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Earlier this month, our California-based Children's Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools® programs wrapped up another exciting summer of reading, learning, and fun. We couldn’t be more optimistic about the future of the program in our state. Thanks to the outstanding community partnerships, we were able to expand the program and give over 1,600 children and teenagers all over the state the chance to participate. Our model probation camp programs were a success as well - growing from two pilot sites in 2013 to seven sites this summer. Community involvement is at the heart of the CDF Freedom Schools program; and, this year, people from all walks of life volunteered their time at sites and exposed our scholars to books and perspectives that changed the way they thought about themselves and their world. You don’t have to wait until next year to experience the magic again. Learn more about the program and check out our photo collection. Children + Health Care = Success! Did you know that hundreds of thousands children in California are eligible for free or low-cost health insurance and may not know it? This upcoming year, we will be partnering with four school districts in Compton, Lynwood, Pico Rivera, and El Monte to identify uninsured children and help them receive the medical care they need to grow healthier and achieve academic success. We will be kicking off the year with a packed calendar of outreach events to provide families with information on free and affordable health insurance options, local health resources, and children’s health issues. Additionally, we will be working closely with school administrators throughout the year to find ways to systematically incorporate child health outreach and enrollment into their routine school district operations. Visit us online to learn more about our school-based health care efforts and find out how you can get involved. Juvenile Justice Reform from the Inside Out We are pleased to introduce James Anderson, Raul Barreto, Daniel Bisueno, Karla Fuentes, and Ralphica Garnett, the five fellows nominated to participate in our Youth Policy program this year. The goal of the program is to produce a policy brief on juvenile camp reform in Los Angeles County based on series of youth focus groups conducted by UCLA-affiliated researchers of youth formally held in juvenile camps in the county and co-written by those most impacted by the juvenile justice system. Our five fellows, all of whom participated in the focus groups, will be involved in all aspects in the production of the brief, including conducting research, developing original recommendations, designing the layout, and determining the publication schedule. Additionally, they will have the chance to participate and learn in workshops designed to build skills and leadership around policy analysis, research, writing, communication, and advocacy skills on juvenile justice. Check out pictures from our first meeting and get up to date on our efforts to bring justice to juvenile justice. #WhyWeCantWait On July 29th, we joined hundreds at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles for “Breaking the Silence,” a special hearing on the status of girls and women of color. The event, hosted by the African American Policy Forum (AAPF) and UCLA School of Law’s Critical Race Studies Program, provided a space for policymakers, legal professionals, community leaders, and youth advocates to discuss the unique but no less significant obstacles that girls of color face everyday. The audience listened in rapt attention as over a dozen courageous young women reflected on the challenges they encountered in foster care, over policed public schools, the juvenile justice system, and commercial sexual exploitation. We also had the opportunity to learn about the caring adults and effective programs that helped them heal from past trauma and build brighter futures. Visit our online photo album to see pictures from the hearing. Make Children a Top Priority in California The California Legislature will officially adjourn for the year this Sunday - and, as you read this, lawmakers are in Sacramento casting their final votes to determine which bills will move on to the Governor’s desk. We need your help to make sure that our leaders have their priorities straight! Take action and urge your representatives to vote ‘YES’ on legislation that provides children with the health care, quality education, and resources they need to succeed. |
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