Florida's Child - The Children's Movement of Florida

Children's Movement of Florida

Campaign Aims to Significantly Improve upon the Inadequate Manner in which Florida Treats its Children

The Children's Movement of Florida believes that the well-being and education of our children must be the highest priority of government, business, non-profit institutions and families. The major objective of the citizen-led, non-partisan Children's Movement of Florida is to inform the political, business and civic leaders, parents and people of this state about the urgent need to significantly improve upon the inadequate manner in which Florida treats its children. The economic future of our state and the stability of the communities we live in depend on achieving this goal, especially when it comes to the investment of public resources in programs that make a real difference in the lives and futures of children.

By almost every objective standard, Florida ranks poorly in measure after measure in how we invest in children. Here are just a few examples:

• More than 800,000 of our children are not covered by health insurance.
• The state's prekindergarten program does not meet most national standards.
• Early screening and treatment programs for children with special needs are poorly coordinated, difficult to access and of inconsistent quality.
• A quarter of our public high school students do not graduate.
• Florida's businesses and community organizations are not committed to strengthening child mentoring and parent skill-building programs.

The economic future of Florida and the stability, safety and security of the communities in which we live is at stake. If these multiple failures remain uncorrected, the associated economic and social burdens can become crushing. Studies show that $1 invested in high-quality early childhood programs can save society at least $4 in costs associated with more prisons, more police and prosecution, more remedial programs and higher health-care obligations.

Furthermore, significant research shows that 90 percent of human brain development occurs by age five. Florida should invest more in them when it matters the most - during their earliest years.

The Children's Movement of Florida has identified five areas for a first focus of special interest and action:

• Access to quality health care
• Screening and treatment for special needs.
• Quality pre-kindergarten opportunities
• High-quality mentoring programs
• Support and information for parents.

David Lawrence Jr. and Roberto Martinez are leading the Children's Movement of Florida. Lawrence is president of The Early Childhood Initiative Foundation, founding chair of The Children's Trust, a University Scholar for early childhood development and readiness at the University of Florida, and former publisher of The Miami Herald. Martinez is a former U.S. attorney in South Florida, current member of the Florida Board of Education, and a partner at the law firm of Colson, Hicks, Eidson based in Coral Gables. Lawrence and Martinez co-chair a 23-member steering committee that began planning and overseeing this initiative in 2009.

To demonstrate statewide support for The Children's Movement of Florida and its objectives, 15 to 20 "Milk Party" events and rallies will be held throughout Florida during September 2010. These events are expected to attract thousands of people, along with extensive media coverage. An outpouring of support would help convince political, business and civic leaders to significantly elevate the priorities assigned to children's issues.

No tax dollars will be used during any phase of The Children's Movement of Florida; funding comes from contributions. In addition, the project does not advocate for statewide tax increases to pay for improvements in children's programs and larger investments in the development of Florida's children.

The Children's Movement of Florida is an educational and informational campaign and does not endorse political candidates. They hope that Floridians will hear their message, enlist in the movement and then work in whatever way they see fit to ensure that the necessary public and private resources are dedicated to ensuring the full and proper nurturing of our most important resource - our children.

For more information about The Children's Movement of Florida, visit http://childrensmovementflorida.org/about/faq/

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