When we heard the news that our collective safety net was about to pause, Voices connected with colleagues and tried to plan for the potential impact, but we also felt a variety of emotions - panic, restlessness, unsteadiness, anger, fear and sadness.  What does it take to survive in 2025?

n a little over a month, COVID-19 has exposed extraordinary needs as well as inequities across almost every sector of society. In many ways, this crisis has revealed that government can act boldly and decisively when the urgency of the challenge is undeniable - an approach that should be maintained after the current public health threat subsides. But while acting with all due speed, we must also take the time to ask hard questions about unintended consequences that could be putting our most vulnerable at greater risk.

Whether positive or destructive - foster care is life-altering. Every child who experiences it deserves the best Vermont has to offer. Everyone needs to trust the process enough to be vulnerable. Having an outside, trusted voice is essential to instill that confidence. An Office of Child Advocate is needed to create transparency, instill trust, and guide the public officials who are responsible for its funding, policies, and structure.