First 5 LA Family Literacy Initiative Continues to Show Positive Results
A primary goal of the First 5 LA Family Literacy Initiative is to help parents recognize the importance of providing their children with language and literacy-rich experiences at home. A new study points to success. More »
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Message from L.A. County Health Department: Whooping Cough Cases Rise
The L.A. County Department of Public Health is reminding residents to protect themselves and their loved ones from pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. More »
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Different, Not Pathological
Children displaying seemingly atypical behavior are often merely experiencing development in their own unique way. Clinical psychologist Joan Maltese gives tips on how to determine what is normal. More »
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Governor's Child Care Cuts
Governor Schwarzenegger's May Revise includes two proposals that could decimate state child care in California. Cutting state child care would result in the loss of crucial jobs and more. More »
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National Foster Care Month
The month of May has many child-centered celebrations and observances. And while we have done our best to acknowledge many of them, I could not let the month end without also recognizing May as National Foster Care Month. Nearly 500,000 children in America are in foster care. And according to kidsdata.org, 22,291of those children are in Los Angeles County with 6,935 of them under 5 years of age.
We spend a lot of time at First 5 LA working to help keep children out of foster care, primarily through our Partnerships for Families program. And keeping children safe from abuse and neglect is one of our new strategic plan's primary goals.
But while we work to eliminate the driving causes for removing children from their homes, I'd like to take a moment to celebrate all of the foster parents who step into the void left by natural parents unable to fill the responsibility. All children need love and nurturing to grow into happy, productive citizens, and without the service given by committed foster parents, those children would be robbed of that potential.
In his written proclamation recognizing National Foster Care Month, President Barack Obama said, "...We recognize the promise of children and youth in foster care, as well as former foster youth. We also celebrate the professionals and foster parents who demonstrate the depth and kindness of the human heart." I join him in these sentiments and hope that we all take a moment to be thankful for those who step in to care for these special children.
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