The human brain develops at its fastest rate between the ages of 0 and 3. Early recognition and response to developmental challenges have proven effective in reducing the long-term effect of these challenges on a child’s ability to thrive. Voices has made the following recommendations of policy changes that address the needs of children, families, and early intervention services providers during the public health emergency.

Early Intervention Response and Policy Recommendations

On March 14, 2020, Governor Kemp declared a Public Health State of Emergency in Georgia. Since then, he has issued more than 30 Executive Orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than half have had a direct impact on children and families in our state. Our Executive Order Area summarizes those impacts.

Executive Orders Summary

Both Congress and the Executive Branch are working to support Americans during this pandemic. As of April 1, 2020, three laws have passed at helping individuals, families, communities, schools, hospitals, businesses (large and small), and state and local government in response to COVID-19. Check out our easy-to-read summary on how these laws could support children and families.

Voices’ Federal Laws Summary

A fourth coronavirus package is being discussed in Washington, D.C. (as of August 10, 2020). Here’s a look at the two up being debated:

A Comparison of the HEALS and HEROES Acts

One in five children in Georgia struggles with hunger. Food benefit programs through the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Child Services, such as SNAP and WIC, help address food insecurity and hunger. Voices has made the following recommendations of policy changes that address the needs of children and families during the public health emergency.

Food Access Response and Policy Recommendations

Access to stable housing is a critical support for child well-being. Approximately 40,000 students in Georgia are considered homeless. That number is expected to rise given the economic challenges that have come with the public health emergency.  Voices has made the following recommendations of policy changes that address the housing needs of children and families during the public health emergency.

Housing and Utilities Response and Policy Recommendations

Approximately 1,200 youth are in Department of Juvenile Justice secure facilities in Georgia. For these youth and those under DJJ community-based supervision, Voices has made the following recommendations of policy changes that address the needs of children and families during the public health emergency.

Juvenile Justice Response and Policy Recommendations

Department of Juvenile Justice’s COVID-19 Response via our virtual GA-CALL

Commissioner Tyrone Oliver

DJJ Information on Coronavirus

More than one million Georgians benefit from the Department of Community Health administered Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP). Voices offers the following recommendations to address the needs of children and families during the public health emergency.

Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids Response and Policy Recommendations

More than 400,000 Georgians are privately insured. Voices offers the following recommendations to the to the Insurance Commissioner to address the needs of children and families during the public health emergency.

Private Insurance Response and Policy Recommendations

More than 65,000 children, families, and school personnel benefit from school-based health services. Voices offers the following recommendations to schools, school districts, and school-based health providers to address the needs of children and families during the public health emergency.

School-Based Health Response and Policy Recommendations

Telehealth holds great promise in increasing access to physical and behavioral health services. Voices offers the following recommendations to ensure equitable access for children and families during the public health emergency.

Telehealth Response and Policy Recommendations

Georgia is already experiencing an economic impact resulting from COVID-19 and related protections needed to reduce the spread of the illness. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), a government benefits program, gives financial support to among the most vulnerable families in the state. Voices has made the following recommendations of policy changes that address the needs of these families during the public health emergency.

TANF Response and Policy Recommendations