We make KIDS COUNT! Voices is the go-to resource for data on child well-being and can help answer the question, “how are our children and youth fairing in Virginia?” Each year, we release new reports and snapshots to highlight important, timely issues that impact children. Our data center contains over 100 state-level and 40 local-level indicators on child well-being and is part of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s national effort to highlight the critical role data plays in public policy. Our KIDS COUNT work helps inform our advocacy efforts and policy recommendations. Data is, in particular, important when providing equitable solutions to prevent or combat disparities. It informs our policy solutions and sheds light on challenges when analyzed using qualitative analysis to tell the story behind the data.
Equity Impact Statements
What is the impact of the policy? That is the question our equity impact statements answer. Voices encourages policymakers, policy analysts, organizations, and advocates to do the same. Through these equity impact statements, you will have a greater understanding of how our Racial Truth & Reconciliation Virginia policy priorities impact children, families, and communities of color at the state-level.
2021 Campaign for a Trauma-Informed VA: Racial Truth & Reconciliation VA Policy Agenda
Read our full 2021 Campaign for a Trauma-Informed VA: Racial Truth & Reconciliation VA Policy Agenda
2021 Family Economic Security Policy Agenda & Equity Impact Statement
2021 Healthcare Access Policy Agenda & Equity Impact Statement
2021 Mental Health Policy Agenda & Equity Impact Statement
2021 Early Childhood Education Policy Agenda & Equity Impact Statement
2021 Child Welfare Policy Agenda & Equity Impact Statement
An Overview of Child Well-Being & Equitable Research Practices
Research Director, Lauren Snellings, gives an overview of Voices Kids Count data center. Through this presentation, you will hear an overview of what child health and well-being looks like for children in Virginia. This presentation will analyze the social determinants of health, including poverty adverse child experiences, foster care, and more. Snellings also will walk participants through the difference between equity and equality and present actionable steps participants can include in their research practices to be more intentional in integrating a race equity lens in their work.
2019 Election Guide
The 2019 Election Guide is a helpful tool that can be used by organizations and individuals for voter education and advocacy. It features “cheat sheets” that provide talking points, data, and useful information about the issues that affect Virginia’s children — Childhood Trauma, Early Childhood Education, Foster Care, Mental Health, and Economic Security.