Children need a chance to thrive
BY DENNY BARNEY
Summer is over and school is back in session. For the Barney family, that means the pace of life has picked up as we get back into our routines.
Our family—and probably your family if you are reading this article—is one of the fortunate ones in Maricopa County in that our children’s main preoccupation is with school and just being a kid. However, I cannot help worrying about a population of our youth facing immense disadvantages.
Last year more than 4,000 petitions were filed to separate children from their parents. Of these “dependency” petitions, 45 percent represented children under the age of 5. That is 2,227 babies and toddlers abused or neglected by their guardians. This is a complex problem, with widereaching effects on criminal justice, social welfare and education. It is not only an inability to physically help themselves
which make this group so vulnerable, but any unnecessary delays in the dependency process only increase a child’s chances for harm. Those younger than 3 are also at a greater risk of developmental delays and neurological impairments when exposed to neglect and/or abuse so early in life. That means the impacts are not just temporary. They last a lifetime. These kids are more likely to experience challenges socially and academically, which then makes them a higher risk of winding up in our juvenile delinquency system. We have a compounding challenge— today’s youngest victims are often the next generation of victimizers.
Early intervention equals better chances of later success. These intervention programs are critical, however, for a long time the system has been highly fragmented. Securing stability for these children takes time. And these children do not have time. In
response, for the past two years, Maricopa County piloted a program called Cradles to Crayons. The aim of the program is clear: Identify these children as early as possible, reduce the recurrence of abuse and neglect and establish permanency as quickly as possible.
Cradles to Crayons follows the national “ZERO to THREE Safe Baby Court Teams Model,” which is rooted in developmental science and current research. Families have access to a dependency treatment court which is a specialized court where judges are trained in early childhood development. The court brings together an interdisciplinary team to collaboratively assess the family’s situation and devise a case plan that addresses the needs of both the children and the parents. Efforts are made to identify the root cause of the abuse—whether that is mental illness, substance abuse, trauma or lack of skills. Clinical services are provided to give parents the tools they need to reunify their family. Sometimes, parents simply choose to not do better. In these cases, children are hastened through the court process ASAP. We measure our success by how quickly these children receive a permanency hearing and how swiftly permanency is established thereafter.
Opportunity to formally amend City’s charter
BY COUNCILMAN RICK HEUMANN
The City of Chandler is holding a special election on Aug. 25. Proposition No. 484 would amend the City’s charter formalizing Chandler’s current cycle of August and November City Council elections. These elections are held in evennumbered years, with the commencement date being in January. The City has been following this cycle since 2008 in order to be in conformance with state statute. Since then, however, the City’s Charter had not been amended.
Understanding the election cycle may be a little confusing. It’s important to be educated on Proposition No. 484 and understand what it is asking. Take the time
to read the pamphlet and become familiar with the information. A copy of the pamphlet is available on the City’s website at www.chandleraz.gov/elections.
If it passes, the City will be able to amend the charter and continue the election process as is. If it does not pass, the City will need to convert back to the spring election process in place six years ago. The section of the current charter to be affected is included in the publicity pamphlet identifying the changes.
This election is being conducted solely by mail-in ballot. There will be no need to stand in line at polling sites. By now, all households with a registered voter should have received a publicity pamphlet
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explaining the amendment to the City’s Charter. The actual ballots were mailed July 29. Make sure to cast your vote early. Ballots must be received no later than 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25. Allow sufficient time to mail the ballot. Any postmarked with an Aug. 25 date will not
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Identify these children quickly, make their environment safe, or move them to one that is. Speed is the magic ingredient here.
The program’s success led to Cradles to Crayons being fully funded this year as part of the regular operations of the Superior Court. The program improved the permanency decision process for over 2,100 children under the age of three. The rate of children receiving a permanency decision in less than one year was 95 percent. In addition to establishing a profoundly more stable situation for these children, the cost savings to the juvenile delinquency system are anticipated to be felt for years to come.
The challenges are complex to say the least. However, innovative approaches such as Cradles to Crayons are demonstrating promising results. With coordination we are making a difference. We are not just helping save lives—but giving children a chance to thrive. For most of us parents, that’s all we need. And for most of these children, that’s all they need.
Denny Barney is the Maricopa County supervisor for District 1.
be considered. For a listing of drop box locations and to obtain more information on this special election, visit the City’s website at www.chandleraz.gov/elections or call the City Clerk’s office at (480) 7822280.
Every election is an important part of the democratic process. Local elections are an essential component of our City. We all have the opportunity and responsibility to participate in elections, become educated and get involved.
Rick Heumann’s term expires January 2017. He can be reached at rick.heumann@ chandleraz.gov.
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