Policy Matters

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Policy Matters

• State Policy Tools for Advocates
• Center for the Study of Social Policy
• Voices for Americas Children Conference Call
• September 27, 2007

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Overview

• What is Policy Matters?
• Resources available to state advocacy groups
• Examples of technical assistance

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Our Goal

• In the same way that Kids Count has focused
  attention on child outcomes

we aim to help states adopt a structured policy
agenda to improve those outcomes.
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Our Approach

• A structured policy agenda that maximizes
• BreadthA group of policies that address multiple
  factors that affect child well-being
• CredibilityObjective recommendations based on
  evidence
• ClarityResearch and state policy data presented
  in a coherent way for state leaders
• ReceptionConnecting key decision makers from
  across the political spectrum with this work

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Our Products

• State policy frameworks / recommendations
• Early care and education
• K-12 education
• Family economic success
• Health
• Strong family relationships
• Engaging youth in positive and productive roles
• Coming Soon Child welfare
• Coming Soon Ex-Offender Reentry
• 50-state data reports focused on 20 key policies
• Annual data update
• All available at www.cssp.org under Policy Matters

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Technical Assistance (TA)

• State-specific policy scans
• Facilitation of an agenda-setting process
• Referrals to policy research and data
• Referrals to issue area experts

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Examples of State TA

• State scan and agenda-setting process
• Delaware Kids Count
• Kentucky Youth Advocates
• Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands
• Early care and education policy scan and analysis
• West Virginias Kids Count Fund
• Voices for Utahs Children
• Asset Development TA
• Kansas Action for Children
• Voices for Children in Nebraska
• Policy Maker Discussions
• National Conference of State Legislatures
• Women in Government
• National Governors Association
• National League of Cities

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Contact Information
Center for the Study of Social Policy 1575 Eye
St., NW Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 (202)
371-1565 www.cssp.org Noel Bravo Senior
Associate [phone] noel.bravo_at_cssp.org
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• Questions
• and
• Answers