Each year, child advocates from across Oklahoma come together to form a legislative strategy. This strategy guides our efforts and sets our priorities. This year, the following four items comprise our agenda:
Require Health Education
Require one semester of health education in grades 6, 7 or 8 in accordance with the PASS (Priority Academic Student Skills) guidelines. Topics of instruction will be determined by each local school districts, and should include, but not be limited to:
• physical activity • nutrition • alcohol, tobacco and other drugs • behavioral health • oral health
• environmental health • growth and development • injury prevention • violence prevention • wellness
Address the Needs of Children with Autism
Continue to support proposals that will lead to health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of children and youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
Address the Needs of Children of Incarcerated Parents
Establish an Oklahoma Bill of Rights for Children of Incarcerated Parents including the following: • To be kept safe and informed at the time of their parent’s arrest. • To be heard when decisions are made about the child. • To be considered when decisions are made about their parent
• To be well cared for in their parent’s absence. • To speak with, see and touch their parent. • To support as they struggle with their parent’s incarceration. • To not be judged, blamed or labeled because of their parent’s incarceration. • To a lifelong relationship with their parent.
Create an advisory council for children and families of incarcerated parents to facilitate collaboration to ensure such children receive appropriate services and supports to uphold these rights
Support a Tobacco-Free Oklahoma
• Prevent youth access to tobacco by allowing stronger ordinances in local jurisdictions • Make all public places and workplaces smoke free.
