Advocacy
Statement from CCC&Y — Seeking true justice, equity and peace for all
Acknowledging the collective fear caused by current events feels essential to us as an organization. (On Jan. 6) we watched the violent penetration of an institution that is intended to represent the voice of the people. While we are in a movement to address trauma, reduce toxic stress, and injustice, in this moment, all of that seems to keep piling on. We also acknowledge that the Capitol building has not historically or currently been a place of equitable access or representation from all voices, and yet it represents one place where the marginalized and their allies can shape justice and create a truer democracy. It is our intention to hold the community and each other in this wound, offer care, and continue our work of trauma healing here in Coconino County. With open hearts, may we continue to recognize our humanity and oneness while we move forward toward true justice, equity and peace for all.
Arizona Department of Child Safety seeking members for its Parent Advisory Collaborative (PAC)
he Arizona Department of Child Safety is seeking seeking parents, their family members or community partners to join our Parent Advisory Collaborative (PAC).
Eligible applicants are:
Parent or family member of someone who may have had previous involvement with the child welfare system or may have received services from a community provider.
Children’s Action Alliance — State of the State
This week, the Arizona legislature begins its work for the year at a time when many Arizona children and families are struggling to meet their basic needs during this health and economic crisis. Recently released data by the U.S. Census Bureau shows 1 in 6 Arizona households with children (16%) said they had only slight confidence or no confidence at all that they would be able to make their next rent or mortgage payment on time. Increasing numbers of Arizona households with children are also reporting they do not have health insurance and/or do not have enough food to eat, and communities of color are disproportionately suffering.
That is why it will be so critical for lawmakers to focus their work on helping families achieve financial stability, and keeping children healthy and safe during these difficult times.
Connections Spotlight — CCC&Y provides variety options to help families in the coming year
At Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, we’re working towards a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community. We’ll make that vision a reality by igniting collective action that creates better lives for children and families.
To assist families in the coming year, CCC&Y will continue to support and expand a variety of programs we have initiated in 2020 with the assistance of a variety of partners in the region and statewide.They include:
The CCC&Y Family Connection, hosted every Monday from 2:30-3:30. The bilingual Zoom meeting is is a great way to connect with others countywide. Folks can join virtually or by phone. …
A variety of resources are also available for families and local professionals who work with families on CCC&Ys Prevention Webpage.
Connections Spotlight — Childhood Inequities, Neglect, Abuse Hidden in Pandemic
Those in the social service industry are worried about our families. Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (CCC&Y) Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie says isolation, depression and anxiety – all conditions that can be made worse by the pandemic – are increasingly having a negative effect on children in Arizona, particularly in rural areas where resources are less available than in larger cities and distances to travel for support are far greater. She’s encouraging individuals and communities to resolve to make a difference in children’s lives in the New Year.
Arizona Dept. of Child Safety — Did You Know? Shared Parenting
My partner, Michelle, and I became a licensed resource family about 2 1/2 years ago. It has been an incredible journey, full of life’s ups and downs. I have raised 5 children as a single mom, and I have life experiences navigating child serving sys- tems. My partner has always wanted to be a mom. She waited until her career in accounting was solid before she embarked on this new journey. We talked about what would be important
for children and their families in our home, and we settled on a couple of important decisions that led to our experience.
Children’s Action Alliance — Brighter days ahead
With the kind of year 2020 has been, the Children’s Action Alliance team and I want to focus on brighter days ahead. Our thoughts continue to be with everyone who has been impacted by the COVID pandemic and economic downturn; especially families who are struggling to meet their basic housing, food, and health care needs. We have hope for a brighter future as we look back on the things, you and CAA have accomplished this year.
United Way of Northern Arizona — Happy Holidays & Thank YOU!
Holiday greetings from your United Way of Northern Arizona. It’s been a year of coronavirus crisis and endless Zoom meetings and missing the many times we usually get to connect. But we have made it through 2020 and are looking forward to happier days in the New Year.
We wanted to thank you for your past support and give you a quick update on the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) campaign that ended earlier this month. This was a nationwide effort, timed to coincide with the release of a documentary about DPIL.
We are happy to report that we raised $7,175 during the campaign, enough to provide just under 3,000 books for children registered for the program in our region. Thank you so much for your support.
Over 275 CASA Volunteers Trained in 2020 to Advocate for Children in Foster Care
Statewide, CASA of Arizona has trained over 275 applicants to become the voice for children in foster care in 2020. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are volunteers who fight for the best interests of children currently living out of home who have experienced abuse and/or neglect.
Under normal circumstances, in-person training is offered to new CASA applicants across Arizona in addition to virtual training. CASA of Arizona is currently only offering virtual training to new applicants due to physical distancing and safety precautions.
Children’s Action Alliance — It’s Time for Arizona to Step Up for Kin, During the Pandemic and Beyond
Kinship families are the backbone of Arizona’s child welfare system and kinship families are struggling. These two statements have never been truer than they are today in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Each year in Arizona, thousands of relatives provide loving homes for children in foster care, and many, many more step-in to care for children informally and prevent their entry into foster care.
