Voices’ Blog

Toward Wellness: The Status of School-Based Mental Health Initiatives in Virginia Report

Posted:  -  By: Cat Atkinson

Virginia is 48th in the nation for youth access to mental health services, and young people are continuing to speak out about the lack of services and support in their…

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“Breaking the Health-Poverty Cycle: The Urgent Need for Paid Family and Medical Leave in Virginia” Policy Brief

Posted:  -  By: Emily Moore

Voices for Virginia’s Children supports policies that help young people realize their brightest potential. Paid family and medical leave is a proven policy that promotes family economic security and child…

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Investing in the Future: Virginia’s Commitment to Early Care and Education

Posted:  -  By: Allison Gilbreath

In Virginia, child care is not just a service but a vital component of our social structure that enables parents to actively participate in the workforce. Shockingly, 74% of the…

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Shaping the Future of Child Welfare in Virginia: 2024 Budget Recap

Posted:  -  By: Allison Gilbreath

As Virginia grapples with the multifaceted challenges of child welfare, members of the money committees play a crucial role in shaping policies and providing funding to support vulnerable children and…

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Youth Mental Health, Well-Being, and Healing Must Continue to Be a Priority: 2024 Budget Recap

Posted:  -  By: Cat Atkinson

For previous blogs on Mental Health during the 2024 legislative session, click here and here. Intro/Desired Outcomes: The 2024 Legislative Session began with excitement and energy surrounding the continued improvement…

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Report Reveals Youth Residential Treatment Facilities are “Warehouses of Neglect”

Posted:  -  By: Emily Moore

This post was written by Voices’ Batten MPP intern, Mikayla Havison. Content warning: This article includes references to child abuse as mentioned in the US Senate Finance Committee’s report. The…

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