VT Leg Wrap-up: child well-being at the close of the session
When it comes to creating structures that center and support impacted communities, the path we choose to take is frequently as important as where we end up. This session created enormous opportunities for child and family well-being in Vermont. In this moment, there are many reasons to celebrate. At the same time, much remains uncertain–from the bills that have passed, to the impact of the legislative path taken to get here, and ultimately whether we will be able to come together to address the needs of the nearly 600 children in our state at risk of becoming unhoused and find a path forward. We also are taking this moment to attend to what has not happened- the larger gaps that remain for children and families, and the work that lies ahead for advocates and champions of child, youth, and family well-being in Vermont.
Vermont Needs Office of Child Advocate
On Oct. 5, the Burlington Free Press called for public accountability and oversight of our child protection system in an editorial (“DCF report needs emphasis on transparency”).
Budget Alert: Governor and Legislature planning damaging cuts to state programs and services when other options are available
Our state government put together a list of cuts that targets our poor, our elderly, our children, those with mental illness, and those with disabilities to a far greater degree than the rest of the population.