DC KIDS COUNT Fact Book 2010 Released!

2011-02-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

A source of great pride for the Trust is our involvement with the DC KIDS COUNT Collaborative for Children and Families. The DC Children’s Trust Fund is responsible for the overall fiscal and management aspects of the Collaborative. The DC KIDS COUNT Collaborative is a unique alliance of public and private organizations using research to support advocacy for changes in pertinent policies and practices of government, the private sector, families, neighborhoods, and individuals.

Among the other members of the DC KIDS COUNT Collaborative are the Child and Family Services Agency; Columbia Heights/Shaw Family Strengthening Collaborative; D.C. Action for Children; D.C. Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation; D.C. Public Library; East River Family Strengthening Collaborative; Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative; Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative; George Washington University, School of Public Health and Health Services; Georgia Avenue/Rock Creek East Family Support Collaborative; Healthy Families/Thriving Communities Collaborative Council; Office of the Mayor, Ward 7; Office of the State Superintendent of Schools; and The Urban Institute, NeighborhoodInfo DC.

Each year, the Trust oversees the production and release of the KIDS COUNT report. The report, Every Kid Counts in the District of Columbia, 17th Annual Fact Book 2010, contains the most recent data on selected indicators of child and family well-being in the District of Columbia. The report examines a variety of indicators, including poverty, infant mortality rates, violent teen deaths, educational achievement, adequacy of prenatal care and child abuse. It also provides detailed ward and neighborhood data, and recommendations for improving conditions.

This year, a news conference on December 15, 2010 at 9:30AM at the Urban Institute marked the Fact Book 2010 release. The Trust was delighted to have the following speakers join us for the event:

• Dr. Victoria Casey, Chair, D.C. Children’s Trust Fund

• Jennifer Comey, Research Associate, The Urban Institute

• Vincent Gray, Mayor-elect

• Ed Lazere, Executive Director, D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute

• Kinaya Sokoya, Executive Director, D.C. Children’s Trust Fund

Highlights from the report include an increase in overall public school enrollment, a decrease in formal petitions filed against juveniles, and an increase in the amount of children benefitting from DC Public Schools Out-of-School Time Programs.

In addition, the complete works can be found at the DC KIDS COUNT section at the DCCTF website, or by following a direct link to the Fact Book 2010 PDF here.

February is National Parent Leadership Month!

2011-02-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

February marks National Parent Leadership Month! Parent Leadership occurs when parents gain the knowledge and skills to function in meaningful leadership roles and represent a “parent voice” which helps shape the lives of families and communities. In addition, Parent Leaders help to shape the direction of programs and policies that impact them. Anyone in a parenting role; such as parents, grandparents, and kinship care providers, with personal experience in using resources or services to strengthen their families have the potential to become Parent Leaders.

Each year, Parent Leadership Month strives to raise public awareness about the important roles parents play in shaping the lives of children and families. It is a perfect way to publicize and expand opportunities for Parent Leaders to participate in meaningful Parent Leadership activities at the local, state, and national levels.

In honor of this designation, there are some special events this month.

The Parents Anonymous® National Leadership Conference kicked off the month of February. Among some of the activities planned for the weekend, parents in attendance enjoyed the scheduled visit to Capitol Hill. Attendees from the DC Metro Area had a wonderful opportunity to visit the office of DC’s Congressional Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton. The conference was considered a success and a great time was had by all.

This February 24^this Parent Advocacy Day here in the District of Columbia! We at the Trust are looking forward to the ceremony, set to take place at The Wilson Building. Parent leaders from the DC Area Parents Anonymous® Network will have a chance to attend the ceremony and be recognized for their achievements. Following the presentation, the parents will have the opportunity to meet with their Council Members to provide feedback and suggestions regarding policy to their representative. It’s sure to be an experience to remember!

The D.C. Children's Trust Fund

DC KIDS COUNT Fact Book 2010 Released!

February is National Parent Leadership Month!