This time next year, a third grader struggling with trauma will be able to connect with a therapist more easily than she could today because of increased investments in the School-Based Behavioral Health Program. More families who once faced homelessness will have stable housing through permanent housing vouchers. And DC kids in foster care and their families will have new supports to help them address systemic issues thanks to a dedicated Ombudsperson for Children.

This is what we’re celebrating at Children’s Law Center. For us, last week’s DC budget wins go right to the heart of why we do what we do every day – fighting for a brighter future for DC kids and families.

We’re excited to share our Fiscal Year 2023 DC budget wins!

Our wins this year represent the critical need for long, sustained commitments. Some of our hard-fought gains from last year were in danger of being reversed and – at the same time – the urgent needs of DC’s children and families were greater because of the inequities exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic.

We partnered with the children and families we serve and our community allies to overcome these challenges and successfully advocate for solutions that would better support kids. We’re proud our budget wins will help ensure DC kids and families have the programs, services and supports they need to have a stable family, good health and quality education.

Looking forward, we know that even seemingly settled gains may be vulnerable the next year. But our unwavering commitment to DC children keeps us going. Today, we’re celebrating these wins and stand fortified knowing that – by this time next year – kids and families will be reaping the rewards of these successes.

In partnership,

Tami Weerasingha-Cote

Supervising Policy Attorney

P.S. Don’t forget – mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 20th from 6-9pm for our Helping Children Soar Benefit! We’ll share more about our behavioral health and systemic reform work and celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together. Sponsorships and tickets are available now!

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