We advocate for a group not otherwise professionally represented, and whose interests are honored loudly in word, but rarely in deed. We sense that increasing numbers agree with our concerns and our goals. We enter the 21st century with optimism, not- withstanding our conceded lack of success over the past 20 years. That optimism is driven by a surge of support for our clients and for us. Recent polling of adults reveals a general and deep reservoir of concern about education, higher education and future jobs among the citizenry.
Large majorities are willing to sacrifice if it means effective outcomes for children.
It will be our job to make them keep their promises. Kalemkiarian, the mother of three elementary school-age children, didn't take long to make up her mind. I knew I would. Kalemkiarian knew that frustration while she represented exhausted parents and frightened children at the Legal Aid Society and, after sponsoring a law student's project examining children's services, realized that mental health services were by far the worst. Instead of dealing with the four agencies, a child will now deal with one provider who will coordinate everything from counseling to after-school programs.