Policy Priorities for 2009
Child Health and Safety
IVC will work towards increasing the numbers of children enrolled in the Idaho Health Plan Coverage for Children (Medicaid and S-CHIP) by encouraging the State of Idaho to provide ongoing high quality outreach, implement a streamlined health insurance application process and establish the eligibility level of S-CHIP at 200% Federal Poverty Level.
Early Learning
IVC will work towards the establishment of a commission to provide a means to bring together gubernatorial representative(s), legislative leaders, and key stakeholders concerned with the early learning of young children (ages 0-5 years) in Idaho and begin the work towards establishing a quality rating system that will meet the needs of Idaho's children and families.
Family Economic Security
Research shows that access to high-quality, affordable childcare improves employment stability of workers. IVC will seek to strengthen Idaho’s current and future workforce by raising the
eligibility rate for the Idaho Childcare Program (ICCP). The federal government sets the eligibility level equal to 85% of the State Median Income (SMI). States can expand access to child care by increasing eligibility up to that level. Idaho’s current eligibility rate is set at about 60% SMI or 135% of the federal poverty level.
Child Welfare
IVC will advance legislation to enhance the legal process and strengthen the legal supports for relatives caring for related children (a.k.a. “Grand Families”) by supporting legislation that:
1. Reforms the Idaho de facto custodian provisions (New Chapter 17 of Title 32) to:
Better define the circumstances under which an individual has standing as a de facto custodian
Better defines how de facto custodians can pursue custody of a child and what legal rights are accorded the de facto custodian when custody is granted by the court.
2.
Reforms the Grandparent Visitation Statues to better clarify position of grandparents’ rights to visit related children.
3.
Reforms the Child Protective Act to require that the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare to actively consider whether a child may be safely placed with relatives in lieu of non-relative foster care.
Emerging Issues
IVC will actively monitor emerging issues that affect child health, child welfare, education, safety, and family economic security. The legislative committee will take action where appropriate.
Policy Priorities
for 2008
Full details of the Idaho Voices for Children Policy Priorities are listed below.
Child Health
Early Care and Education
JOINT LETTER TO LEGISLATIVE SERVICES (unsigned)
JOINT LETTER TO LEGISLATIVE SERVICES (signed copy)
- Criminal background checks for providers - Poverty & eligibility guidelines (increasing eligibility of more working, low-income families) - Tiered reimbursement for child care providers (based upon the quality of services provided)
Child Welfare