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January 2012 E-news Director's Message: Progress made in 2011, Challenges AheadWe faced many challenges in 2011 and, looking back, it is gratifying to tally our wins for kids, even as the state struggled with continued economic hardships. Victories in preschool, health coverage and school breakfast topped our list of wins in 2011. This year promises to be equally challenging – and we hope just as rewarding. Your continued commitment to children is critical as we advance together toward our shared vision of every child growing up safe, healthy and educated.
Tax Returns: A Quick Path to Health Coverage for KidsNew Jersey will again use tax returns to identify uninsured children and give parents a speedy way to get free or low-cost health coverage through NJ FamilyCare. Parents can simply check a box on their NJ state tax return, indicating that a child has no health insurance either through private or public -- NJ FamilyCare, Medicaid, NJ FamilyCare Advantage or Medicare -- plans.
DOE Steps Up on School BreakfastAt a recent state Board of Education meeting, Education Commissioner Christopher Cerf vowed to step up as a leader on school breakfast. ACNJ presented its school breakfast report at the meeting, where Cerf said that the Departments of Education and Agriculture will issue a joint memorandum, giving districts direction on how to expand school breakfast participation. New Jersey ranks nearly last in the nation on this measure of child well-being. We expect that to change. Turrell Fund Supports ACNJ to Make Infants and Toddlers a PriorityACNJ has been awarded $100,000 from the Turrell Fund in Montclair to improve the state’s system of care for children from infancy to age three. As the leader of early learning initiatives in New Jersey, ACNJ will expand its efforts to secure greater state investments in a child’s first years, when growth and development is greatest. Free Dental Care for Kids on February 3Give Kids a Smile Day is Friday February 3 when dentists throughout New Jersey provide FREE dental care to children. Any child ages 3-12 can participate, regardless of the parents’ income. An appointment is needed. Click here for a list of participating dentists. ACNJ Testifies on Child Welfare ReformNew Jersey’s child protection system has made strides in building a stronger infrastructure, but now needs to fundamentally change the way cases are handled, ACNJ Executive Director Cecilia Zalkind told a legislative committee this month. The Assembly Human Services Committee heard testimony from Judy Metzer, the federal court-appointed monitor, and ACNJ, on the progress of child welfare reforms. Newark Mayor, Superintendent to Use Kids Count to Drive DecisionsNewark Mayor Cory Booker and Superintendent Cami Anderson came out in support of Newark Kids Count 2011, recently released at Branch Brook Elementary School. Both said the data will be used to drive smart decision-making, as the city continues its overhaul of public education. In addition to a broad range of child well-being statistics, the report featured a special section on 3rd grade reading. |
In This IssueACNJ Director New Year's MessageQuick Health Coverage For KidsDOE Steps Up on School BreakfastTurrell grant focuses on infants/toddlersFree Dental Care for KidsACNJ Testifies on Child Welfare ReformNewark Kids Count Released
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Advocates for Children of New Jersey |
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