Central Valley Health Policy Institute

The Central California Children's Agenda

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Seven school-aged children at school and posing for the camera in joy.

PURPOSE:

The Central California Children’s Agenda articulates agreed upon outcomes and recommended policy strategies for improving the lives of all children and youth in the San Joaquin Valley. The Valley is the highest-producing agricultural region in the nation. At the same time, people of the region face many daunting challenges associated with the region’s rurality, high levels of poverty and unemployment, substantial immigrant and undocumented populations, and poor air and water quality. Notwithstanding these challenges, we believe in our ability and responsibility to positively influence the Valley’s future. The policy strategies set forth in this Children’s Agenda represent a collective plea to state and local policymakers, grantmakers, and elected officials to make greater prevention-oriented investments in all of the Valley’s children and families to assure a healthier and more prosperous future for the region.

A family of four with two children, one father, and one mother smile for the camera.

Communities and Families Ready for Children

Outcome 1:

Families bear children in communities where their basic needs for healthy physical and social-emotional growth and development are met.

Two children are spending time with an elderly man, and everyone is smiling.

Nurturing Parents and Caregivers

Outcome 2:

Children are born into families with caregivers who are prepared to provide loving relationships and support their emotional, spiritual and mental well-being.

Three school-age students are sitting in class, with their hands raised.

Children Ready for School 

Outcome 3:

Children enter school ready to learn and able to meet the requirements of today’s educational environment.

Three children play on a playground and pose for the camera.

Healthy, Safe and Secure Youth 

Outcome 4:

Children and youth attain and maintain optimal physical and mental health, and are safe and protected in their homes, schools and neighborhoods.

A daughter and her father are engaged with a puzzle.

Engaged and Connected Youth 

Outcome 5:

Youth have connections with each other, with caring adults and with their communities that strengthen resiliency against teen pregnancy, gang involvement, substance abuse and other risky behaviors.

Two school-aged girls are participating in a science experiment.

Youth Prepared for Life 

Outcome 6:

Youth complete high school and maximize their potential for a productive life through job skills training, employment or further.

View the full Central California Children's Agenda report.

 

For more information please contact Dr. Tania Pacheco-Werner

tpacheco@csufresno.edu