Advocates for Children and Youth

In a news analysis and editorial, The Baltimore Sun sharply criticized state leaders for not laying the groundwork needed to win the large federal Race to the Top education grants...

Now that the U.S. Senate will debate health care reform, the question is whether children will keep the same level of services they have under the existing Children’s Health Insurance Program. ...

For voting in favor of health reform, ACY sent letters of thanks to six of Maryland’s U.S. representatives: Elijah Cummings; Donna Edwards; Steny Hoyer; Dutch Ruppersberger; John Sarbanes; and Chris Van Hollen. ...

Advocates for Children and Youth joined national, state and local advocates on Capitol Hill to discuss effective reentry strategies to support youth returning to their communities from out-of-home placements. During the Congressional Briefing, hosted by Maryland U.S...

Wednesday brought another round of State budget cuts that will cause harm but showed careful consideration. As the State faces a large budget deficit for next year, State leaders need to consider opportunities to restructure government. Read more.

Advocates for Children and Youth has examined the final criteria for the large federal Race to the Top grants. To win one of the grants, Maryland will have to make some significant changes in education policy. Read more.

Governor O'Malley said that new federal grants can help recruit outstanding principals to challenging schools in Maryland, an idea he championed as a candidate. Strengthening school leadership is one of the most significant factors that will be considered in awarding the grants. Read more

Hungry families still cannot access food stamps quickly because of overburdened eligibility workers and an inefficient application process. Advocates for Children and Youth is working with Governor O'Malley to finalize a five-year plan to end childhood hunger. Read more.

Latest ACY newsletter: peristent reading disparities and low academic standards in Maryland; slow progress on dental access; strong plans to reduce infant mortality and reform use of group homes. Kudos to the Governor and many others. Click here

It is easier to pass Maryland state tests than in virtually any other state, according to a new federal report. Students are told they are proficient and don't get the extra services they need to compete internationally. Read more.

After the State expanded health insurance to more parents, 50,000 have enrolled, double the number expected. Another positive: parents are also enrolling their children at a higher rate. Read more.