–Vermont ranks 4th in child well-being again this year, according to the 2024 KIDS COUNT® Data Book, a 50-state report of recent data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation analyzing how kids are faring.  The report highlights declining educational outcomes, with NAEP scores in reading and math dropping notably between 2019 and 2022. A promising solution lies in community schools, which provide comprehensive support to children and families, integrating services such as tutoring, mental health support, and nutritional aid. 

The last few weeks of the legislative session were a whirlwind of decision making. 216 bills have been passed by both chambers this biennium, 102 have become state law, and an additional 21 Municiple Acts have been enacted. 7 of those went into effect without the Governor’s signature and another 11 have been vetoed so far. There have been 375 resolutions adopted, including one honoring child and victim advocate  Sally Borden for her achievements. That’s a lot of work! Policy choices impact nearly every aspect of our lives, and Voices has been working hard to move forth meaningful changes for children and youth in Vermont. We’ll share a full session recap once the dust settles, but the following updates reflect recent progress on areas in which we’ve been deeply engaged: 

Yesterday, Vermont took a step in the wrong direction. With the passage of S.58, legislators all but ensured the rate of children being jailed in our state will increase. Allowing issues of resource scarcity or staffing to drive policy decisions about whether to try children as adults sets a dangerous precedent at a pivotal time. By choosing to further criminalize Vermont’s children and youth instead of addressing the underlying systemic issues at the heart of the matter, our state government will continue to perpetuate the very conditions of harm that lead to increased crime.

The journey of childhood is a shared one, occurring across multiple contexts and over the course of many years. Each child’s lived experience plays out against a larger tapestry of values, systems, and structures that in turn translate into the kind of investment (or disinvestment) that propels or limits their ability to thrive. In this landscape, Voices builds our engagement around an awareness that real systems change cannot be driven by strength alone. We recognize that our advocacy is part of a chorus of individuals, families, and communities working toward an equitable and just future for children and youth. And although the scale of need in this moment may be significant, by choosing to approach our individual efforts as elements of an interconnected whole, the scale of change we can effect becomes amplified.