Metropolitan Ministries’ Post

Today, I want to share a glimpse into my life as a working parent, juggling the responsibilities of a full-time job while also caring for my amazing twin daughters, who happen to have cerebral palsy. Navigating the complex world of medical appointments, therapy sessions, and daily routines can be incredibly challenging, but my daughters' strength and resilience inspire me every day. They're my heroes. However, what's been testing my patience and resolve is the ongoing situation with Kent County Council. I applied for an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) assessment for my daughters a while ago, and sadly, we're still waiting for a response for one twin. The frustration doesn't stem from the assessment process itself, but rather the fact that Kent County Council is way beyond the statutory timelines for responding to the EHCP request. I believe in our system's commitment to supporting children with special needs, but in cases like ours and sadly many others, it feels like an uphill battle. I'm sharing this not just to vent my frustration but reaffirm the larger issue. The timely provision of EHCPs is essential for children like mine to access the support they need to thrive academically and personally. Let's keep raising our voices and demanding the attention our children deserve. Together, we can create positive change, not only for our families but for all those who face similar challenges. I appreciate the support I've received from friends, colleagues, and the broader community during this journey. If you have insights or advice to share, please don't hesitate to reach out. If you are Kent - just respond to my phone calls, e-mails or messages through the portal. #EHCP #SpecialNeeds #ParentingJourney #Advocacy #CerebralPalsy #KentCountyCouncil

QCOSS is delighted to see today's announcement of the On Country program being expanded to more locations across Queensland. Thank you to Steven Miles and Di Farmer for following the evidence of what works to reduce crime and keep our communities safe. Queenslanders don't need to choose between their safety, the human rights of children and rights for victims - a competent government can do all of these things at once. Last year QCOSS and Queensland Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak Ltd partnered to evaluate the On Country program in Mount Isa, Townsville and Cairns. We heard consistent agreement that the program is beneficial for young people. It makes sense - On Country is about empowering and resourcing First Nations Peoples to take care of their children in place. Our evaluation confirmed young people who have healthy and strong social, cultural, physical, spiritual and emotional wellbeing are less likely to offend. The On Country experience provides a safe and culturally appropriate space where young people can heal. Programs targeting justice-involved First Nations young people should be designed from a health and wellbeing perspective, acknowledging the challenges many First Nations young people face due to the impacts of colonisation and intergenerational trauma. We need to see more of this - funding what works in the long term, holding our nerve because change takes time and not doubling down on trauma and entrenching children in the justice system. Details of the EOI are here: https://lnkd.in/ei8zs_ry

During the pandemic, the American Rescue Plan provided essential child care stabilization funding that enabled Ys to provide early learning, afterschool and summer programs. These funds have allowed us to continue offering programs that are affordable and accessible to countless families! However, this critical stabilization funding is beginning to run out, placing many of our child care programs at risk of scaling back services. The impact of this on the families that we serve and the employers who rely on our local workforce would be enormous. Join us in advocating for additional annual stabilization funding for child care programs like those offered by the Y. This funding will allow our programs to continue functioning at current capacity and serving those who rely on us. https://lnkd.in/gVWXzFw7

Excited to share this report by CSH, the Source for Housing Solutions' Metro Team. Special shout-out to the amazing non-profit housing providers that contributed to this report. Supportive housing has long been a critical part of NYC’s housing and services ecosystem and is well-suited to help older adults thrive. However, existing models are not equipped to meet New Yorkers’ evolving needs as they age, resulting in unnecessary hospitalizations, premature nursing home admissions, stigma against behavioral health conditions for those who do need nursing home care, and overreliance on crisis systems to fill in the gaps. This report outlines the need and opportunity to develop effective, aging-centric, supportive housing models to help older New Yorkers age safely and with dignity in communities of their choice. https://lnkd.in/eAHFeE66

** Community Health Leaders and Health Heroes - Grant Opportunity ** I am honored to serve on the Minnesota Department of Health's Community Solutions Advisory Council, and we are happy to announce the 2023 legislatively-mandated call for Community Solutions for Healthy Child Development Grant applications. https://lnkd.in/gaGcmgHw The purposes of the Community Solutions grant program are to: Improve child development outcomes related to the well-being of children of color and American Indian children from prenatal to grade three and their families. This includes, but is not limited to, the goals outlined by the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ early childhood systems reform effort: early learning; health and well-being; economic security; and safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments. Reduce racial disparities in children’s health and development from prenatal to grade three. Promote racial and geographic equity. Applicants are encouraged to request an annual funding amount between $60,000 - $150,000 per year. Unfortunately, I am unable to answer questions about this RFP. To submit a question regarding the RFP, please send an email to [email protected]. Please use the subject line "RFP Question." 

Today Become has published an open letter and manifesto calling on party leaders to show they care and make the reforms to the care system so urgently needed. We are calling on party leaders to: 🚨 Urgently reform the care system so every child has the love, care and stability they need. ❤️ Make children’s relationships a key consideration in all decisions. 📉End the care cliff so young people can make a positive start to adulthood. 🏥 Improve the support provided to children and young people by other public services. 📣 Put young people’s voices at the heart of the care system. https://lnkd.in/e-PjwyaQ

🌟 Exciting Opportunity for Georgia Parents Caring for Children with Special Needs 🌟 In Georgia, a remarkable program exists to support families caring for children with special needs. The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) offers an invaluable resource, providing financial compensation to parents for the care they provide their children daily. Key Highlights of the GAPP: - Swift Approval Process: Eligible children can be approved for services within 30 days. - Financial Support: Once approved, parents can receive payments for the care they're already providing at home. - No Additional Cost: The program is entirely free for eligible children, ensuring no financial burden on families. Eligibility Criteria: - Your child is currently enrolled in Medicaid. - Your child is under the age of 21. - Your child requires assistance with daily living activities. Many parents find themselves unable to pursue traditional employment due to the demands of caring for a child with special medical needs. GAPP acknowledges the value of this care, offering financial support to ease the burden on these families. If your family meets the criteria, or if you know someone who could benefit from this program, I encourage you to reach out for more information. The GAPP is an excellent example of how support systems can significantly impact the well-being of families, ensuring that parents who dedicate their lives to caring for their children are recognized and compensated. Let’s spread the word about this critical support for Georgian families. Together, we can ensure that every family has the resources they need to thrive. #GeorgiaPediatricProgram #GAPP #SpecialNeedsCare #FinancialSupport #FamilyResources #SpecialNeedsAdvocacy #GeorgiaFamilies #HealthcareSupport #GeorgiaMedicaid

STATE OF THE STATE - CHILD CARE Governor Kathy Hochul's State of the State address included more emphasis on children than we have probably ever heard in one of these addresses. However, there was resounding silence around child care. While New York made historic investments in child care last year, the work is far from done. Earlier expressions of concern for the lack of quality, affordable child care mean nothing without sustained investment beyond short-term COVID relief. New York children need: (a) A permanent state child care fund to increase compensation for early childhood educators so they are paid on par with similar positions in public schools. (b) More availability of evening, night and weekend care because not all parents work 9 to 5. (c) Expanded access to care for children with special needs. Kids need care. Parents need predictability. Providers who give professional care need professional wages. We heard from the Governor. Now it's time for Albany to hear from you. Sign up to go to Albany for Child Care Advocacy Day on Feb. 6. Sign up at https://lnkd.in/ecmGfmvs