We know that there is a set of easily identifiable risk factors that have a close, well-documented correlation with school drop out and juvenile criminal activity later in life. The fact that we know these risk factors, we know the children they effect, and the fact that we fail to do something about it is unconscionable. Especially when we also know the kinds of programs and supports that have been proven to be effective in preventing these tragic outcomes and making these children and their families successful. That is exactly what SB 965 is designed to do. SB 965 builds on the efforts of Healthy Start, Early Intervention and other programs by adding missing elements and linking them together into a comprehensive and coordinated system of supports.
Participation is entirely voluntary.
And, the supports are family-driven and delivered at a community level. Research-based practices, a focus on outcomes and quality assurance will guarantee effective results. Our data shows that each of the supports I mentioned is needed and that each needs to work with the others in a systemic fashion in order to achieve desired results. But it is an important shift and one that must be made both because of the human consequences of failing to do so and because of the fiscal reality we face. I also understand this type of investment will not come easily.