Children's Network    a united voice for the children of Solano County

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of the Children’s Network?

Since its inception in 1982, the Children’s Network, a nonprofit 501(c)3, has worked to improve the lives of children in Solano County. The Children’s Network has evolved into the leading voice for all young people in Solano County. It is the convener of California’s first and among it’s most effective inter-agency coordinating councils dedicated to improving the lives of children.

What does the Children’s Network do?

The Children’s Network works to educate people in Solano County about the needs of children and to bring together those who can help achieve the best outcomes for kids. In promoting the health, education, and well-being of all children in the county, the Children’s Network conducts and disseminates research, offers training, administers grants, coordinates county agencies, advocates for policy changes at all levels of government, and works to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of county services for children and families.

Why is the Children’s Network needed?

Government, families, or private organizations working alone cannot accomplish as much to improve the lives of Solano County children as they would if they worked together. The Children’s Network supports and promotes these positive partnerships.

Who are the partners of the Children’s Network?

The Children’s Network partners with a variety of private and public organizations to improve the lives of local children. Through contracts with the county, the Children’s Network also provides staff support – such as budget development, research, training and administrative support – for three councils appointed by the Board of Supervisors, as well as for a network of the county’s Family Resource Centers. In this way, the Children’s Network helps to carry out the vision of the:

Solano Children's Alliance: A council created by the Board of Supervisors to make policy and funding recommendations for services that affect the lives of all children in the county

Child Abuse Prevention Council: A council created in 1998 to raise community awareness of child abuse and improve the county’s prevention and response system when child abuse and neglect occur

Child Care Planning Council: A council that assesses local child care needs and works to improve the quality and affordability of early education and care in the county

Family Resource Center Network: A network of the county’s family resource centers, sites that offer comprehensive family support services in every city in Solano County, providing families with information and referrals, in-home services, parent education, and assistance with social and health emergency needs.

Are there other activities of the Children’s Network that I should be aware of?

In 20 years, the Children’s Network has achieved many victories for the children and families of Solano County (see Key Accomplishments). Current activities include:

  • Researching and publishing The Children’s Budget, a series examining how government funding for children is allocated and spent in Solano County, and The Children’s Report Card, a compilation of data about the county’s successes, challenges, and progress in serving children

  • Involving parents and community members in forums to discuss what can be done to improve the lives of children

  • Seeking creative budget strategies in partnership with county agencies to achieve better, more efficient, and more effective investments in services for children and families

  • Encouraging officials at the local and state levels to consider the needs of children in policy decisions

  • Administering the county’s program to provide stipends and child development training for child care professionals

  • Coordinating a home-visiting program present in all Family Resource Centers to provide family support countywide

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