Economic Stress: COVID-19’s real threat to child safety and well-being
With stay-at-home orders in place and schools largely shuttered since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many in the child welfare community are concerned about undetected child maltreatment due to a lack of mandated reporter eyes on children. Many are also bracing for a surge in reports to the…
National survey shows overwhelming support for investment in high-quality early childhood education
Recent national surveys have shown, in contrast to many other issues for which voters are divided, support remains overwhelming for state investment in high-quality early childhood education. Seventy-six percent of likely Arizona voters said they support the state investing in high-quality, early…
Today’s the day – ACA repeal oral arguments before SCOTUS
Oral arguments in the case challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), now named California v. Texas, are being heard today at the US Supreme Court. If part or all of the ACA is overturned, the only way to save the law, and all the protections for Americans that come with it,…
Today is the last day to vote, Election Day
Thank you, Arizonans, for casting a record number of ballots before Election Day! If you have not done so, you still have a chance to make your voice heard in this election. Today is the time to get out to vote. Key races that directly impact children, such as for school board and legislative seats,…
The impact of COVID-19 on youth aging out of foster care
Fostering Advocates Arizona (FAAZ), a group of young leaders with lived experience in the child welfare system, conducted two surveys during the pandemic: one of foster and former foster youth ages 14 to 26 and one of adult providers and allies. Some of the results: Over 1/3 of young people reported that…
KIDS COUNT Data Book is the only source to focus on statewide trends about Arizona’s children
Children’s Action Alliance (CAA) is proud to present the 2020 Arizona KIDS COUNT Data Book—the only biennial source to focus on statewide trends about Arizona’s children. Thanks to the support of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, this powerful resource helps inform decision-makers and stakeholders…
Child care is an essential service
A new poll released last week by the First Five Years Fund, confirms that now more than ever Americans view child care as an essential service on par with health care and education. The early childhood community was hit hard by the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic created. Many programs closed,…
Register to vote
Children cannot vote, but we can. Arizona’s children are counting on all eligible voters to raise their voices and vote for candidates and ballot measures that will improve the quality of life for families and future generations. Monday, October 5 is the last day to register to vote. To register to…
The time is now for Arizona to reimagine an equitable child welfare system that supports children within their families and communities
The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 and the current manifestations of the nation’s troubled history of systemic racism has sparked outcries to not just reform, but to reimagine the criminal justice, health care, and education systems. Those same calls are also being heard in the child welfare…