Children and families were not part of the discussion during this campaign season, but we cannot discuss the future prosperity of the country if we do not discuss how each child and family, regardless of race, culture or geography should have an equal opportunity for healthy development.
We know the tremendous positive impacts we can have on a child's brain architecture that sets a course for a child's future success. We know that family well-being can be strengthened when we support "protective factors" such as increasing social connections and knowledge of parenting and child development in families, neighborhoods, and communities.
And we know there are programs focusing on home visiting and child sexual abuse and bullying prevention that are effective and working in states across the country right now...programs that teach empathy and respect and prepare children for the transition into adulthood as contributing members of our communities.
But we need to get to work.
Policy makers, elected officials, corporate executives, faith communities and every individual in our country must begin to ask, "What is the national vision for our children and families?" "What are the specific strategies to achieve that vision?" And "What concrete actions can we as individuals, communities, and as a nation take in order to truly prepare our children for the future?"
We need to get to work, all of us, because no matter what side we are on politically, we are all on the side of children and families, so let's prove that during the next four years.
"The election is part of the history books now," said James M. Hmurovich, President & CEO, Prevent Child Abuse America, "but the work isn't done, not for children and families, and not for the future of this great country. I ask everyone to ask what you can do to advocate for public policies that support protective factors and children and families. I ask everyone to call for a national vision that enhances the well-being of all children and all families. And I ask everyone to join us as we advocate for these things, today, tomorrow, during the next four years, and beyond."
