thecommunitywewill.org

When it comes to child welfare, and child well-being in general, Nevada is consistently ranked as one of the poorest performing states in the country. There are several theories about why Nevada ranks so poorly, stemming from inadequate funding to the transiency nature of our community. However, we are not immune from change. Through change - in attitudes, perceptions and behaviors - we can influence the development of positive social systems which will support and empower families to improve outcomes for all our children. Social change does not occur overnight and must involve a broad-based, coordinated effort. We must understand that we are responsible for all children in our state, and that collectively, we can work to ensure their success. Children don't vote and they don't make campaign contributions. So children need advocates who raise their voices to promote a common message aimed at providing real, long-term solutions that focus on prevention and family empowerment.

It is the responsibility of society as a whole to determine socially acceptable standards of care for children, in and out of the child welfare system, and to ensure that there are adequate resources in place to prevent the mistreatment of children, especially those due to common stress factors such as poverty and substance abuse. We need more advocates for children and their families in Nevada. We need to ensure that we work collectively to promote evidence-based policies and practices that will promote the social and economic security of all children and families in our State.

Advocacy is the pursuit of influencing outcomes - including public-policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions - that directly affect people's current lives. (Cohen, 2001)

Denise Tanata Ashby

- Executive Director, NV Institute for Children's Research & Policy

- Vice President, Children's Advocacy Alliance

- State Director, Every Child Matters in Nevada