Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children is a strong, effective and trusted voice to improve the health, education and well-being of children and youth in the Commonwealth. PPC is statewide, independent, non-partisan and non-profit.

Our vision: By 2014, PPC has helped Pennsylvania move into position as one of the top 10 states in the nation to be a child and to raise a child.

To achieve its vision, PPC seeks substantial gains toward these public policy goals:

• All children enter school ready to learn.
• All children have access to health care that assures their healthy development.
• All children and youth are raised in loving and knowledgeable families free from abuse and neglect.
• All children have access to effective after-school and youth development programs.
• All children have access to high-quality public education through post-secondary completion.

PPC’s strategies to accomplish its goals are:

• Conduct research and data analysis to develop credible information to help drive public policy.
• Use an array of communications strategies to increase awareness of key constituencies.
• Mobilize individuals and organizations to speak out for the interests of Pennsylvania’s children and youth.
• Engage in government relations to advance the interests of children and youth with the state and federal government.

Learn more in Great Gains, PPC's 2007-2008 Annual Report.

Research and analysis
PPC’s policy recommendations are based on research and analysis into conditions for children and their families, best practices in program administration, and government fiscal issues.

• PPC's solid and insightful research, which anchors its policy activities, is disseminated in frequent publications, special reports, and on the Web. The data research and analysis is part of KIDS COUNT, the Annie E. Casey Foundation's state-by-state data project. By collecting data and analyzing its meaning, PPC grounds its policy proposals in solid facts and pinpoints areas of need for the most effective investment strategies.
• Through the Fiscal Analysis, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, PPC analyzes state and federal governments’ fiscal standing and budget processes that determine the resources potentially available for programs benefiting children. SFAI also explores the impact of tax policies and government fiscal decisions on family life.

Communicating need and solutions
PPC utilizes the array of communications resources available to shape the story of children’s advocacy. Its research-based, data-driven approach presents Pennsylvania’s progress in addressing children’s needs, the consequences of inaction, and policy directions to promote childhood success. These key elements are incorporated into regular newsletters and policy update, topical special reports, PPC’s Web site, policy and briefing papers, and communications with policymakers, influential Pennsylvanians, and all citizens interested in policies that improve children’s lives.

Empowering citizens to act
PPC leads the Pennsylvania Children's Advocacy Network (PA-CAN) to help Pennsylvanians take action on behalf of children. PA-CAN members receive regular updates on children's issues, and they are alerted when critical issues require immediate action. PPC’s monthly policy update, Capitol Watch for Children, reviews recent and upcoming policy activity affecting children, while Partnerships, PPC’s quarterly newsletter, introduces readers to the people and programs that help children succeed despite adversity. Both publications are free. Sign up for PA-CAN and PPC’s mailing list to receive both publications.

Government relations: Building awareness and representing kids
PPC is a constant and trusted presence in lawmaking circles, drawing on longstanding relationships to advise the governor's administration, top legislative leaders, and other officials on policies that build children's potential. On the strength of its fiscally sound budget proposals, presented directly to policymakers shaping the state spending plan, PPC wins new and enhanced investments in children's programs. PPC serves on high-level task forces and frequently testifies at legislative and administrative hearings on critical policy issues. Under PPC's leadership, the value of public investments in children's well-being is widely accepted.

PPC also works in coalition with other state and national organizations to promote initiatives that strengthen children and their families.

PPC's accomplishments include first-time and expanded investments in a long list of enhancements to children's well-being, including children's health insurance programs, early childhood education, after-school programs, nurse home visiting to demystify the demands of parenthood for at-risk parents, and tax forgiveness for working families.