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"HB 280 - The Right Thing to Do"
by Bob Simmons, Executive Director
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In my 30 years working with and advocating for children, one thing is clear: children are like sponges soaking in what they see and experience. When our political discussions include so much rhetoric that appears to devalue many of our neighbors, particularly those who are the most vulnerable, I grow concerned about what children are learning.
However, there was a breath of fresh air from Raleigh last week. A bipartisan group of legislators introduced
HB 280, the Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Act. This legislation is a great example of what we can achieve when we put people above politics.
The bill corrects a long established injustice for the children of North Carolina. For nearly a century, North Carolina has treated 16- and 17-year-olds as adults when they are charged with a crime -- any crime from the lowest misdemeanor to the highest felony. It's an outdated practice that persists only in North Carolina and New York. Almost every other state has raised the age of juvenile jurisdiction to 17. That's exactly what HB 280 does, with exceptions for the five highest felony classes.
Read More
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Visit our web site to learn more about this issue, including a copy of the bill, editorials and letters of support, talking points and fact sheets.
Check back periodically for new and updated information as it becomes available at both our blog and our Raise the Age Page.
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A Great Night for Children's Rights
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Thanks to all who helped to make A Night for Children's Rights such a great success. A crowd of nearly 1,000 filled the Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts for an evening of inspiration and challenge.
Pledges and checks are still being tallied, but preliminary totals have us on track to exceed our $405,000 goal for the evening.
Special thanks go out to presenting sponsors
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLC and
Bank of America for their support. And to
Porcupine Provisions for marvelous food and friendship over so many years and so many events.
Did you catch our speaker Dwayne Betts and Bob Simmons on WFAE's Charlotte Talks recently? If you missed it, you can still
check it out here.
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Sam's Story (Video)
Sam has a lot going for her. She's on the honor roll, plays the piano, and loves school. But her struggles with severe depression have been derailing her success. With the support of her mental health attorney, she's found the services and help she needs to cope and succeed.
"Sam's Story" is a composite of real client stories and situations. To protect the privacy of our young clients, their stories are portrayed by child actors. This video was first presented at A Night for Children's Rights
in 2017.
See More Stories and Video at our web site
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Profile: Catherine Smith, Staff Attorney
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"I didn't even realize I could represent children as a career when I started law school," remarks Catherine Smith, a staff attorney with the Council's Custody Advocacy Team.
"When I began law school, my goal was to help the most vulnerable in my community. ... I first heard about child advocacy and child welfare law through a childhood friend." When Catherine isn't working for children, she can often be found biking, hiking and traveling . One of her motivations comes from the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson -
Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year. "[That] quote gives me perspective every time I look down at it," she adds,"Only I have the power to re-frame my day and make sure it is the 'best day of the year.'"
Read More
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| Mar 23 - March Madness Mixer- Young Ambassadors Group |
 Tin Roof, Epicenter, 210 E. Trade Street, Charlotte
6:30 p.m.
The annual March Madness Mixer hosted by the Young Ambassadors Group always offers a fun evening of college basketball, $5.00 drink specials, pick-'em games, and great fellowship. This year,
the first 50 attendees will receive a free drink ticket, so get there early! Suggested donation: $10. Proceeds
will be used to purchase duffel bags. Many of our child clients who move through the foster care system don't have anything in which to put their few belongings. It is a small but important way to offer dignity and caring.
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| Mar 30 - Raise The Age NC Town Hall |
Children & Family Services Center, 601 E. 5th St., Charlotte
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Town Hall Meeting to learn more about "Raise The Age" legislation. Meeting is hosted by The Children's Alliance and NC Child.
Panelists include:
The Honorable Regan Miller, Chief District Court Judge, Mecklenburg County, A
ndrew Murray, District Attorney, Mecklenburg County,
Mujtaba Mohammed, Assistant Public Defender,
Pat Cotham, Mecklenburg County Commissioner,
Shamieka Dixon, MD, Pediatrician, Teen Health Connection. Information and reservations
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| Mar 31 - Child Abuse Prevention Month Press Conference |
Mecklenburg County Courthouse, 832 E. 4th St., Charlotte
10:00 a.m.
Join Council for Children's Rights and their partners with the Mecklenburg Child Abuse Prevention Team for the start of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April at the annual press conference /pinwheel garden planting. This year, in addition to remarks by our mayor and other local dignitaries, we'll enjoy a performance from the Charlotte Children's Choir of the Community School of the Arts. Come show your support for the role we all play in helping to keep children in our community safe, happy and successful! More information at Meck4Kids.org.
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| Apr 5 - First Wednesdays - Special Ed Conflict Resolutions |
Children & Family Services Center - Room 520
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Sometimes advocating for your child at an IEP meeting may not be enough to resolve disagreements with the school system. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides several ways to resolve conflicts that may arise. This workshop will provide an overview of facilitated IEP meetings, state complaints, mediation, and due process. Free, RSVP requested.
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| Apr 21- Charlotte Wine and Food/Big Bottles and Blues |
LaCa Projects, 1429 Bryant Street, Charlotte
6:30 p.m.
The 2017 Big Bottles & Blues event, hosted by Charlotte Wine and Food Weekend, will take place on April 21st at LaCa Projects. Taste your way through wineries, breweries and local food bites, with all ticket and auction proceeds supporting local children's charities, including Council for Children's Rights.
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Thank you for all you do
to support
the Council.
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