What
is Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children?
PPC is a children's advocacy organization, advancing government
policies that improve the health, early education, and well-being
of Pennsylvania's children.
What
does PPC do?
PPC works with government officials, on its own and in coalition
with other organizations, to develop policies through state laws
and regulations that help children succeed and avoid failure.
The policies PPC promotes help create an atmosphere that helps children
thrive.
What
kinds of policies does PPC promote?
With its prevention-based agenda preventing failure and promoting
success PPC concentrates on five issues that yield a strong return
on investments:
Early childhood education, so young children enter school
ready to learn. Without school readiness, children who start
school behind are likely to stay behind.
Stable and supportive families. Family supports, such as nurse
home visiting and family centers, help struggling parents successfully
manage the challenges of raising families. Tax relief for working
families helps them devote more of their scarce resources to
children's needs.
Health coverage. Children with health insurance are less likely
to miss school and less likely to need expensive emergency room
care when they're sick. Coverage for families earning up to
$43,000 is available through the Children's Health Insurance
Program or Medicaid, but many families aren't enrolled because
they don't realize they qualify or get frustrated by bureaucratic
hurdles. PPC led the first coalition that created CHIP in 1992
and continues to seek policy refinements that help families
enroll.
After-school programs. Children and teens with constructive
activities after school are less likely to commit crimes, be
victimized, or experiment with alcohol, drugs, or sex.
Quality basic education. Pennsylvania should to invest in
proven educational strategies that assure accountability and
school success from the beginning, such as full-day kindergarten
and small classes in the early grades, while restoring state
educational funding equity.
Does
PPC provide services for children and families?
PPC does not provide direct services. Instead, PPC works to convince
lawmakers that state and federal investments in children's well-being
help communities more effectively address their unique needs. With
access to state and federal funding, community groups and local
governments can make better use of their scarce tax and charitable
dollars through the services that they provide.
Does
PPC advocate for individual children?
PPC does not advocate for individual children. Its focus is on developing
policies and systems that are cost-effective investments in the
well-being of all children, particularly those at risk of failure
due to detrimental life factors such as poverty, lack of health
coverage, or educational disadvantages.
How
can PPC help me and my community?
PPC's research and analysis capabilities yield detailed information
about children's well-being at the statewide and local levels. The
information is available through PPC's publications or through its
staff.
What
can I do to speak up for kids?
Membership in PPC's Pennsylvania Children's Advocacy Network (PA-CAN)
is open to any interested Pennsylvanian. PA-CAN members are trained
in policymaking, communications, and community organizing. PA-CAN
members keep up-to-date on policy happenings through a free subscription
to Capitol Watch, PPC's monthly legislative update, and they receive
tips on effective messaging and building relationships with lawmakers
through regional meetings and regular communications.
How
can I support PPC?
PPC is a non-profit, non-partisan, independent organization. Individuals
may donate
to PPC through a number of options, and businesspeople can support
PPC's mission through Business
Partners.
This Page Last Modified
August 11, 2003
Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children
116 Pine Street, Suite 430
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-236-5680 / 800-257-2030
Fax: 717-236-7745 Contact PPC/Questions
