CURRENT ADVOCACY ISSUES

Let your legislators know you stand for healthier families and children. Here are a few ways you can make your voice heard for children and families:

Recommendations to Improve the KS Child Welfare System

The Child Welfare System Task Force was created in 2017 to determine improvements to the Kansas Child Welfare System. Concluding its work in December 2018, the task force has 23 recommendations.

Proposed Regulations Meant to Curb Immigration Hurt Families

Decades ago, the government clarified that immigrant families can access supports to necessities like health care, nutrition and housing assistance without fear that doing so will harm their immigration cases. That assurance may soon be taken away.

How Can I Help?

Farm Bill Will Affect the Future of SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) delivers more nutrition assistance to low-income children than any other federal program, making it critical for the health and well-being of America’s children. Two distinctly different Farm Bills are in conference committee and, depending on which one passes, will affect the future of SNAP in very different ways.

How Can I Help?

Two-Generation Strategy Fights Poverty and Opioid Abuse

States are enacting 2Gen policies that have systems and funding working together to support the whole family in order to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Meanwhile, Congress is working to respond to the opioid crisis. The foundational inclusion of parental voices and focus on equity has been successful, but more needs to be done.

How Can I Help?

Family First Act Opens Opportunities for Supportive Housing

Supportive housing helps stabilize families so they can provide safe environments for their children, which improves education and health. The Family First Prevention Services Act gives states the flexibility to use federal funds to expand and enhance prevention services such as home visitation, supportive housing, etc. 

How Can I Help?

Work Requirements Will Affect Vulnerable Families

Three proposed policy changes surrounding stricter work requirements will have a negative affect on vulnerable families. If all three are passed into law, more than a million children will be affected by a loss of basic health care, inadequate food and higher rent on the poorest tenants in federally subsidized housing.

How Can I Help?

Opioid Abuse is Sending Children Into Foster Care

Foster care caseloads have been increasing for years, which correlates with the percentage of children removed from their homes due to parental abuse of drugs. Congress recently approved $6 billion in federal resources to fight the opioid crisis; however, it is unclear how those resources will be used.

How Can I Help?

Human Trafficking Laws Need Support

Human trafficking takes many forms right under our noses. It is a $9.8 billion dollar industry in the United States, and an estimated 20 to 27 million people are trafficked worldwide. Growing awareness has led to support of victims, yet more is needed to protect the innocent as new bills sit in front of our legislators.