FAQs

FAQs – Voices for Georgia’s Children
 
1.      What is Voices for Georgia’s Children?
Created in 2003, Atlanta-based Voices For Georgia’s Children (Voices) is an independent non-profit, organization whose mission is to serve as an advocate for all children in the state.  It seeks to inspire Georgians to act on their behalf by creating a comprehensive policy agenda that raises their wellbeing to much higher standards.  Its goal is to see that every one of Georgia’s children is safe, healthy, educated, employable and connected to the supportive communities and services they need.  Voices for Georgia’s Children is a network member of the national organization Voices for America’s Children.  For more information, please visit the Voices for Georgia’s Children at www.georgiavoices.org.
 
Three strategic priorities drive its work: 1) to develop a comprehensive policy for children and youth that drives a long-term agenda; 2) to expand and educate leadership for children from all sectors; 3) to build public will among citizens to devote the necessary public and private resources to improve outcomes for kids.  Voices organizes its policy agenda according to five result areas:  Safety, Health, Education, Connectedness and Employability.
 
2.      What is Children’s Policy Watch online?
 Children’s Policy Watch (CPW) is a system for tracking and evaluating Georgia legislation, budget proposals, and department agendas that affect children.  CPW is designed to both monitor progress and mobilize constituents for action in support of children.  CPW Online is the online tracking and evaluation component of the CPW.  Individuals can access current legislation of interest by subject, issue area or bill number.
 
3.      Who is responsible for Children’s Policy Watch online?
 CPW and CPW Online are owned and managed by VOICES.
 
 4.      How is a child’s wellbeing measured?
Voices has selected five indicators of child well being that provide the platform for research and recommendations about the policies, systems, and investments that drive results. 
 
Result Area           Indicator
Safety                    Abuse and neglect reports
Health                    Healthy Insurance Coverage
Education               4th grade reading performance
Connectedness       Youth participation in risky behaviors
Employability         % of 16-19 year olds not in school and not employed
 
These indicators are collected and reported by state and/or federal agencies. 
 
5.       How are these indicators of child wellbeing arrived at?
Key indicators are collected and reported by state and/or federal agencies.  Some are reflected in reports the Family Connection Partnership, a partnership created by the State of Georgia and private sector to assist communities in addressing challenges facing Georgia's children and families. It also serves as a resource to state agencies across Georgia that work to improve the conditions of children and families.  Its Georgia Kids Count survey is a state and national effort funded by Annie E. Casey Foundation to track the status of children. Georgia Kids Count provides citizens and policymakers with current reliable data needed to make informed decisions about priorities, services, and resources impacting Georgia's children, youth, families, and communities.
 
 
6.      How does Voices propose to raise children’s standards for wellbeing in 10 years?  
Conditions for Georgia’s children have improved in the past decade (having moved from a national rank of 44 from 47). Voices wants to accelerate that progress by disseminating relevant, understandable, non-partisan fact-based data and statistics from a variety of sources.  It will also recommend policies and investment strategies for both the public and private sector.  The intent of these strategies is for advocates and decision makers alike can build consensus on effective policy concerning children and tax dollars.
 
7.      Does Voices see itself as an “umbrella” organization for all other non-profit and related services organizations with a stake in child welfare? 
No.  Voices is not a membership or umbrella organization, but an independent, objective resource for legislators, government agencies, children’s advocates and service providers with the common goal of continually improved children’s policy across the state.
 
8.      Where does Voices get its funding? 
Voices is funded by an assortment of community organizations, private foundations and corporate sponsorships.