| 2010 Fall Children's Legislative Forum |
 |
 |
 |
The 2010 Oklahoma KIDS COUNT Factbook was released Oct. 12. The annual Factbook measures trends on key indicators related to the health and well-being of Oklahoma's children and youth. In addition to a summary of statewide findings and trends over time and key health and well-being indicators presented by county, this year's Factbook includes a Special Report: Children of Incarcerated Parents. Click here to download a copy of the 2010 Oklahoma KIDS COUNT Factbook. Oklahoma KIDS COUNT began in January 1994 with a grant from the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) of Baltimore, Maryland. BE INFORMED! - State Superintendent of Public Instruction Panel and SQ 744 Debate Hundreds filled the UCO Nigh Center auditorium on Oct. 12 to hear the candidates for State Superintendent of Public Instruction discuss important education issues facing our state and the debate by organizations leading the pro and con positions on State Question 744. Our thanks to the event co-sponsors: the UCO College of Education and Professional Studies, the Early Childhood Association of Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Child Care Resource and Referral Association. It's important that every voter in Oklahoma understand the state questions and their potential impact. Below is a description of the state questions that most directly impact children. 2010 State Questions Pertaining to Children PROTECT KIDS! - 2010 Fall Children's Legislative Forum This year's annual Fall Children's Legislative Forum -- Protect Kids -- was held Oct. 13 at the University of Central Oklahoma. Community and state leaders from across Oklahoma came together to learn the latest information about the current status of our state's budget, how recent budget cuts have impacted state agencies and their programs for children and to shape a core set of Guiding Principles that will anchor and direct our expanded advocacy work during the upcoming legislative session and the decade ahead. Participants narrowed down a list of key principles that policymakers should use when making tough budget decisions and considering legislation. The group agreed that members of the Fall Forum planning committee should meet and come up with the finalized list. We will release the finalized list as soon as it comes available.
OICA Board President, Darryl Schmidt at the Fall forum.
OICA board member, Cathy Caccioppoli speaking with another conference participant at the University of Central Oklahoma. Other events at the Fall Forum included:
Gene Christian, Executive Director, Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs Sandy Garrett, State Superintendent of Schools, Oklahoma State Department of Education Howard Hendrick, JD, Director, Oklahoma State Department of Human Resources Terri White, MSW, Commissioner, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services Terry Cline, Ph.D., Commissioner, Oklahoma State Department of Health Nico Gomez, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Oklahoma Health Care Authority
Moderator: Sheryl Lovelady, Director, Women's Leadership Initiative, University of Oklahoma Engaging Policymakers – Thad Balkman, Attorney Engaging the Private Sector – Susan Winchester, President, Research Institute for Economic Development Engaging the Faith Community – Dr. Donald O'Neil Tyler, Pastor, Greater Grace Temple, Tulsa Click here for Fall Forum News and Fall Forum Factsheet.
|
