Blog Category: Uncategorized

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

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”

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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Moving the Needle on Family Economic Security: 2024 Budget Recap

For previous blogs on Economic Security during the 2024 legislative session, click here and here. Economic stability is the strongest predictor of a thriving and healthy childhood. But far too…

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The Health of Virginians is a Crucial Investment: 2024 Budget Recap

For previous blogs on Health Equity during the 2024 legislative session, click here and here.    As we near the end of Medicaid Unwinding, the work to ensure young people…

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Advancements in Virginia’s Kinship as Foster Care Prevention Program: SB 39 and HB 27

In recent years, Virginia has made significant strides in enhancing kinship placements within its child welfare system, moving from 5% in 2016 to an impressive 20% in 2022, though still…

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Nominate Local Advocates & Organizations for the 2024 Amplify Awards!

We are seeking nominations across the State of Virginia for the 2024 Amplify Awards. Past Award Winners We want to amplify the voices of local advocates and organizations through the…

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2024 Summer Communications Internship Announcement

Voices for Virginia’s Children is thrilled to open the application period for our 2024 Summer Communications Internship! Are you (or someone you know) a current college or master’s student (or…

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Collaborating for Change: Prioritizing Legislative Outcomes for VA Youth 

This winter, the Voices team had the pleasure of engaging in several advocacy days with our partners, coalitions, and community members to increase awareness, uplift critical policy areas pertaining to…

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Healing for the Healers 2024: Recap & Reflections

On Tuesday, January 23, Voices joined with ChildSavers for our second iteration of Healing for the Healers – an advocacy day event created to uplift policy for youth mental and…

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Prioritizing Youth Mental Health during the 2024 Legislative Session

The 2024 Legislative Session started with significant energy being poured into the Commonwealth’s mental health continuum. We are grateful for Governor Youngkin’s commitment to investing $500 million into our mental…

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