Policy & Advocacy

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At First 5 LA, we recognize that policy and advocacy are essential tools in our efforts to champion the well-being of children in the areas of health, safety, and early education.

We identify and support policies that increase children’s developmental potential, improve the public’s access to quality health resources, and help parents and caregivers raise children in safe environments.

First 5 LA Public Policy Agenda: Strengthening Families and Neighborhoods (.pdf)


As advocates for young children and families, First 5 LA monitors pending legislation and engages in activities that improve the lives of children and families in the areas of health, education and child safety.

Our team partners with community coalitions and other child advocacy groups to educate the general public and government officials about how policy and legislation affects the lives of the children and families we serve.

ABCs of Advocacy

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Policy Picks

State Budget Update: Maintenance of Effort Requirements Could Affect State Budget, Health Access For Kids

July 26, 2010
As state leaders continue to battle over California's budget, new developments on the health care front are emerging which could affect the outcome of those negotiations.

State Budget Update: Federal Stimulus Dollars Begin To Dwindle As Budget Impasse Continues

July 19, 2010
As the state budget stalemate enters its third week, the impending end of federal stimulus dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act  has raised concerns. 

State Budget Update: Budget Delay Threatens Child Care Centers

July 12, 2010
California marked the start of its new fiscal year on July 1 without actually passing a budget, which poses problems for many service providers in California, including state-subsidized child care centers.

State Budget Update: New Budget Plan Would Shift CalWORKs and Other Programs to Counties

June 28, 2010
State lawmakers recently unveiled a new plan that would shift a number of state programs to counties, among them is CalWORKs, the state's welfare-to-work program and its accompanying child care.

State Budget Update: Budget Deadline Passes As Legislators Continue To Assess Proposals

June 21, 2010
For the 23rd time since 1986, California lawmakers failed to meet the constitutional deadline (June 15) for submitting a balanced budget to the governor.