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:

MO Medicaid Decline Sparks Deep Concern

More than 118,000 Missouri children and parents lost Medicaid coverage between January 2018 and June 2019, 87% of whom still met income eligibility requirements.

How Can I Help?

What the Latest Report on the U.S. Child Population Shows

The KIDS COUNT Data Book reports how America’s child population and the American childhood experience have changed — both for the better and for the worse — and what we can do about it.

2019 Legislative Session Results

Learn about our wins and losses during the 2019 legislative session. 

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Legislation Aims to Assist Families with Diaper Needs

Recognizing that 1 in 3 families experience diaper need, a new act calls for the creation of a $100 million program to distribute free diapers to ease the financial burden on low-income families and communities. 

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 to Curb Immigration Hurts Families

Decades ago, the government said immigrant families can access health care, nutrition and housing assistance without fear that doing so will harm their immigration cases. That assurance may soon go away.

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Two-Generation Strategy Fights Poverty and Opioid Abuse

2Gen policies have systems and funding working together to support the whole family to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. The inclusion of parental voices has been successful, but more needs to be done.

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Family First Act Opens Opportunities for Supportive Housing

A new act lets states use federal funds for prevention services such as home visitation and supportive housing, which helps stabilize families so they can provide safe environments for their children. 

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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

A $9.8 billion dollar industry in the U.S., an estimated 20—27 million people are trafficked worldwide. Growing awareness has led to support of victims, yet more is needed to protect the innocent.