The League of Women Voters of Irving supports effective programs, policies, and funding to meet the needs of at-risk children.
Position History:
Consensus Date for Educational Services and Health Services: May 11, 1999 ♦ Adopted: May 25, 1999
Consensus Date for Homelessness: January 24, 2011 ♦ Adopted: February 8, 2011
Specifically, the League supports the following:
In the area of Educational Services
- Expansion of early childhood and alternative educational programs in IISD.
- Expansion of music, art, theatre, and dance programs in the community.
- Initiation of home instruction for preschool children and their parents.
- Extension of hours in order to use school facilities to provide childcare and a wide range of community educational programs.
In the area of Health Services
- Initiation of County Out Patient Clinic (also known as Community Oriented Primary Care Clinic), including dental care; a Family Advocacy Center, including mental health care; and school-based clinics, including dental care and mental health services.
- Initiation of programs for substance abuse and run-away children.
- Initiation of free or affordable transportation to community services.
- Expansion of community and educational programs to address domestic violence issues.
- Provision of Spanish-speaking personnel for all programs and services.
In the area of Homelessness
- Housing options for kids still in school who are over 18 and/or are emancipated minors, such as; emergency homeless and transitional housing, like group residential homes or apartments both near public transportation.
- A safe and secure 24 hour safe and secure environment near public transportation for homeless minors and their families.
- Permanent affordable housing for homeless minors and their families.
- Comprehensive counseling services for homeless kids who are still in school but are over 18 and/or are emancipated minors including but not limited to: health/medical; psychological; legal; vocational; life skills; employment; money management; and educational, including tutoring and mentoring.
- Comprehensive counseling services for parents and minor children who are homeless including but not limited to: employment; money management; health /medical; psychological; legal; vocational; life skills; parenting skills; and educational counseling. The ability of the kids to become involved in extra-curricular activities should be fostered
- Comprehensive funding for housing and counseling services for homeless kids and families should be pursued such as: governmental funding by federal, state and local entities; non-profit organizations; faith-based organizations; grants from foundations, corporations and other entities; clubs and service organizations and individuals in the private sector.
League to which this content belongs:
- Private group -