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An Open Letter to the Opportunity Task Force
by Bob Simmons, Executive Director
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The following letter was sent to members of the Opportunity Task Force on the release of their report by Council's executive director Bob Simmons An edited, amended version of this piece first appeared in the Viewpoint section of
The Charlotte Observer on April 6, 2017.
To Dr. Ophelia Garmon-Brown, Dee O'Dell, the members of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Opportunity Task Force:
I want to thank you, and through you the entire Task Force and everybody who supported your work, for the courageous directness of your findings and recommendations. I read it from cover to cover, dog-eared pages, and made notations by the middle of the afternoon.
You have addressed the root causes and core issues of the inequity of opportunity in our community with a courage not seen before.
Perhaps because of my engagement with you all and with your process along the way, and perhaps because I believe that you addressed the core issues that underlie the problem of inequitable opportunity as it affects the majority of people disadvantaged in our community, I have been surprised by the somewhat negative response the report has received in the media and from certain individuals in the community.
I do not believe those responses either accurately reflect your work or recognize the importance of your product.
You have stood up where almost all in the past have sat down. You have spoken out where almost all in the past have remained silent. That alone is noteworthy of acclaim and celebration.
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Take Action Today /Raise the Age North Carolina
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It's been an incredible few weeks for Raise the Age! House Bill 280 was introduced in Raleigh with strong bi-partisan support and a total of 68 co-sponsors (a majority of the House). The movement has been receiving much positive media coverage including an editorial endorsement from The Charlotte Observer! But, with the recent agreement between the legislature and the governor in New York to raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction, North Carolina may soon be the only state in the US that automatically treats 16- and 17- year-olds as adults in the court system.
The time to take action is now. We've put together some great tools and sample messages for you to use in contacting your elected officials and encouraging them to do right by North Carolina's children. FIND OUT MORE HERE
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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month - #PassThePinwheel
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As spring flowers began to bloom, another type of garden started sprouting up across Mecklenburg County. This month, in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Mecklenburg Child Abuse Prevention Team planted over 120 pinwheel gardens at hospitals, in parks, at local schools, and at private homes, joining state and national efforts to raise awareness of child abuse prevention.
Why the pinwheel? A national symbol of prevention, the pinwheel represents the future we want for all children. You can help spread awareness by following us on social media and using #PassThePinwheel or #GreatChildhoods to share this information with your networks of friends and neighbors.
Preventing child abuse starts with each of us. We all benefit when families have the resources and support to be successful and we can ALL play a role in growing great kids.
For tips on how you can make a difference and for more resources,
READ MORE HERE
or visit the team's web site,
Meck4Kids.org
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Council Releases Child Maltreat Report
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Council released its 2017 Child Maltreatment Report in conjunction with April's Child Abuse Prevention Month. Copies of the
full report and an
executive summary are now available.
The numbers are disheartening. During fiscal year 2015-16, 14,527 children, or
5.5% of all children under 18 in Mecklenburg County, were reported maltreated. The number of children reported abused or neglected
has increased 38.6%, or 4,046 children, since 2005-06. Nearly 40% of children reported abused or neglected were
under the age of six.
Reporting abuse or neglect is not only essential,
it is the law. North Carolina is
a mandatory reporting state, meaning that any person or institution who suspects that a child is abused, neglected, or dependent must make a report to the county department of social services. Despite this mandate, child maltreatment in North Carolina is largely under-reported. Here's what you can do.
- Learn who to call if you suspect child abuse or neglect. Mecklenburg County's 24-hour hotline is 704-336-CARE (2273).
- Add that number to your phone, right now, so you will be prepared to call if you are concerned about a child.
- If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
Protecting children is the responsibility of all of us in the community. Working together, we can make a difference.
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Gault at 50 Anniversary Campaign Begins
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In 1964, 15-year-old Gerald Gault was sentenced to serve nearly six years in a state industrial school for allegedly making a prank phone call.
He appealed and the case made its way to the US Supreme Court. In re Gault, as the case came to be known,
transformed juvenile court proceedings and afforded children essential rights that are the foundation of a fair juvenile justice system.
May 15, 2017
will mark the 50th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision that
ensures the right to a lawyer for children accused of crimes in juvenile court and provides a number of due process rights to children. Throughout May, the Council will commemorate the anniversary through its "50 for 50" social media campaign, sharing history, resources, "know your rights" tips, and profiles. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and at our web site for updates and more information throughout May. #Gaultat50 #DefendChildren
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Thank you for all you do
to support
the Council.
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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 is hosted by Charlotte Wine and Food Weekend. 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. For more information, v
isit
charlottewineandfood.org.
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| May 3 - First Wed- School Discipline/Children with Disabilities |
Children & Family Services Center - Room 520
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Our final spring training in the First Wednesdays series will help you understand the laws protecting children with disabilities and how to better advocate for your child's behavioral and emotional needs at school. Free, but reservations requested. READ MORE
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| May 17 - RMJJ - Community Presentation Series |
Temple Beth El / Silverman Hall
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Final presentation in the Community Presentation Series of talks and conversations launched this year by our partners at Race Matters for Juvenile Justice. The final topic in May will be "What is White?" Free and open to the public.
Read More
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