Sacha Klein Heads First 5 LA's New Policy Department to Support Advocacy

Sacha Klein has been named to head First 5 LA's new Policy Department, which will lead development and implementation of policy initiatives to improve the quality of and access to health, safety and early learning opportunities for children prenatal through 5 and their families in Los Angeles County.

Klein has 13 years of policy advocacy and social work experience, having recently served as child welfare policy director at the Association of Community Human Service Agencies, which represents more than 80 nonprofit social service agencies in LA County.

As First 5 LA's policy director, Klein is creating a team of two policy analysts, a policy intern, and an administrative assistant, who will work to create a comprehensive First 5 LA policy agenda and identify opportunities for policy coordination with key stakeholders, grantees, and strategic partners.

"As a leader in improving outcomes for young children, First 5 LA has a key role in ensuring that the lessons learned from its investments inform how policy makers, businesses and communities allocate resources," said Klein.

"The Policy Department will work internally and externally to leverage existing programs as starting points for broader systemic change that will promote the development of family-friendly communities, greater quality and access to prenatal and children's health care, improved birth outcomes, child and family safety, and increased quality and access to early education."

Creation of the Policy Department is part of First 5 LA's $8 million commitment through 2009 to increasing efforts in the areas of policy and advocacy.

For information, contact Klein at sklein@first5la.org or (213) 482-6603.