Child Advocacy Glossary of Terms
From Voices for Ohio's Children
Contents |
Introduction
The Child Advocacy Glossary of Terms is a dynamic document. It is intended to grow and change as the advocacy landscape changes. For this reason, you are encouraged to contribute to this project.
Mission
Voices for Children is a non-partisan group of public, not-for-profit and private sector organizations and individuals who share a mutual concern about improving the well-being of our community’s children and their families. Through a collaborative effort and a collective voice, Voices promotes improvements in the well being of our community's children and their families.
Vision
Voices for Children believes that:
- No child should fear for his/her safety. Every child has the right to a safe home, a safe school, a safe neighborhood and a safe family.
- Children and their families need to be aware of and have access to physical and behavioral health services to meet their individualized needs.
- Every child deserves to attend an appropriately funded, safe, academically challenging and supportive school, and to participate in an excellent early childhood program. Every child should be given the opportunity to learn and succeed.
- Every parent should have access to resources that allow them to provide and maintain financial support for their children.
Abstract
In 2004, Voices’ Board of Directors asked their staff to help them better understand the terminology and jargon associated with child advocacy and public policy. After compiling an initial list for the Board, Voices’ began to receive similar requests from policy makers, volunteers and other professionals in the field. As a result, in January of 2005, Voices’ staff developed the framework for a formal “Child Advocacy Glossary of Terms”. This document is designed to provide child advocates, policy makers, service providers, funders, the media, and people who care about these issues, a quick reference guide and background on many of the issues they may face.
Information is power, which is why Voices’ created “Child Advocacy Glossary of Terms.” It is important that people understand terminology and acronyms in this field in order to feel confident when advocating for better public policies for their children and families. However, it is a document that will constantly change and will only be as good as you help us make it. So, raise your voice and get involved. You can help by sending us your thoughts as you use this tool. Please email your feedback and suggestions to Voices Staff.
Special Thanks
Linda Barker
Susan Berger
Ann Bowdish
Rebecca Cohen
Allison Deal
Sheila Dunn
David Ellis
Billie Osborne Fears
Elizabeth Gorman
Barbara Greenburg
Joan DeGregory Griffiths
Katie Gutting
Marla Hemmiger
Laura Humberson
Marti Hunter
Kim Kehl
Alisa Levine
Marilyn McGrath
Bethany Moore
Cindy Norwood & The Center for Mental Retardation
Louisa Oliver
Ilana Horowitz Ratner
Margaret Stager & Metro Health
Pearl Waxman
Susan William & Staff at OCF
Alison Wolf
