THE CHILDREN'S VOICE
 
January 2018
Resolved: Children First 
by Bob Simmons 

I can't believe we're closing in on three years since I started as executive director of Council for Children's Rights. It seems like yesterday and a lifetime, and I'm grateful for both. To borrow a 1961 phrase from the Peace Corps: It's the toughest job I'll ever love.

At the Council, we recognize that our unique role in our community - assuring that our children's human and legal rights are recognized and protected - comes with a daily duty  to stand up, to speak out, and to act to ensure that all children are safe, healthy, and well-educated.  I'm pleased with the work we are doing, but there is always more to do.

The New Year is now here, the time when folks make resolutions. As we look ahead, we continue to let one resolution guide us: put children first.  In every decision we make, in every challenge we face, whenever and wherever we're called to stand with children and to make their voices heard, we resolve to put their well-being ahead of all else.
Most folks say we should put children first, but too often they allow competing interests to distract them from that commitment. That's when the Council holds them accountable and reminds them that we must work together because too many children continue to be caught in events beyond their control and too many continue to fall through the cracks of under-resourced and broken systems. Though we might not always agree on how best to do it, when we all put children first real progress can be made....  Read More
There are many worthy causes in our community. We are honored when you choose to support Council for Children's Rights and proud to count you as part of our Community of Advocates. Thank you for helping us to put children first.    
Colleen Mullan Named to Lead Children's Defense Team
CFCR staff attorney Colleen Mullan has been named Director of the Council's Children Defense Team. Mullan, who began her duties as director on January 16, will have responsibility for managing a staff of 8 who provide legal representation to children facing delinquency charges and mental health commitments. 

In announcing her appointment, CFCR's executive director Bob Simmons noted, "In her time with the Council, Colleen has demonstrated a strong and vigorous commitment to our mission to keep children safe, healthy, and well-educated.  Colleen has a passion and vision for improving the lives of children in our community.  Her tireless efforts on behalf of her child clients, her effectiveness as an attorney and colleague, and her level of experience with our work make her the perfect person to lead our Children's Defense Team. "

Mullan joined CFCR as a staff attorney in 2012.  Prior to joining CFCR, she held positions with Legal Services of the Southern Piedmont working with their Consumer Protection Program and with the Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund.    READ MORE
Take Action: Urge Congress to #ExtendCHIP

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was enacted in 1997 to fill a growing gap in health coverage for children in working families.   The program has a proven track record of effectiveness and a long history of bipartisan support.  Congress' failure to extend the program's funding puts access to health care  at risk for nearly 9 million U.S. children.  Funding for CHIP in North Carolina runs out at the end of March. 

What's at stake for North Carolina's children?
  • Affordable, high-quality, consistent coverage for more than 256,000 North Carolina children is at risk without a CHIP funding extension at current levels.
  • A delayed CHIP extension forces states to freeze or limit children's coverage.
  • States need sufficient time to plan budgets to ensure they can provide adequate coverage to low-income children and families who rely on CHIP.
What you can do today!

Time is running out but it's not too late for you to 1) call and  2) tweet  (if you have time and a Twitter account, but call first!) our U.S. Senators from North Carolina. Urge them to support a strong funding extension bill.   Click here for more information.   
New! Juvenile Justice Report Published 
In December, CFCR released its inaugural 2017 report: Juvenile Justice in Mecklenburg County. Our Research and Policy team created this report to inform concerned stakeholders about the state of North Carolina's juvenile court and provide insight as the community prepares to implement the recently passed Raise the Age legislation. CFCR is actively engaged in implementation planning with a local group of juvenile justice stakeholders.

Plans are to updated the report annually, with future releases published in October in conjunction with Youth Justice Month.  Click here to download the   full report,  along with an executive summary
 
Upcoming Events
NEW! Event Host Training Breakfast 
February 6 at 8:00 a.m.
Children & Family Services Center 
Event hosts are folks just like you who support the work of the Council and commit to inviting others to join them for A Night For Children's Rights.  If you are interested and willing to help by becoming an Event Host, we make sure you have everything you need to be comfortable, confident, and successful. This year - we are hosting an informational breakfast, learn more and register here
First Wednesdays Workshop -- February 7
Section 504 Plans 
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Training Room 1 - Children & Family Services Center
This workshop will help you to understand who is protected under Section 504, how to request a Section 504 Plan, the differences between an IEP and a Section 504 Plan, and the available grievance procedures.  Read More
RMJJ Speaker's Series 2018 -- February 15
Implicit Bias - Part I
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Tyvola Senior Center 
Second in a series  of monthly presentations on a variety of topics that address racial disparities and offer strategies for change.  CFCR is pleased to be a community partner.  Free and open to the public.     Read More
 
News You Can Use 
At cfcrights.org
Visit the our web site to read more about news and issues that impact our community.   
The High Cost of the NC Class Size Mandate  
Cardinal Debacle Exposes Broken System 
Leading on Opportunity Hires New Director 
What We're Clicking On
Check out some of the most popular posts on our Facebook page. 
A Prescription for Resiliency - Politico
Parents Worry Congress Won't Fund CHIP -  NPR

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