Utah’s children deserve to see these policies implemented.
(Francisco Djorses | Salt Lake Tribune) Backpacks line the hall of a therapeutic preschool room at Utah Children’s Center on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. The city’s center, which provides mental health services for early childhood development, recently moved to the West Valley.
Good policies for children prioritize their well-being, safety, education and overall development. These policies should be designed to create an environment where children have the opportunities they need to grow up healthy and happy and reach their full potential. Utah’s children deserve these policies, and it is up to all elected officials to identify and implement proven, research-based policies for our children and families. I am.
Some, but not all, of the key policy areas where elected officials can contribute to the well-being of children include:
Access to quality education
ensure access to high quality Early childhood education and school education from kindergarten to high school. This includes reducing disparities in educational resources and providing support to children with special needs. It also means schools must be adequately funded.
health care
guarantee access to Affordable and comprehensive health care, including immunizations, routine check-ups, and mental health services for all children. Policies should also address nutrition and promote healthy lifestyles.
child welfare
Establish strong child protection Welfare system to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse, child abuse, and child neglect. This includes effective reporting mechanisms and support for families in crisis.
child poverty reduction
implement policies that address child povertymeaningful income support programs, affordable housing, and food security initiatives.
juvenile justice reform
develop A fair and rehabilitative juvenile justice system It prioritizes diversion programs and alternatives to incarceration for young offenders.
Access to cultural and recreational activities
support Programs and initiatives Providing children with opportunities for cultural enrichment, sports and recreational activities, promoting physical and emotional development.
Family support service
provide services and resources strengthen the familyparenting classes, affordable childcare, mental health support for parents, and more.
digital safety
establish a policy for protect children online, including regulations regarding online content, privacy, and cybersecurity. Provide guidance on good digital citizenship.
youth involvement
encourage active participation Promote the participation of children and young people in decision-making processes and civic activities, fostering a sense of independence and responsibility.
Survey and data collection
invest Research and data collection To better understand the evolving needs of children and assess the impact of policies on their well-being.
Effective policies for children need to be evidence-based, continuously evaluated, and adapted to changing circumstances. It must also include collaboration with government agencies, local communities, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropists to create a holistic and supportive environment for children to thrive.
We have seen some of these policies. 100% for kids and full-time kindergartenimplementation has begun and we are currently monitoring data. But we need to commit to all the policies that we know lead to positive outcomes for children and families. We have a moral obligation to do what is best for children, and we ask you to join us in advocating for policies that lead to those outcomes.
mo hickey I am the executive director of Voices for Yeta Children.
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