316 Bay St.) Contact: Betty Penn482-891411:25 Board Bus for Wilson Commencement ParkDiscussion ofEarly Childhood Education on bus - Bonnie11:35-12:40 Tour Wilson Commencement Park - (251 Joseph Ave.)Contact:JeanHoward 263-793012:45-1:00 Return to Foodlink Parking Lot(Wrap-up discussion of chUd poverty in Rochester withemphasis. on importance of preventive care & the need for aholistiC approach to helping impoverished familfes)Sponsor." bV: Rochester .Area Foundation&:The Rochester Area Children's CoDaborativeWith s,"lelI thQRks to: Ms. Sharon Ladln. a.Ud.reD's Defense FundMr. Tom Fermro. FOODLINK:Ms. Connie English, MCBD WICDr. PhyDls Leppert. RGBDr. MlcbaeJ Weitzman, RGBMs. BettyPeDD. ABC Bead start PlusMs. Jean Boward. Wilson Commencement Park65

Child Watch VisitationProgram AgendaThursday, February 6, 199212:00 - 1:00Luncheon KeynoteL. V. Eberhard CenterDr. Barry Zuckerman1:00Depart L.V. Eberhard Center via Motorcoach1:30 - 2:30·Park School/Teen Parent ProgramHostess:Sharon Eardley, PrincipalFacilitator:Dr. Barry Zuckerman3:00 - 4:30Butterworth Neonatal & Pediatric UnitsHosts:Mary Kay Russell, Nurse Manager, PediatricsPhil McCorkle, Chief Operating OfficerFacilitator: Dr. Barry Zuckerman4:45Depart Butterworth for L. V. Eberhard Center66

Greater Kansas City Child WatchNovember 5. 1992Kauffman Foundation4900 Oak. Legacy RoomKansas City. Missouri 641057:15 a.m..•..•...•.••••..•.••••.••..••••...•..•••••••••••..•.•••.•••Continental Breakfastoverview of Children's Needs in Metro Kansas City7 :30-7 :45 a.m..•...•••••...•.•••••.•••........•••••••••••.••....•.•••Welcome and OverviewBill Dunn.Sr.• Chairman. Heart of America United Way7:45-8:05 a.m•.•••..•..•....•••...•.Policy Briefing on Early Childhood Care and Education8:05-8:15 a.m••.•..••....•.•..•.•..••..•............••..•••••..•••.•Questions and AnswersStacie Goffin. Chairperson. Metropolitan Council on Child Care8:15-8:25 a.m••••..•••..••••.••.•••.••.•.•.•••.••••.Review Schedule. Break and Board VansMark Kenney.Child Watch Coordinator. Kauffman FoundationA Personal Look at Early Childhood Care and EducationPrograms in OUr CommunityHead Start8:25-8:45 a.m..•••••Enroute Briefing on KCMC Child Development Corporation and Head StartDwayne Crompton. Executive Director. KCMC Child Development Center8:45-9:45 a.m••.....•........•.•••••••••.••••••••••••••.••••.••••New Start Goppert CenterMary Kay Ross-Harper. Immediate Past Director;Phyllis Harris and Mary Rowe. FUTURES Program;Deborah Grimmett. Jamesetta Irvin and Felicia Taylor. Parents;Doris Holeman. Director9:45-10:15 a.m••.......Enroute Briefing on the Impact of Headstart and General DebriefingPhyllis Rodgers.Dwayne Crompton.Director of Early Childhood Education. KCMO S.D.Executive Director. KCMC Child Development CenterWhat We Can Do To Help Children10:15-10:45 a.m..••.••••••.••...••••••••••.••.•••...Discussion and Advocates' Action PlansJane McKim.Child Watch Coordinator. Partnership for Children10:45-11:00 a.m•.•.•.....•.....••..............Child Watch Update. Evaluation and ClosingMark Kenney,Child Watch Coordinator. Kauffman Foundation67

CIDlD WATCH VISITATION PROGRAMVisit to Boston City Hospital's Failure to Thrive Clinic - 8:30 AM - 9:30 AMWednesday, October 14, 1992Welcome and than you for giving so generously of your scarce time in this busy season.The program for the visit will be:8:30 AMBriefing on Childhood Hunger in Massachusetts - Piano Lounge(Light breakfast will be available)Welcome: Judith Kurland, Commissioner of Health and HospitalsMs. Shoshana Pakciarz, Executive Director, Project BreadDr. Deborah Frank, Director, BCH Failure to Thrive ClinicRep. Kevin Fitzgerald, Founder and House Chairperson of theMassachusetts Legislative Children's CaucusSpeaker of the House Charles Flaherty, Co-sponsor of theMassachusetts Childhood Hunger Relief ActRepresentative Mark Roosevelt, Co-sponsor of the MassachusettsChildhood Hunger Relief ActQuestions and Answers9:00 AMEscorted Tour of the Failure to Thrive ClinicCHILD WATCH VISITATION PROGRAMCOMMITTEE:Mrs. Phyllis Baritz, AARP Intergenerational ProgramsMs. Kit Beaudoin, Junior League of BostonMs. Esther Hanig, Project BreadMs. Laura Salomans, Massachusetts Child Welfare LeagueRev. Marjorie Scott, United Church of Christ, City Mission SocietyMs. Susan Wolfson, Massachusetts Legislative Children's Caucus(413)467-9700(617)536-9640(617)723-5000(617)742-3113(617)236-4517(617)722-211668

f~?rtD~"c+ofaeksoDIIIIIe. FL. IDe.CHll.D WATCH PARTNERSHIP OF JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA INC.if'HONE: (904) 353-4367(904) 634-0367933 WEST BEAVER STREETPOST OFFICE BOX 2583JACKSONVILLE, Fl 32203·2583UDY/ACTIONHlLDCAREHILDHEALTHHILD WELFAREID FOR DEPENDENT CHILDRENI!LDREN HA'li7NG CHILDRENCHILD WATCH LEADERSHIP TRAINING INS11TL'TEJacksonvIe, FloridaMarch 18, 1992Puposs d the Lsadership Trating 1nsIitl.IB: Jst:IcsofwIIe, FlorIda:To inform trainees about the unmet needs andproblems of children andyouth living in vl.".Iaf andadjacent counties, and to identify positive solutions.o What are their most crucial needs?o What agencies and programs attempt to meet tl1eir needs?o How do local efforts compare with nationai effClrts?o How can you invest your energy and resources to help alleviate child suffering?Briefing Session On: Child Care, Child Health. Children Having Children,Homelessness, and Youth Self-Sufficiency9:15 am.9:45a.m.10:30 am.11 :15 a.m.11:45 a.m.AGENDASI1E VISIT-Association for Retard Citizens Serving Developmentally Disabled ChildrenSusan Bailey, Tour Guide 1050 Davis StreetSI1E VISIT-Beulah Beal Young Parent Schoo~ Duval County Schooi SystemJoyce Smith, Tour Guide 330 West 9th StreetSI1E VISIT-Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Medical CenterFrancine Walker, Tour Guide 655 West 8th StreetSI1E VISIT-City Rescue Mission, Homeless Shelter for Women and ChildrenChris Trego, Tour Guide 234 West State StreetSI1E VISIT·-Jacksonville Job Corps Center, Youth Self-Sufficiency ProgramShirley Brizel, Tour Guide 205 West 3rd StreetNOON LUNCH Jacksonville Job Corps Center1:00 p.m.2:00p.mSITE VIS;T-Head Start Center, Northeast Florida Community Action AgencyPat Heinrichs, Tour Guide Forest and Goodwin StreetsWRAP-UP SESSION center of AchisIIement, Dowrtown JacksonvilleOFFICE LOCAlED INTHE CENTER OF ACHIEVEMENT. DC 69roWN JACKSONVILLE. flORIDAOPERATED BY__ u •• .........-...._ ... n. .......... ,...."r-""'1Il.un"r r1l"'\n,n", rnuu"MrrvQd

LEADERSHIP VISITATION: FOCUS ON TEENSAt the Wans Health Foundation10300 South Compton AvenueBoardRoomThursday. October 15. 19928 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.The Visitation Project is a national initiative of the Olildren's Defense Fund (CDF) designedto expose community leaders and other influential citizens to the reality of the lives of ourchildren and youth.In Los Angeles County the program is offered by the Joint Venture of Adolescent PregnancyO1ildwatch (APCW) and Planned Parenthood LA. The focus is on adolescents. Through aseries of briefings and carefully planned site visits. today's program dispels the myth that. "nothing works" and motivates community leaders and their organizations to get involved.8:00 Coffee served in the Board Room8:30 Opening Remarks --Sherry May. Ph.D.. Director. Joint VenrureFocus on Youth: Growing up in the 90s-----------Dave Petteway. M.P.A.Chief Operating OBicer. Watts Health Foundation9: 15 Group I: Guided Tour ofJordan High School: School-Based Clinic and Infant CareCenter. Conversations with administrators and teens from JHS.Group II: Visit to the Parents of Watts Center. a community-based. award winningorganization offering a wide range ofservices to teens. Conversation with Alice Harris.Director.10:30 Reverse of Groups I and II12:00 Buffet lunch and conversations with teens and facilitators12:30 A Young Woman's Perspective: ''Telling It Like It Is" ---------Audrey Morales andSusan Rabinovitz. Director. Project Nateen12:45 Next Steps- - Remarks from Congresswoman Maxine Waters.Reverend George Regas and Reverend Joe Benjamin Hardwick. Moderator. Sherry MayAdjourn by 1:3070

CHILD WATCH OF TEXARKANAMid·Winter/Spring 1993 Visitation Course Schedule"Focus on Children's Health"9:00 a.m.Convene at Community Room,former St. Michael's Convent9:30 a.m.Presentations: Mr. Tom Byrne, AdministratorMs. Sue Johnson, Director of Emergency Care ServicesDr. Wade, Emergency Room PhysicianSteven Cain, Director, Friendship Center11:00 a.m. Group I:Group II:Depart for Twin Cities Day Care CenterDepart for Texarkana Head Start11:15 8.m.11:20 a.m.12:15 p.m.12:45 p.m.2:15 p.m.2:30 p.m.Lunch and presentation: Dr. Agnes Marie Howard, Twin CitiesDay CareLunch and presentation: Doris Day, Texarkana Head StartCenterBoth groups depart for Wadley Regional Medical CenterWRMC presentation: Ms. Winnie Strickland, Nursery/PediatricManager; Barbara Yowell, Clinical Manager-Pediatrics; Laura Naron,Clinical Manager· Nursery; Charlie Kiker, RN, Emergency RoomServices;Group I departs for Miller County Health DepartmentGroup II departs for Bowie County Health DepartmentHealth Department Briefings:Miller County Health Department Randy Lee, Director;Rhonda Wright, RN (Children's Health Nurse)Bowie County Health Department: LaFonda Whitworth, RN(Children's Health)3:30 p.m.3:45 p.m.4:45 p.m.5:00 p.m.Depart for Temple Memorial Rehabilitation CenterPresentations & Tour: Ms. Brenda Phillips, "Watch Me Grow·Program Coordinator; Mrs. Janet Hoag, Temple Center DirectorWrap-up & course evaluationsReturn to cars71

TA.TA.TA.TA.T":~A.TATA"i..T,AYAy....T"""'.YA.'Y..i......T..T;LTj.T....T.A.Tj,.'T""'''''iy ....TiTiTC:OALITIONFORCliILDRENYOIJTlf&EtLVlIL1ESP.O. 6od~A Albuqu(,rqu~. NM 87115.0666 A ·;«:'04 ;·1710ALBUQUERQUE CHILD WATCHTRAVEL DIRECTIONS for OCTOBER 20, 1992GROUP 1 (Accompanied by Edythe Pierson, American Association of Retired Persons)VISIT 1:AGENCY: Hogares, Inc.PHONE: 884-2511DirectorADDRESS: 1218 Griegos Road, NWHOST: Nancy-Jo Archer, ExecutiveDIRECTIONS: From the Holiday Inn, travel west on Menaul Boulevard to 12th Street.Turn north or right onto 12th Street, cross Candelaria Road and continue until GriegosRoad. Turn west or left onto Griegos Road. Hogares, Inc. is located on the corner of12th and Griegos Road.VISIT 2:AGENCY: Youth Development Incorporated ADDRESS: 6301 Central Avenue, NWPHONE: 831-6038HOST: Chris Baca, Executive DirectorDIRECTIONS: From Hogares, Inc. travel west on Griegos Road to Rio GrandeBoulevard. Turn south or left onto Rio Grande Boulevard. Follow Rio Grande until itintersects Central Avenue. Turn west or right onto Central Avenue. Remain on Centralcrossing the Old Town Bridge until 63rd Street. Youth Development, Inc. is located onthe corner of 63rd Street and Central Avenue. It is on the north or right side of the street.************************************************************************GROUP 2 (Accompanied by Carlotta Mitchell, National Council of Negro Women)VISIT 1:AGENCY: Youth Diagnostic & Development Center, ADDRESS: 4000 Edith Bid, NEPHONE: 841-2400HOST: Nick Gonzales, Exec. DirectorDIRECTIONS: From the Holiday Inn, proceed West on Menaul to Edith Boulevard.Turn north or right onto Edith Blvd. and proceed about one block beyond CandelariaRoad. The Youth Diagnostic and Development Center is located at 4000 Edith on theeast or right side of the streetVISIT 2:AGENCY: Job Corps, Inc.PHONE: 243-0299ADDRESS: 1500 Indian School Rd,NWHOST: Barbara Calderon, Exec. Direc.DIRECTIONS: From Youth Diagnostic and Development Center proceed south onEdith Boulevard to Menaul Boulevard. Turn west or right onto Menaul. Proceed onMenaul until it intersects 12th Street Turn south or left onto 12th Street Remain on12th Street for about 1/4 of a mile then turn west or right onto Indian School Road. TheJob Corps center is located on Indian School near the Walgreens and Mercado shoppingarea--------------_.n('lAQ.D (.1t OJilECTORS: (: !fGl'or:lC) e:,-Chal;-m~n .. ~:.·CJwr anj toil!; ;('( :;mrOJ"II:S'I .• :ic:no::il\o "m' 'AT h":le 1\.'I~cn:ri 0 f-.x~:Jrivc DireCiOJ 'A..f(~n.:.c::; ......alela.(o Officc~ .. !tot:

VAN SCHEDULE8:45 a.m.9:15 a.m.9:20 a.m.9:40 a.m.9:45 a.m.10:10 a.m.Arrive at 5115 Oak to pick up groups and transport them to HospitalHill. Leave Oak by 9:00 a.m.Deliver Group I to Children's Mercy Hospital's (CMH) main entrance.Deliver Group II to Truman Medical Center (TMC).Return to pick up Group I at CMH main entrance. Take them to TMC.While at TMC, drop off Group I and pick up Group II. Take Group IIto CMH. Wait there unti110:10 a.m.Allow Group II to reboard the van. Return them to TMC's main lobby.11:15-11:30 a.m. Be at TMC's main lobby where all will reboard van and return to theOak facility.73

WELCOMETO OUR ADOPTION AWARENESS TOURIThe adoption project staff would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the timeyou have allowed us today.Our objective is to sensitize community leaders to the problems of special needs childrenseeking adoptive homes.Did you know that it costs more to keep a child in state-funded foster care than to placea child for adoption with state financial subsidy?Do you believe that foster and adoptive families currently get sufficient financial andother supports to adequately parent a child with special needs?These are just a sample of the issues and questions that we will address today. Most ofthe information contained in your tour packet will be addressed today. There is other informationincluded that we would like for you to read at your convenience. Our hope isthat each of you will take back what you have learned today and put it to use in your community.Focusing on children's needs today means more productive citizens for the future andfewer monies spent for our state in the long run. Each of our children should be given theopportunity to grow and develop in such a way that all our futures are made brighter andmore promising!ADOPTIONMAKING A CHILD'S DREAMS A REALITY75

PRE-TOUR ADOPTION SURVEYThis survey is intended to give the Adoption Tour Project an idea ojthe opinions andexperiences ojnew tour panicipants. We thank you for your panicipation in this project andyour help with our survey.Please answer T (true/agree), I (false/disagree), or U (undecided, unknown).I do not have a great deal of information about foster care and adoption issues, such assubsidy or respite care.~ consider myself an advocate for children and informed about foster care and adoptionIssues.I am a business person and have considered involving employees or associates inadoption related activities.I am a legislator/government official and feel that an increase in services for foster andadoptive children with special needs is a cost effective investment by government.I am a legislator/government official and have actively supported an increase in theadoption subsidy in North Carolina.Foster families are employees of the state.Children \\'ithout families who are injosler care wait 2-4 years for a new permanenthome.Foster families are the most likely resources for adoption of waiting children withspecial needs (fostered in their homes).There is appropriate representation of minority families available for foster care andadoption.Providing a financial subsidy of around $300 per month for families adopting childrenwith special needs would probably be too expensive a plan to implement.It costs the state more to keep a child in foster care than to place a child for adoptionwith financial assistance.Foster and adoptive families currently get sufficient financial and other supports toadequately parent a child with special needs.Foster parents are community activists who receive minimal compensation to coverchild caring expenses.More children would be adopted if tinancial assistance for adoption were to improve.Group care such as orphanages and children I s homes are more cost-effective than fosterfamily care for a special needs child.77

North Carolina has the lowest adoption subsidy (aid for adoptive families with specialneeds children), in the country.Low-income foster families should not be the first choice to adopt foster children intheir homes.Children should be in foster care for less than a year before a plan for a permanenthome is implemented.Because of the significant numbers of minority children in foster care awaiting families,I support the idea of more minority social workers in foster care and adoption.Children with special needs, such as mental retardation and severe asthma, should nothave their medical bills covered by the state after they are placed with an adoptivefamily.Television programs like "Wednesday's Child" and newspaper articles on childrenwaiting for adoption are important in finding families for children.I could effectively care for a child with special needs on $200 per month.Medicaid covers the costs related to special needs for adopted children and is acceptedby most professionals.I am knowledgeable of the Friends of Black Children program.A special needs child can be a healthy child.Please feel free to use the bottom or back of this page for comments and questions.Thank you for sharing.78

LEADERSHIP VISITATIONName_Telephone_Pre-Visit CheckHave you ever visited the following:YesYesYesNoNoNoWatts Health FoundationJordan High School-Based Clinic & Infant Care CenterParents of Watts CenterHave you visited other organizations that focused on teen issues?Yes Please List:--------------------------NoHave you donated your time or money to any of these organizations? Yes NoHow would you rate your level of knowledge about teen pregnancy and parenting?(1 is very low knowledge, 5 is very high) 1 2 3 4 5How would you rate your level of knowledge about solutions to the problemsarising form teen pregnancy and parenting?1 2 3 4 5How many teenagers beocme pregnant in the United States each year?a. lOO,OOO b. 500,000 C. 1,000,000Of the more than 100 LAUSD high schools, what percentage have school-basedclinics?a. 40% b. 20% c. 3%Is teenage parenthood likely to be repeated from one generation to the next?YesNoHow much does the U.S. spend each year on Health and social services to supportfamilies begun when the mother was a teenager?a. Less than $5 billion b. about $10 billion c. Over $25 billionHow much does California spend each year to support families begun when themother was a teenager?a. Less than $1 billion b. $2 billionc. Nearly $4 billion79

WHERE:campus HapBUILDINGS ON CRMPUS1 DDMINISTRRTION2 UOCDTlONDlITECHNICRl3 STUDENT CENTER4 DCRDEMICtU[N.Uni....uity.fo. N..-M..icoVolencia CompulBelen80 ®" 17

ChD.d Watch VISitationOctober ~3, 1992Questions To Be Addressed By Each Participating Program :1. What unmet need does your program meet?2. How and why does your program work?3. Who are tlie clientele that use your program?4. In what way does your program prevent or attack the roots of poverty?5. What are the costs, both financial and ethical. of not providing your program?6. What other similar approaches are being used in the Rochester Area?7. Does your program, along with similar programs in Rochester, meet all theneeds it is designed to address? .8. What would help your program work more effectively?81

EAOI OIILD WATOI PARTIOPANT WAS GIVEN:L A portfolio of information from the Children's Defense Fund2. An autographed copy of Marian Wright Edelman's book, The Measureof Our Success3. Program desaiptions of the three sites visited4. A framed piece of art work by children at the preschools. The 1992 Children's Index of the N.C. Child Advocacy Institute6. The 1992 annual report of the local Council for Children7. An annual report of the Foundation For The Carolinas82

IIIPLANNING THE VISITWorking With SitesSite Description Form 85Site Evaluation Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 87Site ConfIrmation Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 89Working With ParticipantsInvitation Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 93Response Cards 107Participant ConfIrmation Letters 10983

CHILD WATCH VISITATION PROGRAM SITE DESCRIPTION FORMBring this form with you when you visit a site, or have it handywhen you first speak to a program director on the phone. Thisinformation, supplemented by any printed materials the programhas available, will be invaluable to you when you prepare yoursite Profile.Date of Visit:Name of Agency:Address:Contact Person:Phone:History and Purpose of Agency:Description of programs:Description of Population:How has the population changed over the years? Has thepopulation encountered new or different problems?How many children/families are served per day:per year:Is there a waiting list?What ages of children are served:Hours and days of operation:If yes, how long:Describe the role of parents and/or families in the program:_85

SITE DESCRIPl'ION FORM,CONT.How large is the staff: _____ Full time: _____ Part time:Are volunteers used:If yes, for what type of work:Are adequate resources available to run this program:If no, what additional resources are needed (e.g. more funding,additional staff or volunteers, regulation changes):What makes this program a success:What policy changes (local, state or federal) would impact(positively or negatively) upon the needs of the populationserved by this program:Annual budget:Fee scale:Primary sources of funding:Funding status for next year:Additional comments:Is this program willing to host a Child Watch visit?If yes, complete the Child Watch Visitation Program SiteEvaluation Fora.86yesno

CHILD WATCH VISITATION PROGRAM SITE EVALUATION FORMPROVIDER INFORMATIONThese are questions to ask a provider who has expressed awillingness for their program to serve as a Child Watch site.Date:Name of Agency:Address:Contact Person: _____________ Phone:What are the best days and times for a visit to this program:What is the maximum number of visitors this site can accommodate:What would a visit include (check all that apply):tour of facilitiesbriefing by director/staffinteraction with childrenmeeting or discussion with parents/familiesan audio/visual presentationan interactive experience (e.g. making sandwiches at asoup kitchen)other (please specify):How much time should be spent at this site:87

~ ASSESSMENTAnswering these questions can help you to determine if a programwill make a good site visit. Remember that good programs canoften make poor sites and that "bad" programs can make goodsites, illustrating a lack of quality services.Staff gng Administrative PersonnelIs the director articulate and knowledgeableabout a range of children's issues?Is the director able to convince participantsof children's needs?Does the director speak in layperson's terms?Is the director friendly, cooperative andenthusiastic?Are there "experts" on-site other than theprogram director (e.g. doctors, social workers)__ yesyesyes__ yes__ yes-- nonono-- no__ noProgramsWill participants see children at the site?Is there an opportunity for participants tosee or become a part of the program delivery?Are mUltiple services provided on-site?Is the site nearby others you hope to visit?Does the site serve an ethnically diversegroup of clients?Are program staff and providers ethnicallydiverse?yesyesyesyes__ yes__ yesnonononononoother OuestionsIs the space large enough to accommodate visitorswithout making clients feel uncomfortable? yes nowill clients be present during the site visit? yes noWill participants have the opportunity tointeract with clients? yes nowill "case study" information be available? yes noIs permission needed from clients/familiesbefore a visit? __ yes noAnswering "yes" to a majority of the above questions is a goodindication that a program will make a good Child Watch site, butremember to keep in mind the message you want your participants tohave at the end of your Child Watch course. Does this site help toconvey that message?88

Dr. Michael WeitzmanRochester General Hospital1425 Portland Ave.Rochester, NY 14621Dear Michael:The Children's Collaborative was looking for a mechanism in this election yearto sensitize politicians to the problems facing impoverished children living inthe Rochester area. We decided to do this "Bus Tour" which is patterned aftera program called Child Watch Visitation which was developed by the Children'sDefense Fund. Thank you so very much for agreeing to take part in this event -­I know that your contribution will be pivotal in making the day a success!Although I haven't spoken with Phyllis Leppert, I know that she is planning toparticipate and perhaps you could discuss with her what role each ofyou willplay at RGH.If seeing is believing, then we trust that this initiative will convince politicalcandidates that our City and County are indeed in the midst of a crisis. We'lltry to show them in a visual way what is happening to children whose needs arebeing ignored, and counter those images by also showing them initiatives thatwork! It is our hope that the sight of infants hooked to monitors and machinesand memory of pavement playgrounds filled with broken glass, followed by 1:Jleexperience of visiting an exciting place like Wilson Commencement Park and aquality child care center will move them to action.We are asking participants to meet in the parking lot of Foodlink (56 West Ave.)at 7:30. I am enclosing an agenda for your information, but ask you not to shareit with any candidates, since we want to minimize them picking and choosingwhere they'll make an auvearance.Our tentative schedule shows us arriving at RGH around 9:20am and leaving by10:15am. I think that the idea of gMng your presentation on the bus followedby a tour through the Emergency, NICU and possibly the Pediatric Departmentwill be extremely effective. At the present time we have approximately 16candidates and .l0 participants who-have signed up for the tour. We also knowthat the media will be responsive, but don't have an exact number ofparticipants at this time -- I'll let you know sometime next week.89

This tour can and I hope will be a powerful tool in educating local politicians asto the problems and solutions facing children born and reared in poverty.Thank you so much for agreeing to take part. I understand how vexy busy yourschedule must be and believe me I am extremely appreciative that you wouldchoose to spend time on a small local initiative when you are being called uponnationally and internationally for your most recent research findings. We areindeed vexy fortunate to have you in Rochester.Ifyou have any last minute questions, ple~e feel free to call me at work 546­5820 or at home 271-2829. I look forward to seeing you next Friday.Sincerely,Rona WynerDirector90

'ATAT~T.ATA""i.:T.i..T:J.;T~A.T TiT~T:!o-T~T~TlY~TlTAj.TA;Y::J..Ti.T.+T~T:#.:"~Y~Ti~~7,.'.'. . .. .. - ... , :··~COALliI0N ... .. , : .. _., .',... :: .; ; ..... . POR CHILDREN·YOUTH&1-1iJ\1IL!ESP. o. 60. ~6666.4: Alb~q,j.erque, NM 8712S-0660 Jl. 505·841· 1710September 21, 1992Thank -you for spending your morning giving us an overview of your program and a tourof your facility. Mr. Soderberg and I were overwhelmed with the information that wereceived.· We feel that leaders from ·the business, civic, religious, education andlegislative communities will feel the way we did, after visiting your site.Tuesday, October 20th, 1992 ·has been· set to lautich our fIrst Child Watch VisitationProgram. Your program, of c~urse,hasbeenselected, py the Albuquerque Child WatchCommittee, to serve as a site to visit. During the Visit we would like to tour your facility,receive an overview of ~ow your program addresses teen violence and to learn howparticipants can become involved locally in preventing further teen violence.A small group of participants, no more than lo-15~ should arrive at your facility by1O:00AM. In preparation for a briefIng on October 20th, please provide a conferenceroom or office that will comfortably accommodate 10-15 people. We would also like torequest that the individuals tour your site and possibly meet with some of the teenagerswho are eager to share their stories and discuss the benefIts that they are receiving bybeing a part of your effective program. We plan to be at your site no more than one hourand a half.Ifit is convenient for you, please join us for a continental breakfast and orientation to theprogram for participants on Tuesday, October 20th at 7:30 AM at the Holiday InnMidtown at Carlisle and Menaul. If you plan to· attend please call the Coalition forChildren, Youth & Families at 841-1710 to let them know.Again, thank you for working with us in our efforts to increase support for New Mexico'schildren and youth.Sincerely,Carlotta Mitchell, Co-Chair Albuquerque Child WatchARD Of DIRF.CrORS: D Mont)ra~y C:O·Choirfi1cn • Senalor end Mr!'. Jeff U;"XO)mcJn .6 Sena(ur ~nd Mrs Pete Oof'rlr:'.ici 0 Ex~cu~i'lc Director ... FUlnttS Vard2'-G!ltingsOfCic~~ .a. Roben GrCC'nberg. C~I\I~J04AN ... ~x~ V~~If). ·JtC[tl .. N")non Kaiish~n .. Tor.y M~n.orclli .. Paul Ni'-·!'I3:l.1l;f.)', .. J~n')" C'terCl ... S:Sy\h~ Pn::n.on .. ~a•.na Sauecc:12' ... ~,." Urton ~ ~Ana, La~ Cruc:t"'S Affl!lcH.C. Directf)( ... EdtJi(' ~:ldilla 0 lion"x.ar)' Ojrcrl~)r , 1.0'101.., IL:~. ?~:dcna.l:J~1 N.uio,",al I\.~·o.:.iat.c·n of f\r.t.~ Pcn.or.s D91

301 S. Brevard St. 01arI0ae NC 18202Phone: (i04) 3i6-9Sol1 Fax: (i041 3i6-1243E a>MMrTTEEWDnftafilnal"",K.Bcas: Bowlo>This special event will take place on Friday, November 13 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.,and we want to give you ample notice so you may reserve this date on yourcalendar. Similar Child Watch Visitations have been conducted with topleadership in Boston, Washington and Chicago, and we feel that this opportunitywill be valuable in providing the most current insights into crises facing today'sfamilies and children and in acquainting you with successful local efforts to combatthe problems. In Mecklenburg alone:-one in five children live in poverty-Mecklenburg's infant mortality rate is higher than that for the State ofNorth Carolina, which ranks 42 in the US.-Reports of child neglect/abuse cases have almost tripled since 1988-Teenage girls get pregnant at the rate of six per day-29% of first graders are not ready for second grade workAs business and community leaders, you are increasingly being called on torespond to these problems.. There are solutions. The Child Watch Program onNovember 13 offers you the opportunity to learn how you can help the communitYtransform today's at-risk families and children into contnbuting citizens andproductive employees that will be needed in the 21 at century. The Child WatchVisitation involves no solicitation for the Foundation, the Children's Defense Fundor any programs involved. Our goal is to heighten awareness of effective strategiesfor addressing concerns regarding at-risk families and children.93

Mr. WhiteSeptenlber 1, 1992Page TwoOur Child Watch Program will begin with lunch at 12:30 p.m. and remarks by MarianWright Edelman, who will be introduced by Rolfe Neill. Carla DuPuy, Harvey Ganttand Dr. John Murphy have each agreed to lead one of our Child Watch Site VisitationTeams, and Marian will join in the visits which are the centerpiece of the program.Upon your acceptance you will be contacted by one of the site visit leaders and givenfurther information.To be close to the sites we will be visiting, we will gather at the Johnston YMCA, 3025N. Davidson Street. The three programs to be visited are all innovative efforts to assistat-risk families and children in the Piedmont Courts/Belmont neighborhood and arecurrently being funded through the Foundation's $500,000 Strengthening FamiliesInitiative:-The UPI..IFT Program ofthe Charlotte-MecklenburgSchools - Focuses on childrenand families from conception to age 3. Provides early parenting and childdevelopment education to pregnant and new mothers through weekly groupsessions, home visits by parent educators and the loan of developmentallyappropriate books and toys.-Seigle Avenue Preschool Cooperative - Targets 3 &t 4 year-olds using theI\C!.tionally recognized High/Scope Curriculum, emphasizes involvement ofparents in the classroom and offers liaison to children entering public schools.-Success By 6/Johnston YMCA - Works with families of preschool children of allages through community-based workers, develops personal futures plans forfamilies, coordinates city, county and other services at the neighborhood level andfosters leadership development among residents.We ask that you respond to our invitation by September 15 via the enclosed card. Thisinvitation is personal to you and is not transferable. We are purposefully keeping theChild Watch VISitation group small, approximately 30, to allow Charlotte leaders topersonally converse with Marian and to make site visits manageable. We will senddirections an::: more detailed information in the near future. This is a rare opportunity,and we hope you will be able to join us.Sincerely,Robin L. HinsonChairman of the Board94

--PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDRENFebruary 1, 19931055 Broadway. SUite 130Kansas City. Missouri 64105(81.6) 842-0944FAX· (81.6) 842-8079Ms. Sharon LadinThe Children's Defense Fund25 E. Street, N.W.Washington, DC 20001Dear~:~Please join other community leaders for a Child Watch visit to the School of the 21 stCentury in Independence on Thursday, February 25th from 8:00 to 11 :00 a.m. This visitwill bring to life a key issue in our country and community-early childhood care andeducation.Child Watch is a community awareness program. It will introduce you to the realchildren and families behind the alarming numbers in the Partnership for Children'sReport Card '92 that assigned an overall grade of 0+ to the status of our city's 400,000children. Briefings by policy experts will provide in-depth information about strategiesthat work for children and barriers that impede their implementation. You will travel toa site to see first hand a successful program that meets children's needs.Some of what Report Card '92 learned is that 63 percent of our children under the ageof six lived in families where both parents worked in 199Q--an increase of 22 percentsince 1980. One out of every six of our young children lives in poverty. Affordable, highquality early childhood care and education are a necessity to working parents andcritical to children's development and ability to enter school ready to learn.By visiting the School of the 21st Century in Independence, you will learn much more.You will find out ways that you can help every child in Greater Kansas City get a headstart in life.For your convenience, a RSVP postcard is enclosed along with a Child Watch FactSheet, newspaper article and a preliminary program schedule. Please return thepostcard by February 12th to assure adequate arrangements. Background informationwill be sent to attendees one week prior to their site visit. If you have any questionsregarding the program, feel free to contact Jane McKim with the Partnership for Children(842-7643) or Mark Kenney at the Kauffman Foundation (932-1055), the Child Watchcoordinators..:.. JOINT PROJECT OF HEART OF AMERICA UNITED WA). INC Al';D THE GR-:'~5l KA.NSAS CITY COMMUJltITY FOL:t>.OATlON AND AFFILIATED TRUS1S

We know your schedule is very busy. We also know personally, having participated inChild Watch, that this program is outstanding and worthwhile. With a maximum of 12participants at a site, everyone has a rare opportunity to ask questions, discuss issues,and gain insights about early childhood care and education in our city. Please reserveFebruary 25th for Child Watch. it is a great opportunity to learn how we can meet theneeds of our community's children.Sincerely,~e,~Adele C. HallBoard ChairmanGreater Kansas CityCommunity FoundationWilliam H. Dunn, Sr.Board ChairmanHeart of AmericaUnited WayEnclosures96

September 15.1992I am writing to you to invite you to join us in a Child Watch Visitation Programon October 14, 1992 at 8:30 A.M. at the Boston City' Hospital's Failure to Thrive Clinic.The Child Watch Visitation Program is sponored by the Children's Defense Fund inWashington, D.C. in collaboration with other national service organizations includingthe American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the Association of Junior LeaguesInternational, Kiwanis International, the National Council of Black Women, the NationalCouncil ofLa Raza, and the National Council ofChurchesBoston is one of 50 American cities participating in this program, the purpose ofwhich is to dramatize, personalize, and publicize the plight of America's children wholive in poverty, by arranging face-ta-face encounters between community leaders and theprogtiuns established to deal with these problems.JYou have no doubt seen the study entitled Children Are Hungry in Massachusettswhich was released in May 1991, and are familiar with the Massachusetts ChildhoodHunger Relief Act (H 4842.) One in four children in Massachusetts faces the reality ofhunger. This is a critical issue which needs immediate attention.In Boston AARP is collaborating with a number ofchild welfare advocacy groups(listed below) to conduct a series ofChild Watch Visitation Programs. The intent of theprogram on October 14, 1992 at the Boston City Hospital's Failure to Thrive Clinic is togarner support for the passage and appropriate funding of the Massachusetts ChildhoodHunger Relief Act as well as to have media coverage of the event to promote public .awareness of the problem.The plan for the visit is to meet at 8:30 A.M. at the Piano Lounge at the BostonCity Hospital, 3rd floor, for a briefing on the issues. Coffee and a light breakfast will beserved. After the briefing, at about 9:00A.M. until about 9:30 A.M. there will be a brieftour of the Failure to Thrive Clinic.Representatives of television stations and newspapers will be invited to be presentfor both segments of the morning's program. Escorts will be available at the AmbulatoryCare Center entrance of the hospital to accompany participants to the Piano Lounge andfrom there after the briefing, to the Failure to Thrive Clinic. Directions to parking and to97

the Piano Lounge are attached, along with fact sheets on the Child Watch VisitationProgram and the Failure to Thrive Clinic.We eagerly look forward to having you join us for the visit and we will be callingyou in a few days to confirm your participation.Sincerely,CHll..D WATCH VISITATION PROGRAMCOMMITTEE ofBOSTON:AARP Intergenerational ProgramsJunior League of BostonUnited Church ofChrist, City Mission SocietyMassachusetts Child Welfare LeagueProject BreadMassachusetts Legislature Children's CaucusLois Aronstein, DirectorAARP New England Region?~75~yPhyllis BaritzIntergenerational Programs98

North CarolinaDepartment ofAdministrationes G. Martin, Governores S. Lofton, SecretaryYouth Advocacy and Involvement OfficeThealeta D. Monroe, Executive Director"Oratinga&rw 10""""",· by Makingo,ildrm:md Youth ourPriority MlChy."October 13, 1992Ms. Jean NelsonCouncil for WomenNew Bern OfficeDear Ms. Nelson:We are writing to inform you about a cause we feel deeply about-the waiting children.Currently, there are over 500 foster children in this state who are legally cleared for adoptionand are without permanent homes. These children of all ages and races will linger in thefoster care system until we as concerned county officials, business and community leadersrespond to their call.The Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office, Raleigh, N. C., cordially invites you toattend our adoption awareness tour scheduled for Friday, October 23, 1992 beginning at lOam.The tour is sponsored by the Craven County Department ofSocial Services. We will meet atthe Craven County Department of Social Services, County Office Building, 403 George Street,New Bern, N. C. You will have an opportunity to meet with adoptive and foster parents tohear first hand about the challenges of parenting these special needs children. Lunch will beprovided. The media will also be invited.I certainly hope you will able to join us and make this tour something that will greatlyimpact on the lives of waiting children. Please contact me or my office assistant, CindyHoward (919) 733-9296 to RSVP your participation, or for more information.Sincerely,I look forward to seeing you on October 23, 1992 at lOam.~;t/ ,.fp~~~~Ruth AmerssonProject DirectorSpecial Needs Adoption Projectjemor', AJ"""C)' Council on ChilJm> anJ "t...th; N.c. Fund {,n Children and F.mili", C.'mmis,ion; Srwcn" Agaimt Dri"ing Drunk; N.c. Inrcm,hir Council;h AJ"i...,,,·wunc,l; State )(,uth Council; G

220/0 of Milwaukee'schildren live in poverty.•".,:' .. .'..The collaborators of Child WatchMilwaukee request your presence for2very important mornings.Milwaukee's nearnorth side has aninfant mortality ratemore than twice thenational average.~,'""June 4, 8:00am-Noon.Please join us for thought provokingtours of Sinai Samaritan'sNeonatal Intensive Care Unit andBoarder Baby Nursery as well asPenfield Children's Center.19% of all Milwaukeebirthsare to teens.June 18, 8:00am-Noon.Silver Spring Neighborhood Center andIsaac Coggs Community Health Center.R.S.V.P. by May 27, 1992Transportation will be provided to andfrom the sites. For more information.please contact Marcia Coles:964-7088.• -. -~.~. d,, , .'.../,'..~ :,-......:- 1. ,;:". f'. ~:~.-t~':'~ .. . '~~:'I~ ", •••. ~.....,::From 1990 to 1991the number of childrenrequiring an earlyintervention programbecause of prenataldrug or alcohol abusehas increased 400%.. ~~. ,~~ , .:..•. ;~..... ~ ',. .»••" .' J..:- ~ -:- .'.' '-:. '. ':." ':' .-',:' ' ..... ~- ",- .', ..'~' -:,~~~.~:.,100

7.;\ Planned~ ~ ~ ParenthoodWORLD POpuu.no:-.:. LOS A.\;GELESA JOINT VENTUREadolescent ~pregnancy ~ChildWatchI.\I~ "~~t!:t.'" l"lu~:::September 17, 1992«TITLE» «FIRSTNAME» «LASTNAME»«ORGANIZATION)~«ADDRESS»«CITY»Dear «TITLE» «LASTNAME»:"No broad-based movement in this country can succeed without a moral framework andwithout the suppon ofchurches and other religious organizations," said Marian WrightEdelman, president of the Children's Defense Fund. "A national moral witness for childrenreinforces the scriptural call to act on behalf of our most vulnerable children and sends astrong signal that we've got to take action now."In response to Ms. Edelman's challenge, we invite you to join us Thursday, October 15, in ahalf day program which personalizes the reality of growing up in our world today.Being a teenager is far riskier today than it was when most of us grew up. Too many of ouryoung people are growing up poor and unhealthy in our cities, at risk of drug or alcoholdependency, or of becoming pregnant long before they are ready to become parents.The program, which is pan of a national effort designed by the Children's Defense Fund, wiilprovide you with up to date information about teen pregnancy and parenting, with particularattention to the role of poverty and the extreme pressures of life in our cities. We will dispelthe myth that "nothing works" by visiting programs that are working, despite financial andother constraints. You will talk with the experts and hear from the teens themselves abouttheir lives. You wiII explore with others specific ways in which you and your congregationscan make a difference in the lives of these young people.The half day program will be held Thursday, October 15, from 8:00 until 1:30. Lunch willbe served. We will meet at the Watts Health Foundation, 10300 South Compton Avenue(comer of 103rd), Los Angeles. From The Health Foundation you will be taken by vans tosee three additional programs that serve teens: Jordan High School's School Based Clinicand Child Care Programs, Parent of Watts, and Riley Junior High School's Pregnant MinorProgram.n 10 3rt! 5t rL't'1 Prllnll!n.llk 5uill' B·:; 5.1111.1 \ h,"i,.l. Colli turn i.1 '/(l4(1!(.\ 101 :\9::;.()\l4S f.,\ X ,-110l .,4VI'i:!1I101

Enclosed is a schedule for the program and additional information. Space is extremelylimited, so we encourage you to return the attached registration form promptly to assure yourspace.As Marian Edelman states, "too many young people- of all colors, and all walks of life- aregrowing up today unable to handle life in hard places, without hope, without adequateattention, and without steady internal compasses to navigate the morally polluted seas theymust face on the journey to adulthood." The challenge before us is large. We believe thatreligious leaders must be part of the solution.If you have any questions or would like further information, please call Dr. Sherry May, theDirector of the Visitation Project (310-395-0098).I hope you will be able to participate.Rabbi Harry J. FieldInterreligious Council of Southern CaliforniaReverend Joe Benjamin HardwickFirst Praises of Zion Baptist ChurchDr. George Regas, RectorAll Saints Episcopal Church, PasadenaRabbi Laura GellerAmerican Jewish Congress­Pacific Southwest RegionReverend James M. Lawson, Jr.Holman Methodist ChurchReverend Algie F. RousseauInterdenominationalMinisterial AllianceEnclosures102

Child Watchng For Our Future. May 21, 1992~allonalCollaborators:merican .\~, of Retired Personsof Junior Leagues InternationalChildren's Defense FundKiwanis Inlernational,adonal Council of La Raza,~alional Council of Negro Women~aLional Council 01 Churches!nd Family Juslice Wor~ng GroupChild Watch MilwaukeeSteering Committee:H,i\IP ProjecL - Legal.\id SocielyChild Abuse Prevenlion Networ,of \liIw.ukee Heallh DepanmenlImerlailll Conference ofGreater \Iil\\.u'eeJunior League of \lil\\auKeeKiw'anls Club of Mllw.u'eeDoision #6 oflnsconsin -Lpper \lichigan DislriCL\Iilwau,ee CounlY Depanmemof Human Smices~alionalCouncil of La Raza\allonal Council of ~egro Women,Wisconsin SeelionSian Sman \Iilwaukee!Council on Human ConcernsMs. Maya Ponelis ,Junior League of Milwaukee1901 N. Prospect Ave., #304Milwaukee, WI 53202Dear Ms. Ponelis:Twenty five percent of our population is 100\ of our future. InMilwaukee, our future is represented by 172,000 children. Over 22\of these children live at or below the poverty level and 17\ havedropped out of school. Nationally, the infant mortality rate is 10deaths per 1,000. Milwaukee's near north side has an infant mortalityrate of 24 deaths per 1,000.To heighten the awareness of the issues facing Milwaukee's children acollaborative effort nationally known as Child Watch, has taken shapein Milwaukee. Child Watch is a program of agency tours. Participantswitness first hand the variety of issues facing children and learn whatpositive steps they and others can take to correct, prevent oralleviate these inadequate conditions.The Steering Committee of Child Watch Milwaukee invites you to visitfour child serving community agencies. On June 4th you will walkthrough the halls of the neonatal intensive care unit and boarder babynursery of Sinai Samaritan Medical Center. You will then tour PenfieldChildren's Center and see first hand an early intervention programtreating disabled children. On June 18th, you will visit Silver SpringNeighborhood Center which provides a full range of health and socialservices for pregnant women and children. You will also visit IsaacCoggs Community Health Center, a, clinic located in the inner' city.By touring these facilities you will experience some of the seriousiss'les confronting rl.ih-;aukee':; children. You;;;ill alae ase prog-ramsdesigned to prevent or treat children's health problems. Child healthexperts will brief you on policy issues and assist you in defining waysthat together, we can use to arrive at some solutions.We have asked you to join us on these two very important morningsbecause you are concerned about Milwaukee's children and have thepower to create a climate of change for all children. Please make yourreservation as soon as possible to ensure a space.Sincerely,Marcia ColesChild Watch CoordinatorMary RoeverChild Watch CoordinatordWatch Milwaukee is funded in part by the Junior League of ~Iil\Vaukee,"103

s it'it .~ {rbmC_~adoIescent\ pregnancy?~j) , hi1d 'Watchn Blvd. S.E. Suite 312 • Grand Rapids MI 49503 • 451·0452January 13, 1992Doug MeijerMEIJER, INC.2929 Walker NWGrand Rapids, MI 49504Doug:On Thursday, February 6,1992, we would like to invite you to join us for lunch, and to participate ina pilot project entitled Child Watch Visitation Program. The program is initiated through theChildren's Defense Fund (CDF), a national child advocacy organization working on behalf of childrenand families.In connection with Kent CoIUJtY Adolescent Pregnancy Child Watch (APCW) and its upcomingconference, the Child Watch Visitation Program is designed to build awareness of the crisis of childrenand families in need. the Child Watch Visitation program will take you through "children's sites"where you can witness first-hand the results of children having children.WHAT YOUR INVOLVEMENT MEANSYou receive countless requests for assistance from programs serving children and families in WestMichigan. We need to work together to evaluate these many requests based on the policies andprograms in place in our community and state.Please reserve 12-4pm on Thursday February 6, 1m. We would like you and sixteen othercommunity leaders to take part in the Child Watch Visitation Program. Enclosed you will find adescription of the Child Watch program, a program agenda, a conference brochure, and localinformation on children having children.Please confirm your reservation by calling the APCW office at 776·0115. The fee for lunch and thevisitation program is $50.00. We will call you this week to determine your interest in participation.If you have any questions, please call at your earliest convenience. We look forward to meeting withyou, but more importantly, we look forward to working with you to win for children, families, and thefuture of our community.Sincerely,Mr. Robert WoodrickCEO/Chairman of the BoardD & W Food Centersenc.Mr. Roger MartinVice President ­Community RelationsSteelcase Inc.104

Who CQ/lBSAbout Rochester'sKids?We HopeYou 00 !'Thlf Rochntlfr Arlfa ChUdrlfn'sCoflo.boraflv.,·&Rochnflfr Arlfa FoundaflonInvlflf vou fo Join us for0. splfclal morning foglffhlfr.Hop on our 'kids bus' andgain 0. IItfllf morlf InslghfInfo 111lf chat'lfngn facingchUdrlfn living In povlfrfv.Wlf'lI show vou Inlflaflvn111o.t rlfal'V workand vou'ff 'lfarn how vouas a poUCV mo.klfr canmo.klf 0. dlfflfrlfnclf.A splfclal bus four for Rochnflffarlfo. poffflcal ca..odldo.fn & mlfdlo.October 23, 1992 1:.10Cl.ttl.-1:00p.m.Park Qt foodllnk - 56 Wnt AIlIt.SrltQkfast wlU Sit Prollldltd.lSVP b'l Oct. 15 to IUtF J'2S-4J'SJ'Umlfltd SltQflnq AvallQbllt .lOS

107CHILD WATCHYes, I will attend the site visit on Thursday,February 25th from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.No, I will be unable to attend; please sendme information about future programs.Ms. Sharon LadinThe Children's Defense Fund25 E. Street, N.W.Washington, DC 20001FOUNDATION FORTHE CAROlINASI will participate in the Child Watch Visitation andmeeting with Marian Wright Edelman on November 13from 12:30-3:30 p.m.My choices ofsite visits are: (Please rank 1st, 2nd, 3rd)_ UPLIFT Program in Piedmont Courts_ Seigle Avenue Preschool Cooperative_ Success By 61Johnston YMCANameI regret I will not be able to attend the Child Watch._Please return this card by September 22

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF TEXARKANA, INC.January 13, 1993TO:FROM:CHILO WATCH VISITATION COURSE PARTICIPANTSMARY WOMMACK(831-4516) & DEBBIE LASHFORD (832-5980) •Course CoordinatorsRE:INSTRUCTIONS FOR JANUARY 19, 1993VISITAllON COURSEWe are pleased you will be joining us for the Child Watch of Texarkana VisitationCourse on January 19, 1993. We hope that you will find this to be a rewardingexperience for you. It will no doubt be a long day, but hopefully one that will provideyou with some insights into probably the most critical issue facing children inTexarkana today.·"Please note the schedule changes. We will begin at 9:00 a,m.. in theCommunity Room of the former St, Michael's Convent. located at 5th &Walnut, Transportation for the site visits for the day will be provided. Please parkyour car at the Beech Street Baptist Church parking lot (corner of 5th & Beech). Ahospital shuttle will pick you up and take you to the Community Room (you will need totell the driver where to take you). At the end of the day (5:00 p.m.), the vans will takeyou back to that parking lot. •You will be hearing about particular'issues and programs which function to alleviateproblems within those issues. A very condensed briefing paper on some of theterminology, program and issues information has been included for your information.You might want to read over this material so that you will be prepared to ask questionsyou may have of the briefers at each site. (This is not a testl )Dress for the day is casual. You will be doing some walking, so wear comfortableshoes. We will providing you with additional briefing materials throughout the day ofthe course, and you will be eating lunch with some of the neatest children InTexarkanalWe are looking forward to seeing you next week, and again, on behalf of Texarkana,USA's children, thank you for taking the time out to learn for yourself the problemsmany of are facing right now.Call us if you need anythingI118 EAST BROAD TEXARKANA, ARKANSAS 75502--109----' -,_._,_.._._ ..PHONE 5011772·9948

25 Sheldon Blvd. S.E. Suite 312 • Grand Rapids MI 49503 • 451-0452February 1, 1992STEELCASERogerPO BoxGrand Rapids MIRoger:We are very pleased that you will be joining us on Thursday, February 6,1992 for lunch, and participating in a unique pilot project entitled ChildWatch Visitation Program.Enclosed is our schedule for the afternoon. As noted in this schedule, lunchwill begin at noon at the L.V. Eberhard Center. You will be joining otherbusiness leaders and conference participants to hear Dr. Barry Zuckermangive his keynote address entitled Double Jeopardy: The Impact of TeenagePregnancy and Poverty.After lunch, you will join 16 other community leaders in site visits to ParkSchool/Teen Parent Program and Butterworth Hospital. Enclosed areprofiles on these sites. Dr. Zuckerman will be facilitating this program, and Iwill be coordinating the event. In addition, a motor coach will transport thegroup throughout the afternoon. We expect to return to the L.V. EberhardCenter at 5:00 p.m.Enclosed is a participants list. When you arrive at the Eberhard Center, Iwill greet you at the lunch registration desk.I look forward to meeting you and working with you.questions regarding this day, please call me at 791-9321 .If you have anySincerely,Sandra Salhaney AdamsChild Watch CoordinatorllO

November 6, 1992NameDearI am looking forward to seeing you at the Foundation's Child Watch Program onNovember 13 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Johnston YMCA. You are among 30business and community leaders who have accepted invitations to participate in thisspecial program.We have a full and informative agenda that will begin with remarks by Marian WrightEdelman, president of the Children's Defense Fund, who will bring us the latestinformation about the most pressing issues facing families and children. She will thenlead the group on a brief bus tour of the Belmont neighborhood followed by site visitsto the UPI..IFr PI:ogram, Seigle Avenue Preschool Cooperative or Success By 6. Youshould have received a letter from John Murphy, Harvey Gantt or Carla DuPuyinforming you that you are on their site visit team. We will return to the Johnston Y forMarian's closing remarks and adjourn promptly at 3:30 p.m. It is important to Marianand to the success of the Child Watch that you be present for the full program.A map giving directions to the Y is enclosed, and we ask that you arrive at 12:30 p.mas we plan to start and end on schedule.The Child Watch is a rare opportunity to gain insights from a noted national authorityon children as well as to visit local efforts which are models for successfully assisting atriskfamilies. I look forward to seeing you on the 13th.Yours truly,Robin L. HinsonChairman of the Board111

W.'r. so pl.as.d fhelf vou'''. d.cid.dfo Join us on our "KIOS SUS" four.W. look for"'eltd fo s.4fin9 vou in fh.fOOOUNK peltkln9 'of elf 7: .1'OClm onfridav Ocf. 2.1' (S6 Waf A".). W.sinc.r4ffv hop. fhelf If will b. ClII.nH9hf.nin9 elnd p'.elsurelb'.4f)Cp.r'.nc. for ai, of us. And... "'.prom's. to hel". vou bClCk to vourCeltS b4ffor. 1:OOpmlSonni. Hindman & Ronel Wvn.r112

IVFOLLOWING-UPDebriefmg QuestionsProgram Evaluations115117Post-Visit Poll 121Post-Visit Check/Results 123Thank You Letters to Sites 127Thank You Letters to Participants 129Action Agendas 135113

. . . ." .'..... '. . ' . '. : . . .. ~":"':':....:_-' .,." .'" : .. ' .'. . . ~"'''''' .';' .:..:::':\;~..~: "~'!"'::~'~ ..~::~ ....TJ..T1.:"".....,J..T.......Y~TiT....TJiYj;....,..:"lJf: ..,~Ti..T..:"j,.Y......,.4.Ti.~~.."),.."A...,..:.,,,,~T.l.:Y.Ji....,~Tt·:· :. .' , . C.OALITJON .. .. ;." ,. " .'..FOR CH1LDRENYOl1rH'&F~l1LIES .1'.0. '00'-266«x- Ji,; A",,,.~u~rqu~.I~M 8712S-6600 .... ·505·841·1711)ALBUQUERQUE CH)LD WATCH. October 20, 1992DE-BRIEFING QUESTIONSAt the conclusion ofsite visits please ask the.following series of six questions (orvariations thereot) which lead participants through a discussion covering personalreflection to action. .'1. What did you see, feel, hear today?What image or story do you remember most strongly?What one thing will you remember most from the site visits today?2. What were the underlying issues that the staff and youth discussed?3. How does this (these) issue(s) discussed at the site visit relate to your life?How is your experience similar or different?How do you feel about this issue?4. Why does teen violence occur?What are the factors that contribute to this problem?5. What support, knowledge and skills do we as members of the community need toaddress this issue?6. Now that we all understand teen violence and its causes better, what actions can youtake to begin to work on the problem?~."f{D OF IJlllECrG~$: D d:>"oruy l:.;-ehu:rrl.~n • S

'Kid's Bus' TourProgram EvaJuatlcm"our comments about the 'Kid's Bus' Tour wJJl help us to assess the success ()f ourrogI"am and develop sfmf)ar programs for other commun1iy and bUSiness leaders.lease complete this evaluation and retwn it to Rona Wyner at at the Rochester Area~hUdren's Collaborative (return envelope enclosed).Materials. Will the materials presented to you serve as a useful resource? How could they beproved? .Briefings. .Rate the qualliy of the briefings (l=poor. 5=excellent). in helping understandildren's needs and gaps in programsWIC 1 2 3 4 5Foodlink 1 2 3 4 5RGH (Dr. Phyllis Leppert) 1 2 3 4 5RGH (Dr. Michael Weitzman) 1 2 3 4 5Head Start PLUS 1 2 3 4 5Wilson Commencement Park 1 2 3 4 5How can the informational briefings be improved?SitesHow can the site visits be improved?117

5. Are there any other issues affecting children and famflies that you wished wereaddressed on the Tour? yes_ no __Ifyes. please list:IV.General CommentsThe main objectives of the 'Kid's Bus' Tour are to invite community leaders to see firsthand the condition of poor. at-risk childrenand..their famflies and help them transformtheir concern into positive actions.Keeping these objectives in mind. please answer the following:6. What piece of the program was most significant in meeting the objective?7. Would you recommend this program to colleagues? yes__ no__Ifyes. please list:8. Who else do you feel might benefit from the program and why?9. How will your experience on the "Kid's Bus' Tour affect you in your work:?10. Are you planning to take any actions as a result of this program?Name (optional)Thank you for joining US OD the 'Kid's Bus' Tour!The Rochester Area Fowu1ation/loThe Rochester Area ( 118 ren's CoUaborative

CHILD WATCH OF TEXARKANAEvaluation FormThe 1993 Child Watch program, "Focus on Children's Health",addressed the issues of Primary Health Care,Immunizations,Prenatal Care and Nutrition for the children of Texarkana.An important part of each site visit was policy briefingsby the site experts. Your answers to the following questionswill help us evaluate the effectiveness of our attemptto better inform you on these issues.BRIEFINGSWere the briefings helpful in outlining and explaning the issuesaddressed at the site ?Did the briefers adequately answer your questions ?Did the briefings help you to understand children's needs and thegaps in programs and policies that address these needs ?If yes, how did they do so ?If no, how could we improve the informational briefings ?SITESPlease rate each site you visited on a scale of 1 (poor) to3 (excellent) in terms of how well they depicted the health needsof Texarkana children.(excellent ) in terms of how well they depicted the health needsof Texarkana children:St. Michael HospitalTwin Cities Day CareTexarkana HeadstartBowie County Health Dept.Miller County Health unitTemple Memorial RehabilitationCenterWadley RMC119

Page 2Please provide us with any comments about the site visits orsuggest alternative sites :Did you feel comfortable with your interaction with programclients? Should there have been more or less interaction ?General CommentsThe main objectives of the Child Watch program are to personalizechildren's suffering, to create new leadership concerned aboutchildren's needs, to make the connections between child sufferingand budget and policy priorities and to show participants thatthere are positive steps to be taken to correct or improve thechildren's problems they have witnessed.Keeping these objectives in mind,questions.please answer the followingWhich sections of the program were most significant in meeting theobjectives ?What aspects contributed least to the meeting of the programobjectives ?Would you, your organization or business like to continuereceiving information on these issues ?Would you like to be invited to coalition meetings and receivenotice of future Child Watch programs on other issues ?Would you like to have your name placed on the Children's DefenseFund mailing list ?120

POST-TOUR ADOPTION OPINION POLLNow that you have been on an adoprion rour and have seen personally what some of rheimponant issues are, we'd like to ask you ro rake afew'minures andfill ourrhisform.Please answer T (true/agree), I (false/disagree), or U (undecided, unknown).I have a better idea of foster care and adoption issues as a result of this tour.Adoption with subsidy seems like a more cost-effective plan than keeping a child instate care.Medicaid and family insurance plans would cover almost all of the expenses of a childwith special needs in an adoptive family.More children with special needs would be adopted if financial assistance and otherservices were improved.Active recruitment efforts and eligibility requirements which emphasize parentingstrengths rather than income or size of home are important in locating families forchildren with special needs.North Car9lina should move it's position from the bottom of the fifty states in regard toadoption subsidy.More minority workers in foster care and adoption are needed because of thesignificant numbers of minority children in care.I could effectively raise a child with special needs on $200 per month.Foster families are community activists and child advocates who receive minimalcompensation the cover child caring expenses.Children should be in temporary state care for no more that a year before a plan for apermanent home is implemented.Children with special needs should continue to receive assistance from the state forcosts related to those needs after adoption.I feel that I am more informed now as an advocate for children.I am a business person or county official and will consider contributing to or helping tostart a "Friends of Black Children" chapter in my county.I am a business person and will consider involving employees of associates in adoptionrelated activities.I am a business person, and will think about company benefits related to adoption.121

I am a legislator/government official, and will seriously consider supporting an increasein adop~on subsidy and other funding for services for waiting children. .I feel more personally connected to the needs of waiting children and their families as aresult of this tour.I would recommend this tour as an effective method of becoming personally informedabout children in need of permanent, loving families.Please feel free to use the bottom or back of this sheet for comments or questions. Thankyou for putting your concern for children into action.THANK YOU FOR CARING ABOUT CHILDREN122

Leadership VisitationPost-Visit CheckOctober 15 1992Name _ Phone, _In what way did the Visitation meet your expectations?What can we do to make future Visitations more helpful?Listed below are ways your organization or congregation can become involved in helping youth.Please indicate those areas in which you reel you would like to participate.1. Create and provide a series of classes or forums to better inform yourcongregation! organization about teenage issues.2. Develop a pannership between your congregation!organiz:ltion and anagency that serves youth.3. Expand one of your organization's existing programs to better serve at-riskyouth.4. Include a series of "facts" about teens in your Sabbath bulletins or newsletters.5. Establish a task force to identify ways your congregation! organization canbe involved on behalf of youth.6. Arrange a Visitation for members of your congregation! organization.7. Invite candidates for public office or policy makers to a forum to talk withyou about the problems of children and youth in your community.I would like personally to become more involved in helping youth.YesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoWe welcome any other comments or suggestions.,_123

Leadership VisitationPost-Visit Check ResultsOctober 15 1992In what w.ay did the Visitation meet your expectations?• This experience went beyond my expectations. I really did not know what to expect beforehand.• I feel more hopeful and motivated to find people with whom to brainstonn and plan to begininvolving ourselves.• This has been an education and inspirational experience.• Introduced me to effective leaders; showed me places of hope.• Exposed me to some exciting programs and resource persons- Gave me ideas for ministry-Encouraged me to encourage my members.• I was certain we would see outstanding commitment and leadership and I was not disappointed.• The Visitation was inspirational.• I did not know what to expect, but what I found is that I thoroughly benefited from all theinformation I received.• This was a very full and rewarding day.• It was excellent and infonnative which I had expected.• The Visitation far exceeded my expectations; the actual site visits were far superior to a seminarand receiving infonnation passively.• It was excellent.• I learned what is happening in High School.• Inspirational infonnation and involving.• To meet such dedicated and involved people make me realize how much work is being done inthis community; I really had no idea how much was going on.What can we do to make future Visitations more helpful?• Extend the time so that we can get more questions answered. and more networking can be done.• Increase dialogue time with persons involved in positive projects, programs and activities.• The clinic at Jordan High might have been a helpful stop.• Longer time at each site; try an "all day" visitation.• I would like to see more people involved• I would like to be able to invite people in my congregation that work in the education sector.• Do more visits meaning less talking and more showing.• Provide more statistics and more specifics on volunteer acts.• Continue with this fonnat.• Make it on a weekend so others who can not leave work can come.Listed below are ways your organization or congregation can become involved in helping youth.Please indicate those areas in which you feel you would like to participate. * #1. Create and provide a series ofclasses or forums to better infonn yourcongregation/ organization about teenage issues.2. Develop a partnership between your congregation/organization and anagency that serves youth.Yes-12 Other-3Yes-IO Other-oS125

3. Expand one of your organization's existing programs to better serve at-riskyouth.4. Include a series of "facts" about teens in your Sabbath bulletins or newsletters.5. Establish a task force to identify ways your congregation! organization canbe involved on beh31f of youth.6. Arrange a Visitation for members of your congregation! organization.? Invite candidates for public office or policy makers to a forum to talk withyou about the problems of children and youth in your community.I would like personally to become more iDvolved in helping youth.Yes-lOYes-?Yes-?Yes-llYes-?Yes-lOOther-SOther-8Other-8Other-4Other-8Other.S• The results are taken from 15 Post-Visit Checks completed.# Other includes no response. being done. being planned or already done.We welcome any other comments or suggestions.• Fantastic!• I would like to increase my time with youth and decrease the bureaucratic people work.• We need to emphasize growing links between L.A. and San Bernardino counties.• I am interested in setting up a latchkey program! newborn-toddler child carel parenting classesfor all ages and could use help in identifying enabling agencies.• Thank for putting this together.• I would love to see other from our congregations experience this.• I was impressed by the leadership that we met.• I would like time to look at funher steps.• The last three speakers were excellent. I might be nice to exchange names and telephonenumbers among the panicipants. I would like to t31k about Planned Parenthood working withClinic Oscar Romero to develop a program for teenagers.126

Tom FerraroFoodlink56 West Ave.Rochester. NY 14611Dear Tom:On behalf of Rochester Area Foundation and the Rochester Area Children'sCollaborative. we would like to thank you for participating in our KIDS BUS tourbriefing on Oct. 23. 1992.Since you were early on the program. you helped to set the standard for theentire day -- and that standard was very high indeed. We have had rave reviewsfrom participants -- we believe that they have a much better understanding ofFOODLINK and the emergency food network as a result ofyour talk.Thank you also for being such a good sport and serving our guests a plain butnutritious breakfast -- we know that they got the message! Please also extendour thanks to Meryl and Sue for all of their efforts.Tom -- you're always there for children and families!support!We really appreciate yourSincerely.Rona WynerDirector. RACCBonnie HindmanDirector. Grants and Programs. RAF127

Dr. Michael WeitzmanRochester General Hospital1425 Portland Ave.Rochester, NY 14621Dear Michael:On behalf of Rochester Area Foundation and the Rochester Area Children'sCollaborative, we would like to thank you for participating in our KIDS BUS tourbriefing on Oct. 23, 1992.As usual you were fantastic! Your presentation was superb and very muchappreciated by all participants -- you got rave reviews, and that's not easy toattain from 20 politicians! We only hope that their rhetoric will translate intoaction and legislation.We appreciate your dedication and your commitment to children and families.Thank you so very much for always making yourself available to our community.Sincerely,Rona WynerDirector, RACCBonnie HindmanDirector, Grants and Programs, RAF128

October 25, 1992II'IDear «TITLE» «LASTNAME»:We are very pleased that you were able to join us for the Leadership Visitation heldOctober 15 at the Watts Health Foundation.For most of you this was your first visit to the Watts Health Foundation, Jordan HighSchool and Alice Harris' Parents of Watts Center. We hope that your participation in theVisitation encourages you and your congregation or organization to become even moredeeply involved on behalf ofchildren and youth.Ifyou indicated that you were willing to identify other people or organizations toparticipate in future visitations orifyou indicated your commitment to become moreactively involved in these problems, someone from the Steering Committee will becalling you in the next week or so. In addition, any thoughts you have about how toimprove the program will be helpful.The current crisis among our youth needs the attention of the community leaders of LosAngeles. Whether you are interested on a personal level, as a representative of yourcongregation or organization, or in including your membership, I urge you to becomemore involved. The children of our community need your help.Sincerely,Sherry P. May(for the Steering Committee)129

• ••••• , '.: .,' _'._:' .. :':.(.:. ;:••• , ~ : •••.•• :~~ .', :_"','.:'., ••• ', :.... • • t '. ..' • '. •··T;.....,A;...,~TA~..",.l..Ti....,~.~T.~y~T.~"f:4T+YiT.f."f;..y~!....y~.....A~:A:..,,~T.~.:yi.;.:y~~~:.-,.: COALITION'FOR CflitlJRENYOut~&FA)\lIILIES'r, c. &. 26666 ~ Alouq~..rqu~. NM 8712>0666 A 5CS-841-1710" ,November 4, 19~2Dear Milton;Thanks so much for participating in the fIrst Albuquerque Child Watch visitation onOctober 20th. We hope you enjoyed the visits to the Youth Diagnostic and Developmen~Center (YDDC) and Jobs Corps. We enjoyed having you as a part of our fIrst team., We hope you also had your eyes and ears opened to the realities of the lives of manychildren -- children without parents or grandparents or an adult to care for them andyoung adults wJto must learn a job skill right out of high school in ()rder to supportthemselves. We hope you also learned the importance of reaching out to understandothers. Your collective idea of getting basketball·games together to play with stUdentsfrom both settings is wonderfuLBest wishes for finishing high school and the years ahead.Sincerely,Carlotta Mitchell, Albuquerque Child Watch Co-ChairNational Council of Negro WomenEdythe Pierson, Albuquerque Child Watch Co-ChairAmerican Association of Retired PersonsDirector .. Fra,,

";iT;"TA.y:"T~Tj..TA.TATii'ATi..T...T.TiYiYir~Ti.YJ;..~""~Y~Yi..".Y~~.T+Y~T ."r" .~: ,, ' , .' 'COALITION:",' ' " " " ' '.:, ,", FOR CHILDREIVYOUTIj&FAMILIES.. r,o, 60.-26666 ....~Albuq~erque:, NM 8712>6666 .... 505·841·1710Chawn A Whitsitt3522 Vail, SE" .Nbuquerque,NM 87106November 4, 1992Dear Chawil,Thanks so much for your support and participation in the first Albuquerque Child Watchprogram on October 20th. We were delighted to have you and your s.tudents spend themorning with us. We 1earned·a great deal from the questions and perspectives that theyshared. We also gained insight into how to make the next program for youth be moreeffective.We appreciate an .the logistical arrangements --- transportation, substitute teachers... ---­you made to make your participation possible.We look forward to working with you in the future.Sincerely,Carlotta Mitchell, Albuquerque Child Watch Co-ChairNational Council of Negro WomenEdythe Pierson, Albuquerque Child Watch Co-ChairAmerican Association ofRetired PersonsJAR(\ OF DIRf-.Ci'ORS: g Honorary Co·C~~i"'r.l('n ... 5c'na(o( a.ld ~~. Jeff e"~gafT.d:l J. ~llcHOt and Mrs'. I»~te Oom(:r.u, ~ £;(ccuCivc l)ireclor .. F~t,ces Vare:la-Giti..,gsOfficers .. Hoben Greenbr':rg. Cf1A'RMA.~ .. MX e Vachio. VIC.£·~,~~r."'OI" IJ'~rg,,"'" P,·wd.:n"CJl':.I;on of RClir"" Pc..,.,n, 0

----------------- - -Sincerely,Watch Milwaukee is funded in part by the Junior League of Milwaukee, ~12;~~133 Olild Watch Coordinator964-7088.Child WatchDearThank you for attending (or asking about) the Child Watch site visits onOctober 22,\ationaI Collaborators:IIlCfltan Assoc. of Retired Pe~oslC. of Junior Leagues Internal!OnalChildren's Defense FundJ(j~~nis InternationalNational Council of La Raza\ational Council of Negro WomenNational Council or Churches!and Family Justice Working GroupChild Watch MilwaukeeSteering Committee:'imlP Projecl • Legal Aid SocietyChild Abuse Pre,emion Nel~orkof llil~'aukeeHeallh DepanmemImenailh Conference ofGreater ~lil~~ukeeJunior Lea~uf of ~Iil~~ukeet;;v.aOls Club of Mil~aukee"\\aOl~ DIl'lsiOn #G oflHsconsin •l'pper Ilichlg3n Distric!Illilraukec County Departmentof Human serv~es\auonal Councilor La Ra12\'lInnal Council of\ej!ro \\omen.·Irisconsin secl~n.' "I! Counni no Human CnocernsOn that day we visited St Joseph's Hospital where we saw an almost fullhouse of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit, and learned thatalmost half of those infants are there for preventable reasons. We touredSilver Spring Netghborhood Center, a comprehensive health and socialservice agency providing an array of preventive programs for all ages,including a Family Resource Center, and visited Rosalie Manor, leadagency tor a County-wide collaborative project to provide support to FirstTIme Parents, .We hope you leamed more about critical concerns facing children andfamilies in Milwaukee and are interested in focusing some of your timeon "children's issues" and helpful legislation,Enclosed is the check list of "Things You Can Do" which Anne Arnesenprepared and distributed at the wrap-up discussion on October 22, Thesestate bUdget and legislative initiatives all merit watching and will needadvocacy in order to begin (or expand). Please share this list with yourcolleagues or organizations, and suggest that they get involved!To track these initiatives, contact your legislator or the Wisconsin' .Council on Human Concerns (WCHC). 608-258-4380. The WCHCmonthly newsletter, Capitol Comments, will give periodic updates onthese initiatives and other bills related to child and family issues,Other ideas:A oin child advoca committees in Milwaukee:1, Start Smart Mi waukee! which focuses on early childhoodeducation, child hunger, lead poisonin~ parenting education, votereducation, etc. Contact: Tim Dewane, PrOject Coordinator, 263-8128-2, Child Abuse Prevention Network, focusing on child abuseprevention and family support. Contact: Ramon-Wagner, Coordinator,"449-4W,B. Volunteer time at child serving agencies, Contact the VolunteerCenter of Greater Milwaukee for suggestions, 273-7887. The enclosed listof uldeas for community action in the health area w may stimulate yourtmn~n~ .

What You Can Do?As an elected official there are many demands on your time and interest The Child Watchparticipant groups would like to assist you in any way we can in your effort to address some of theproblems of children and families that have been the focus of todays program and tour. Followingare a few suggestions for action that we propose. We hope you will have others.Action Steps1. Keep current on proposed city, county and state legislation that addresses problems of childabuse, low birth weight, infant mortality, and poverty.2. Use your official sources of information.Ask your city health department, county human services or the state Department of Healthand Human Services for their proposals to address these problems in the coming year.3. Visit other programs.Other hospitals and other counties may be addressing problems differently. For example,fmd a nearby county with higher immunization rates and investigate theirstrategies.4. Analyze legislative proposals for the impact on children and families. For example,budget cutbacks in alcohol and drug abuse treatment programs may adverselyaffect pregnant woman resulting in higher infant mortality or more low birth weight babiesor increase the incidence offetal alcohol syndrome.A few examples of specific state legislative initiatives to address issues oflow birth weight babies,child abuse, and the conditions for children in poverty are listed here for your consideration.Medical Assistance Prenatal Care CoordinationThis program provides statewide targeted case management for high-risk pregnant women toreduce infant death and improve birth outcomes for low income women. Funds allocated from thelast biennium will begin serving 25% of eligible women under a new MA prenatal care benefit inJanuary 1993. $1.7 M. would serve 25% more of the eligible women.Prevention of Perinatal Substance AbuseThree programs (high risk pregnancy grants, multidisciplinary prevention and treatment teams andcapacity building to help agencies serve pregnant women and mothers with young children whoneed AODA treament services) are funded until June 30, 1993. Funds will be needed to continueand expand these programs to prevent the birth of children with low birth weight anddevelopmental and leaming disabilities caused by the use of cocaine, alcohol, tobacco and otherdrugs during pregnancy.Prevention of Childhood Lead Poi

Child Abuse PreventionAssessment-and screening of parents of newborns for their risk ofchild abuse and offering homevisiting services to help all parents who seek help for parenting has been a successful strategy toprevent child abuse throughout the country. A major initiative called "Right From the Stan" toprovide grants for local programs will be introduced in the coming session. Funding would beused for intensive home visitation programs and Family Resource Centers. ("Supporting FirstTime Parents Project" in Milwaukee County is an example ofsuch a program)ImmunizationWhile95% of children are immunized in Wisconsin when they enter school only 39% ofMilwaukee children and 51 % of Madison's children were inununized by age two. In the state only48% of two years old children are appropriately immunized. Accessibility and transportationremain barriers for parents. These issues need to be addressed locally and through statewideinitiatives. Immunization is a proven means ofpreventing early childhood problems.Healthy Stan EXllansionMany persons living in poverty are working and have no health insurance because they are not onAFDC. Expansion of the Healthy Stan program would provide Medical Assistance for pregnantwomen and infants up to age one in families with incomes up to 185% ofpoverty. (Now at155% of poverty.)Birth to Three (99.437 part ill OutreachThis program provides assessment, planning, and a wide range of early intervention services forchildren ages birth to three with developmental delays or diagnosed developmentaldisabilities.Funding is allocated in the proposed Department of Health and Social Services statebudget to meet federal requirements.Self-Sufficiency Programs for Pregnant and Parentin& TeensA number ofpilot programs are funded by the state to help teen mothers develop skills to supportthemselves. Both Rosalie Manor and Silver Springs have grants to implement these programs.Child Watch, October 22, 1992?rtryctt"ed b'j Anne. f.\ 'nese.,W;c;c. C"I.~\'" Co', \ 0', Btl n'lQ 1'"\ CO I""\C ~ (" h S136

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION...• Talk to the teenagers in your life about sexuality and responsible decision making.• Fmd out what is happening on this issue in your local school.• Make books and videos on the subject available to teenagers you know.• Volunteer your time at these sites or at other organizations addressing these issues.• Make yourself aware ofyour elected representatives' stance on these issues.• Oteck the positions oflocal, state and national candidates on issues related to children andpregnancy.• VOTE• Write to your elected representatives regarding these issues.• Ask candidates and elected officials what they are doing to address the problem of teenpregnancy and parenting.• Meet with your elected officials or the staff ofkey teen and children's committees to discussin greater depth the needs of teens and their children in your neighborhood. Try to give somepractical solutions to the problems facing teens along with expressing your willingness tohelp. Use the examples ofeffective programs you've seen during the course of the Visitation.• Write articles/stories which showcase successful programs or agencies; show "what isworking" and dispel the myth that nothing works.• Do a series on people: teens who are "beating the odds" and the people behind successfulprograms.• Write about the trends and issues.• Develop TV shows which realistically portray the difficulty ofgrowing up today, thepressures and choices one has. and highlight those who are·successfully coping.• Develop a blitz media campaign to address the issues ofteen pregnancy and parenting.• Create or participate in a mentoring program for high risk pregnant and parenting teenagersto teach new mothers about child health and parenting, as well as. to provide emotionalsuppon and examples for success.• Sponsor parenting education programs.• Become a big sisterlbrother for a teenager. Call Big Sister Los Angeles or similar program.• Use your own skills ( writing. accounting, legal. fund raising, administration. etc. ) to assiston agency serving children and youth.• Enter into a partnership with a religious congregation or other programs for teens providingsuppon for teen mothers. Provide financial suppon and volunteer assistance.• Have a fund-raiser to benefit a teen program. or set up a scholarship fund to help youngparents who cannot afford to further their education.• Volunteer to work in a teen center one day a week to allow staff time for training andplanning.137

• Business leaders can adopt flexible personnel policies that support teens with children.These should include paid parental leave. flexible wort hours. job sharing • and sick leavepolicies that reflect teen parents' need to care for sick children.• Join the teen coalition in your community or state.• Write articles for newsletter or local newspapers summarizing what you have learned aboutthe needs of the teenagers in the community. You can also talk to newspaper staff andsuggest that they write such an article or develop a series about teen issues.• Work with local schools and develop and support inventive programs that reward academicachievement and school attendance.• To raise the incomes ofpoor. teen families with children. comprehensive efforts by federal.state. and local governments as well as the private sector are essential. Improvements mustbe made in tax assistance. wage enhancement. job training and education. child support.AFDC and food assistance.• Volunteer to work with a variety ofgroups including businesses. health professionals. andhospitals. to sponsor health fairs that highlight critical health issues such as prenatal care.substance use. and sexually transmined diseases especially AIDS.• Help pregnant teenagers and new. teen mothers enroll in the Medicaid programs by assistingthem with filling out the application fonns. Such help is particularly needed for non-Englishspeaking teenagers.• Volunteer as a tutor or "buddy" at an agency worKing to help teenagers with children.• Private housing developers can: contribute money. materials. and expertise (throughconsultation or staffloans) to nonprofit organizations worKing to develop low-incomehousing; set aside a portion ofthe units in all new housing developments for low-income.teen families: and invest in affordable housing through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit• Religious congregations can develop respite care programs for families headed by teens.Include the children ofthese teens in existing day care. religious education. and otherministries of a religious congregation.• Sponsor parenting education programs. Consider sponsoring these sessions with schools inthe area.• Adopt a teen with a child in need of assistance and offer them ongoing assistance andsupport.• Adopt a social worker in your community's public department ofchildren and family servicesand help support that worker by responding to the unmet needs of the children and familieshe or she is serving. The worker may ask for basic supplies. such as clothing. bedding. orhealth care supplies: for financial assistance to get the family through a crisis: or for helpwith home repairs. transportation. child care or other services.• Join with teen and children issue advocates in your state to push for greater investments ofpublic funds in teen support and teen family preservation services for vulnerable teens. Startfirst with those areas where the majority of the needy live. Ifyour city has several successfulpilot programs already. support an initiative to expand the programs statewide as part of acomprehensive system of services.MC/9-92138

xl 5. B.....-ar..: 51. Charlene SC 2~2,:Ph~'ne: ,7':--+1 '7t--'l;'+1 Fa.~: ,7,4, 371:--12.13RAJ'NDATION FoRlHEC\ROLINASCHILD WATCHFOUNDATION FOR THE CAROLINASRECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION1. Support development of a continuum of services that assists children and theirparents from conception to kindergarten so that every child in Mecklenburg Countyenters school ready to learn.- Families need a combination of services to prepare their children for success:prenatal care, parenting skills, child health, quality child care, transportation,housing, parent high school/college completion and job training.- Investing in children early saves money in the future. Every $1 spent on qualitypreschool saves $4.75 in special education, crime, welfare and other costs. Every$1 spent on childhood immunizations saves $10 in later medical costs.2. Support estabUshment/expansion of preschool child development and parentingeducation programs for at-risk families.- Approximately 2,500 children are on waiting lists for various preschoolprograms: Head Start (753), Chapter 14-Year-Qld Program (308) and subsidizedday care through Child Care Resources (1,275). Most in the field agree thesenumbers represent only a fraction of the need.- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools report that 29% of first graders are not ready forsecond grade work.- 64% of NC kindergarten teachers say that improving parent education is themost important goal in getting preschoolers ready to learn.3. Advocate for revision of guidelines of public programs

- Programs such as JOBS (Department of Social Services) and Gateway (CharlotteHousing Authority), which allow partiCipants more flexibility in benefit retentionand support services, should be expanded.- Employer-sponsored child care subsidies can greatly assist lower paidemployees who do move off government subsidy.4. Support neighborhood-based service delivery for city, county and other programs toprovide direct access to services and to encourage collaboration of service providers foreffectiveness and efficiency.- Transportation is a major barrier to families taking advantage of services fortheir children. It takes approximately two hours each way for residents inBelmont to take the bus to the Health Department on Billingsley Road. Plusresident must still walk 3/4 of a mile from the bus stop to the building.- Expansion of Success By 6, community-based social workers, nurses, police andother service workers can improve access to services and promote collaborationamong service providers.5. Establish a partnership with a preschool/parenting education program serving at-riskfamilies and support it through:It financial and in-kind donationsIt release ~e of employees for volunteeringIt sharing technical expertise in business operations, such as accounting,organizational planning and computer applications.- There are approximately 50 nonprofit preschool and parenting programs servinga high percentage of at-risk students. Few partnerships with businesses andcommunity groups currently exist.6. Support the establishment of an on-going Child Watch effort in the community toenable others to see first-hand the problems facing at-risk children and to join efforts towork for positive changes.- Personally seeing the plight of at-risk children can increase commitment toaction that will benefit children and the entire community.- Visiting programs that are successful helps community leaders know (1) thatthere are programs that work and (2) what kinds of programs should besupported with public and private dollars.140

WISH·· LISTThe Lowcountry Children's Center, Inc.P.O. Box 20579Charletson, SC 29413(803) 723-3600lo-Key Calculators (3)Attachments for Hoover vacuumBookcases for officesBuilt in shelves/closet organizer - group roomChild sized bean bag chairsChildren's videotapesCoat rackDoors for janitor closetEnd tablesFraming for donated printsFurniture refinishingGames for older children (8 - 14)IBM compatible computers and softwareLampsLazer printerLocking file cabinets (4)MacIntosh computer and desktop publishing softwareNew blank videotapesSecurity video systemTherapeutic toysToolboxTV (for lobby)TypewriterVCR (for lobby)Front Interview Rooms - small desk, loveseat, comfortable office chairsAdolescent Interview Room needs furniture/posters that are teen oriented. (include a table with2 chairs)Ongoing supplies of: art suppliesmedical suppliestoilet tissuecleaning materialscoffeeServices Needed: Nurses to assist physician over summer months (Wednesdays from 10-2)Cleaning Service141

VPRESSPress Releases 145Press Clips 153143

~ Rochester Area;hildren's CollaborativeMEDIA RELEASEan affiliate ofthe YWCARona Wyner. DirectorFor Immediate ReleaseFor More Information Contact:Rona Wyner, Director,-Rochester Area Cliildren'sCollaborative (716) 546-5820 (B) (716) 271-2829 (H)Bonnie Hindman, Director of Grants &Programs,Rochester Area Foundation (716) 325-4353LOCAL POLITICIANS TO BOARD "KIDS BUS"FOR AN EXCURSION INTO POVERTYRochester, NY October 20, 1992 ... Ifseeing truly is believing, then Friday's KIDS BUS tour ofRochester should make many local politicians believers in the necessity ofinvesting in our nation'sfuture -- children.At 7:30 a.m on Friday, October 23, twenty candidates for local, state and federal office fromthe Rochester area will assemble in the parking lot of FOODLINK (56 West Ave.) and later board aspecial KIDS BUS. They will be given a guided tour ofprograms which serve vulnerable children inthe Rochester area. The morning tour has been designed not only to show them, fIrst-hand, theseverity ofproblems among children in Rochester, but also to show them viable, cost-effectiveprograms in our city that work.-more-145175 N. Clinton Ave., Rochester, New York 14604 • 546-5820

A~rdingto Rona Wyner, director of the Rochester Area Children's Collaborative (RACC)and one of the KIDS BUS organizers, "I believe that this bus trip will serve as a type of'shocktherapy' for many politicians. Although the statistics about child poverty in Rochester tell a frighteningstory, only when we add the faces and suffering ofreal children can we hope to motivate policymakers into taking action that will begin to mitigatethe effects ofthat poverty. Itis my sincere hopethat today's journey will be one ofhope, learning and challenge - a bus tour which will spur politicalleaders into action on behalf ofthe 38% ofchildren in Rochester who are poor."After an orientation to the WIC program, the KIDS BUS participants will receive a simple butnutritious breakfast at FOODLINK followed by a tour ofthe Special Neonatal Intensive Care Unit atRochester General Hospital, a visit to a HeadStart Plus program and tour ofWilson CommencementPark. Community leaders have agreed to do briefings at each location in order to discuss theramifications ofchildhood poverty and to illustrate solutions to these problems. Policy briefers willhelp participants to understand the choices between costly intensive hospital care and cost-effectiveprenatal care, costly foster care and relatively inexpensive crisis intervention programs, costly remedialeducation and quality early childhood education and development programs.The KIDS BUS tour was organized jointly by Rochester Area Foundation (RAF) and theRochester Area Children's Collaborative in an effort to draw attention to the growing incidence ofchildpoverty in Rochester. Itis patterned after Child Watch Visitation, a program of the Children's DefenseKIDS BUS TOUR -2222-Fund in Washington D.C.·-more-146

KIDS BUS TOUR -3333-RAF has long been a leader in this community in making grants that lead to healthy childrenand families. "Bringing quality, affordable early childhood education to Rochester's children has beenone of our priorities, and it is our hope that the KIDS BUS tour will visually demonstrate theimportance ofearly childhood development programs and other early prevention services for children,"said Bonnie Hindman, RAP Director ofGrants and Programs. Rochester Area Foundation, thecommunity's foundation, strives to improve this area's quality oflife through leadership, grantrnakingand innovation in identifying and responding to the continuing and changing priorities ofthecommunity.The Rochester Area Children's Collaborative, an affiliate ofthe YWCA ofRochester andMonroe County, is a broad-based community coalition dedicated to improving the health and wellbeingofchildren and youth in Monroe County, and does so through community education and publicpolicy advocacy. The RACC chose to co-sponsor this event in response to latest census figuresshowing Rochester to rank 13th worst in the nation in tenns ofchild poverty.-30-147

Members of the media are invited to participate in the KIDS BUS tour and can do so by reserving aspace on the bus by calling 325-4353. By using the attached itinerary, media members are alsowelcome to join the tour at a specific location. Rochester General Hospital will provide excellent photoopportunities in the nursery and members of the media are invited to check in at the infonnation desk atRGH between 9:00-9: 15 a.m., at which time they will be escorted to the nursery for camera set-up.Full media kits will be available on the KIDS BUS and at various stops along the way.Friday, October 23, 19927:30 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.Tour Begins at 56 West Ave.(FOODLINK Parking Lot)(See attached itinerary for further details or contactRona Wyner at 546-5820)148

For further inquiry. contact American A..sociation of Retired Persons· Area 1 OfficePark Square Building· J / SI. James A venue· Bm;ton. MA P2116 • (6/7) 426-//85FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJULY 22, 1992CONTACT: PHYWS BARITZ(413) 467-9700MRP, CHILDREN'S WELFARE ADVOCATESPLANNING BOSTON-AREA CHILD WATCH VISITATION PROGRAMThe American Association of Retired Persons and several child welfare advocacygroups announced today they are planning a Child Watch Visitation Program for GreaterBoston designed to bring policymakers and politicians face to face with the plight ofAmerica's infant and child populations.'We plan to personalize the plight of children in need by taking key policy makers onstrategically planned site visits later this year to illustrate both the range of serious problemsfacing children and their families and the many agencies working on their behalf," said PhyllisBaritz, MRP Intergenerational Specialist in New England. "People in positions of power andinfluence must realize that every 42 minutes a child is born into poverty; that every 13 hoursan infant dies; that every 99 minutes an infant is born too small to be healthy; and everythree hours an infant is born to a mother who received pre-natal care late or not at aiL"The Child Watch Program was designed in 1990 by the Children's Defense Fund, amajor child welfare advocacy group in Washington, D.C. and it has since spread to 50 cities.-more-149

-2-In Boston, MRP is working with the Junior League of Boston, the Child WelfareLeague of America. the United Church of Christ City Mission Society, Project Bread, theHealthyStart coalition of the Massachusetts Advocacy Center, and the Failure to Thrive clinicat Boston City Hospital."Many Children do not thrive and grow normally because proper nutrition is notaffordable or not well understood by their families," Baritz said. ''These children develophealth problems. school problems, and social relations problems that may follow them alltheir lives. Experience shows that while many people read about the serious difficulties facedby poor children and families, it is not until they can see for themselves the challenges facingparticular children and families that they become motivated to work for change."The program's goals include helping community leaders make the connnectionsbetween the children they see suffering and local, state, and federal budget priorities andpolicies.Lovola Burgess. MRP's new national president. has adopted "IntergenerationalAction" as the theme for her tenure."As a nation. we must step back and decide what our priorities are and which we arewilling to pay for," Burgess said in her recent inaugural address. "Clearly, America has showncompassion to assist older people in need. That same vision must be applied to today'schildren and the American family."-3D-150

ames G. Martin, Governor James S. lofton, SecretaryRelease: IMMEDIATELY.Contact: Barbara Oliver or Hary Jo Cashion, (919) 733-4391Date: Oct. 15, 1992MEET~NG TO FOCUS ONCRAVEN COUNTY CHILDREN WA~T~NG TO BE ADOPTEDApproximately 500 foster children statewide, some in CravenCounty, are legally cleared for adoption. But for some the wait foradoption is long; for others, it never comes.New Bern will be the setting for a meeting Friday, .Oct. 23, toeducate legislators, county officials, and business and communityleaders about special needs adoption. The meeting will begin at theCraven County Department of Social Services, County Office Building,403 George st., New Bern, at 10 a.m. and will include a visit withfoster and adoptive parents.The meeting is being sponsored by a new state governmentspecial needs adoption project. The project is administered by theYouth Advocacy and Involvement Office in the N.C. Department ofAdministration.Special needs children are defined as school age, siblinggroup, older minority children, children who have had mUltipleplacement, and children with physical and/or emotional problems.Craven County legislators and officials will meet with some ofthe "waiting" children, with foster and adoptive parents, and withadoption social workers to learn more about the issue.For more information, call Ruth Amerson or Al Deitch with theYouth Advocacy and Involvement Office at (919) 733-9296.###II ,.I116 West Jones StreetRaleigh. N.C. 27603-8003(919) 733-7232151An Eo....l Oooortunity I Affirmative Action EmplOY

152.ChildWatchCaIing For Our Future. -DEC. II, 1992PRESS ADVISORY"allonal CoIIaboralors:\mfrlcan .~SIOC. of Retired Persons.\s5O(. of Junior Leagues ImernationalChildren's Delense fundtJv.~nis Imemallonal~ational Council 01 La Ra2a\allonal Council of \egro Women~alJOnal Council of Churches!Child and family JustICe IlorlJng GroupChild Wlilcb \11111'auktt'Slt't'ring Commlt!tt':CH.\'IP Project- Legal.\id SOCietyChild .\buSt' Premlion \erour~Cn) of \lil\\~ukee Health Depar1lllfnlInterfaith Conlerence 01Greater \hl\l~ukeeJuolOr League of \lil\l~ukeetJv.~nis Club 01 \lil"au,er1;J.~n~ DnlslOn #G Ofll"I5(OOSin ­tppt'r \hch~n DistriCi\liI"aukl'f County Depanmenlor Human Se!\"lm\aLionaI Council of La Ra2a\alXlllal Council of \e(!l'O II·omen.l\"iscooSlll 5eCllOn~ isconsm Coundf on Human ConcmsLocal Leaders to Respond to CDF's"State of America's Children 1992" ReportWith the release of the Children's Defense Fund The State of America's Children 1992report on Thursday, Dec. 17, key Milwaukee area leaders will gather to comment on theplight oiWisconsin's children.A press conference has been scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17 in the caf'eteria(lower level) ofLa Causa, Inc., 809 W. Greenfield Ave., to announce the fmdings of theCDF report as they involve Wisconsin, and to outline the response of the community.The report ofthe Children's Defense Fund, a national child advocacy organization. eachyear offers one of the major barometers on the status ofour nation's children. This pressconference is being offered to give all media access to community leaders in the field Therewill be a brief press conference and many leaders will be available for additional comments.La Causa, which provides varied family services, and recently was awarded a grant fromthe Wisconsin Children's Trust Fund to develop a family resource center, will offer mediaan opportunity to photograph children being served in day care, Head Start and kindergartenprograms, and other ways.Scheduled to participate in the press conference will be: Robert Odom, executivedirector of the Social Development Commission; Tom Brophy, director of the MilwaukeeCounty Department ofHuman Services; James Marks, associate director of the MilwaukeeFoundation; Ramon Wagner, coordinator of the Child Abuse Prevention Network; DavidEspinosa, executive director ofLa Causa, Inc., and others. These presenters will commenton the report by noting the various efforts being made in the community to improve the livesof Milwaukee's children.The press conference is being co-sponsored by community groups interested in thewelfare ofchildren, including the Child Watch Collaborative, the Child Abuse PreventionNetwork, Milwaukee Foundation, the Social Development Commission, Start SmartMilwaukee!, the Wisconsin Council on Human Concerns, the Junior League of Milwaukee,Junior Leagues of Wisconsin State Public Affairs Committee, Inner City Youth ServingAgencies, La Causa, Inc., and others to be announcedFor information, contact Marcia Coles, Child Watch (964-7088), or Ken Germanson.Child Abuse Prevention Network (off. 449-4777; home 483-1754).Child Watch Milwaukee is funded in part by tile Junior League of Milwaukee.

THURSDAY, December 3, 1992 *Grown-ups get aclose lookat needs ofarea childrenChild Watch takes KC'sleaders to day-care centerBy. DONALDBRADLEYStaff Writer •Donald Hall probably isn't accustomedto taking orders, but Wednesday when a4-year-old boy told the Hallmark Cardschairman to sit down and make a duck ­Hall sat down and quickly made a duck.Out of Play Doh.The two were sitting at a children's tablein a Kansas City. Kan., day-care center.Hall's knees were nearly at his chin."How's that?" he asked the boy when hefinished the duck.The boy nodded his approval. Hallsmiled.It was pan of .Child Watch, a newprogram designed to show communityleaders the needs and problems of childrenin the metropolitan area. Hall W::lS one ofabout 15 leaders who made the bus tripWednesday to the Community Service153Center, 220 S. Ninth St., a day-care centerfor about 70 children with special needs.Some of the children had physicaldisabilities. Others had hearing or speechimpediments. Some were autistic. Stillothers were children of teen-age parents ormigrant farm workers. ."In their daily routines. these peopledon't see children like this." said JaneMcKim, Child Watch coordinator."Children now are everyone's concern.We need to motivate these people to helpany way they can."So once a month or so, Child Watch.co-sponsored by Partnership for Childrenand the Ewing and Marion KauffmanFoundation, plans to round up a group ofcommunity leaders for a trip to a school orday-care center and observe a children'sprogram. ."They're doing really wonderful thmgshere," Hall said as he watched staffmembers work with the children ::It theCommunity Service Center. "A lot ofpeople could learn a few things coming hereand watching this a while."

,Thure~~~~ ~m~~s do",," \;'~ for those politiCal advertisers Still twist troth on TV? Q .'.:'. candidates (they know dJ' to The Health,~':.' who they are) whose '. Association of:" desperate desire. to Win. . Rochester, which is~..has prompted such ugly mudslinging' .' celebrating its 75th"in these last days of the election anniversary next month.I, campaign. Don't believe much of Long before "multi-culturalism", what you see in ads this weekend. became popuIal, The Health", George Bush's characterization of Association was .reaching out to the ."Bill Clinton and AI GOre as,"BQzo'" communi'ty with·materials published,and "Ozone" is a mild example of . in Italian, Polish and Yiddish, as.- the cheap shots. ." well as English ' ' '.. J.Once ag~ it's too bad that • It has kept that· tradition alive i~Monroe County no longer has a over the decades, adding Spanish- 1bipart~ Fair Campaign Practices ~e mate~ to. its lists. Last ~\CoDlDllttee - thanks to the year, It opened Its Clinton Avenue ~1sabotage o.f the ~publican and Outreach Center'in the heart of ~Conservative J>8!ti~. . Rochester's Hispanic neighborhoods. ,:~" All that ~mams 18 for vo to dJ'" . to all the people who ~;..,feSpond ~ th... . ,have helped the tdJforthe Rochester ". , Rochester' ~, .... Children's ", . " '. :.',pbilbarmonic ~< Collaborative and Orchestra get its finances in shape. -\Rochester Area Among them are the players ~:, Foundation, which took a bunch of hemselves, who have made major ~; politicians on a tour of places like '. ncessions on salaries; the l'..Foodlink and the Head Start center 'dministration, which has cut I:: onlBay Street, among others. It's '. penses; and 11,000 people who f: important that elected leaders see ntributed money to the orchestra. ~first-hand the good work these The result is that RPO, which has .programs are doing. ' , ., . n in financial trouble for years, ~But the politicians, all of whom cut its debt in half and hopes to 1:were nmning for election, must show liminate the debt eiltirely by the ~; the same concern for these programs nd of next year. That's.music to ~, after next week's election. Q . ,.... ' everyone's ears.Q' ~.' . , .for the F . -. to Spike Lee, who has· ~:tration, which .". requested that some (is about to impose new . news organizations send ~:labeling regulations on . only black repOrters to ~.packaged.foods. Some companies interview him about his latest movie, ,have been'toying with words pretty Malcolm X. Lee defends himself by ;. loosely, ~ some foods "Lite" for citing distortions of his views byexample, when they're'really full of white journalists and questions theyfat. That will become illegal. 0 . . ask that he describes as irrelevant.. to.the Federal Trade He says newspapers, magazines and'. Commission, which is television stations sho~d hire ~on:~.. dragging its feet on a black reporters and editors, which 18. proposal to apply the . true enoug~ .same rules to advertising. What's But Lee 18 wrong to JUdge allthe point L.'1 truth-in-packaging if white journalists by some. Cl~__I111!1 IIII!.•t---------154

....11:MilwaukeeShalala says children need advocacyBy JAN UEBELHERRSentinel slall wrllerVntll children become little ac·tlvlSIS, they need groups like MilwaukeeChild Watch to work asIhelr advucates, University IlfWisconsin Syslell1 ChancellorDonna Shalaln said Thursday,Shalala, who is the new chair·'man of Ihe Children's DefenseFund, a nulional non-profit orga·nlzatlon, made Ihe remarks duroIng a reception at the SilverSpring Neighborhood Center af·ter a bus tour of child heallhprogram slles In Milwaukee.Shalala told the crowd of about40 that she took over the post,from ~llIIary Clinton, wUe ofOemocratlc presidential candl·date Dill Clinton, when Mrs. Clin·ton "decided to go oU and run forpresident with her husband."Several state legislators andcandidates also went on the tour,which slarled at the center andIncluded stops at the 51. Joseph'sHospital Neonatal Intensive CareUnit and Rosalie Manor, whichoUered a presentation on Its Sup·porting First·Time Parents program.Milwaukee Child Watch Is aprogram of the Children's De·fense Fund that Involves 13 agen·cles."Children don't contribute topolitical campaigns. They're not abig lobby In this country," saidShalala, who has been Involvedwith the Children's Defense Fundfor 20 years.She said she has been askedwhy she spends so much time onan organization that deals withchildren, when her career hasbeen devoted to working withstudents at colleges and unlversl·ties."There won't be a Universityof Wisconsin - Madison ... IfNews & RGreensboCHILD ADVOCATES TEACH BY EXAMPLEThese lobbyists are too young tovot• Mer a campaign season of "chil.dren's issues," political candidates""ere introduced to .:.... the thildren,By JUSTIN CATANOSOStaffWriUT.. The congre8slonal candidate held 4·y.ear-old Jennifer In his arms during abreak from her actlvlty at Project UpliftI'D Greensboro. He asked h~r name; sbeonly sOOled bashfully.."Jennifer Is one of five chUdren In herl'lunlly," said Angella Faison, Who directsihe project's chUd development center."Her mother Is 22 years old." 'More than 20 Guilford County candidatesfor local, state and natlonal office -men and women who Invariably BPeak outfor governmental support of children ...;.,, came' face to face with their campalgu, ,rhetoric Monday> 'morning.The two·hour· program, caUed CbildView '92, was designed to Introjluce fu·ture policy makers to those directly atfected' bY~blic·POllcY:'·de8pel· tely IIIInfants In th neonatallntensl,e are unitat the Wom n's Hospital and un erprlYi·leged chU n at"ProJect Uplift· ,"Unless ypu see It ftntband; you never'really feel .. part of It or undel'lltand It,",AllanBlsofthe N.C. ChUd~vocaC)Instltute tol the candid.ates, wh E:epeatedlywe", minded df the state dismalInfant mo Ity and Ichool dro ut rlltes.The prolram's 'baslc thetde: thattimely, prudllnt governmentallnyestment" ,'In family and child programs' IIeffectlve., For example, It costs $700 to prprenatal care to a poor woman; intecare costs alone can run $22,000baby Is born early and unhealthy,"• Robin Britt, a former U.8. represtive from Greensboro who foundedject Uplift, told candidates: "Weafford not to Intervene In the Uthese children. If we don't' takemeasures, we'create. permanent uclass of adulta who won't be able tjobs and who wW be a burden on soCChUd VIew '92 was coordinated bChildren's Defense Fund In Washiwhich ll81S North Carolina as onestates It Is t~eting t.o press pollfor support of children's Issues.

Metro RegionTHE BOSTON GLOBE • FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992BCH gives viewof children's health fightBy Diego Ribadeneira. GLOBE STAFFThey are the youngest victims. part of thelitany of grim statistics about the sad state ofthe nation's children that, children's advocatesassert, elicits much hand-wringing but not nearlyenough action.So in an effort to go beyond the seeminglyendless slJ'eam of reports and studies, the Chilodren's Defense Fund - one of the country'smost prominent child advocacy organizations ­yesterday took some local business leaders on atour of one of the front lines in the struggle tobetter the lot ofchildren - the pediatric ward atBoston City Hospital.There they saw the faces behind the numbers.Babies who had tested positive for HIV,the virus that causes AIDS. Babies who weremalnourished and failing.to thrive. One youngboy who was sufferring from lead poisoning. Infantsborn to mothers who had used cocaine."We can all read the numbers and statsistics,but I don't think they evoke the kind ofresponse needed to mobilize on behalf of children,"said Dr. Barry Zuckerman, director ofthe division of developmental and behavioral pediatricsat City Hospital. '"Those of us whospend every day caring for these children walkaround with a kind of indignant fury""Trying to provide a catalyst for greater ae-"tion by local decision makers, the Children's DefenseFund has launched CJuld Watch campaignsin about 30 cities across the nation inwhich leaders in various areas are takeiJ to chilodren's hospitals, shelters and other sites to wit·ness the dire straits affecting many children.At the end ofthe tour, Judith Kurland, Boston'sHealth and Hospitals commissioner, askedthe 20 representatives from the United Way,Harvard University, H