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Child and family advocates from across the state met at the Annual Fall Forum in Edmond on October 7-8, 2008. The theme for the conference was "Let's Talk About Our Future."

Forum participants heard from a number of state and national experts on topics such as the past, present, and future of child advocacy in Oklahoma and children's place in the political debate.

Workgroups in ten key areas prioritized possible legislative solutions to problems identified by Forum participants. These priority items were then placed on a ballot, and the entire assembly of Forum participants voted to elect the following items:

PROVIDE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE FOR AUTISM

Require private health insurers to include coverage of expenses associated with the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (Nick’s Law).

HELP YOUTH TRANSITION INTO ADULTHOOD

Through a collaborative and coordinated effort of committed stakeholders, increase the workforce of Oklahoma’s youth transitioning into adulthood through education, behavioral health, social services and employment services.

SUPPORT CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Support the multi-agency Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative, including a five-year comprehensive budget request, encompassing prevention, early intervention, community-based services, inpatient and residential treatment, group homes and therapeutic foster care, serving children 0-21.

PREVENT YOUTH ACCESS TO ALCOHOL

Appropriately reclassify flavored alcoholic beverages (Alco-Pops) as distilled beverages, as currently defined in Oklahoma law, thereby increasing tax revenue, and requiring such beverages to be sold only in liquor stores.

REQUIRE HEALTH EDUCATION K-12

Require health education for grades K-12 based on the PASS (Priority Academic Student Skills) guidelines utilizing state-adopted health education curriculum. Topics of instruction should include, but not be limited to, physical activity, nutrition, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, behavioral health, oral health, environmental health, growth and development, injury prevention and wellness.

ADDRESS CHILDHOOD POVERTY

Revise the graduated rate for existing child care subsidies by increasing the income eligibility requirements in order to avoid the steep increase in child care costs that occurs when a parent obtains a higher paying job and is no longer eligible for assistance.

REDUCE CHILD ABUSE

Reduce child abuse and neglect in Oklahoma by increasing funding for the existing continuum of prevention services offered by the Oklahoma State Department of Health (Children First, Office of Child Abuse Prevention, Child Guidance, Sooner Start), Department of Human Services (Safe Care); and Department of Education (Parents as Teachers).

GET INVOLVED!

These seven items will form the lobbying agenda of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy for the 2009 Legislative Session.

To find out how you can get involved in these efforts, please visit www.oica.org or call 405-236-KIDS.