First 5 LA's 2010-2015 Public Policy Agenda

First 5 LA Commission's new five-year strategic plan, "Strengthening Families and Communities," utilizes both a place-based approach and countywide strategies to pursue its strategic goals that children are born healthy; children maintain a healthy weight; children are safe from abuse and neglect and children are ready for kindergarten. Pursuing public policy change to support the well-being of children and families throughout the county is a key strategic focus for First 5 LA. To guide this significant undertaking, the Commission has identified 10 public policy goals to pursue over the next five years:

• Promote comprehensive, affordable health insurance for all.

• Increase access to healthy food options and physical activity.

• Promote reductions in drug, alcohol and tobacco use by parents/caregivers.

• Expand access to and improve quality of early care and education programs.

• Expand voluntary home visiting.

• Support integration and sharing of data.

• Strengthen the prenatal to 5 workforce.

• Increase supports for breastfeeding.

• Expand early identification and intervention.

• Promote family strengthening principles and prevention practices in the child welfare system.

First 5 LA will continue to use its unique role as an advocacy organization to build support for public policies that benefit young children and their families throughout the county. Through collaboration with local experts, grantees, funding partners and the leadership of Commissioners, First 5 LA will contribute to positive societal change on behalf of children and families. This will help build the foundation for sustainable improvements in outcomes for families and communities.