I recently had the opportunity to testify at the Department of Human Resources/Social Security Administration Budget hearings in Annapolis. As I entered the world of politics through the doors of the Miller Office Building, I observed an atmosphere of advocacy. I was struck by the countless people in attendance ready to be a voice for the vulnerable groups that they represented.
It was both an honor and an opportunity to speak on behalf of those that we serve at Building Families for Children. I asked the Committee re-consider the budget cuts to private child placement providers, like us, that serve the most vulnerable populations of youth. These decreases in funding would seriously limit our efforts for ongoing quality improvement, staff coverage, increased incentives that encourage retention, and innovation in our program planning.
It occurred to me that we have staff, foster parents and volunteers that advocate on all levels for those they care about deeply. Like the Safe host family that is advocating for a mom they helped to get into drug treatment, or our GSN Coordinator who assisted the family in our Transitional home in getting approved for assistance toward their next home.
Our children and families have a right to safety, stability and well-being. The opportunities are endless and the vulnerable need a voice. I encourage you to get involved today in an advocacy effort.
By: Debbie Marini; Executive Director