Early Childhood Ireland’s Post

📋 The Carer reports that more than 60 per cent of adults believe the political agenda doesn’t prioritise the needs of learning-disabled adults. These findings, from a survey conducted by Opinium on behalf of the learning disability charity, Hft, also show that “a lack of funding” and “unchanging attitudes among the public” are preventing learning disabled people from living the best life possible.   🗣️ Stephen Veevers, CEO of Hft, says: “We know life can be complicated for everybody. But learning disabled people often face additional hurdles. Some are stopped from working towards their dreams and aspirations. Many can’t live where they choose, or with whom they choose.”   💡 Adult social care plays a crucial role in meeting the diverse needs of learning-disabled adults, providing essential support that empowers them to live fulfilling, independent lives within their communities. #adultsocialcare #learningdisabilities #funding https://lnkd.in/epK7AaZK

📰 In 2022, Sri Lanka’s #economiccrisis forced many families to place their children in #institutionalcare due to financial hardships. This has resulted in a significant number of children being separated from their families, leading to an increase in abuse, exploitation and #violenceagainstchildren, as well as long-term developmental and emotional challenges (UNICEF Sri Lanka). In 2019, it was recorded that at least 70% of the children in care institutions had at least one living parent (National Institute of Social Development). This statistic highlights a dire need for change, as these children are not orphans but victims of circumstance. At iProbono, we believe every child deserves to grow up in a safe family environment. With this in mind, we have developed a robust initiative to promote #familybasedcare and reduce reliance on institutional care. Our approach includes evidence-based advocacy to push policy changes, strategic litigation, and capacity building of stakeholders in the child-care sector. Through our JustGiving Campaign, we aim to raise $30,000 to support these efforts. DONATE HERE: https://lnkd.in/gsDqKjdt Together, we can ensure that children in Sri Lanka receive the love and stability they deserve 🤍 Please feel free to share the link to the campaign with interested parties. Antje Kunst Zahabia Asgarali Adamaly Shevindri Manuel #srilanka #iprobono #socialjustice #litigation #advocacy #training #childcare #childprotection #unicefsrilanka #srilankalegal #southasia

🌟 BABY 2000: Our Vision for the Future 🌟 At NJ MED with our BABY 2000 project, we are dedicated to supporting high-risk teen parents within the juvenile justice system. As we look ahead to the next four years, we are excited to share our long-term plans and vision to further advance our mission. Our Vision: 1.   Expand Our Reach: Increase the number of participants in our annual Toddler Management Forum to 50 teen parents per year, ensuring more young families receive the support they need. 2.   Enhance Educational Programs: Develop comprehensive, year-round educational programs focused on effective co-parenting, child development, and life skills. 3.   Strengthen Support Networks: Establish robust community partnerships to provide holistic support, including mental health services, vocational training, and childcare resources. 4.   Measure Impact: Implement a detailed tracking system to measure the long-term impact of our programs on the lives of the parents and children we serve. Upcoming Projects and Initiatives: ·        Online Resource Center: Launch an online platform providing access to educational materials, parenting tips, and a community forum for peer support. ·        Mentorship Program: Introduce a mentorship initiative connecting experienced parents with our participants to offer guidance and support. ·        Community Events: Organize quarterly community events to foster a sense of belonging and provide additional resources and support to our families. Join Us on This Journey: We invite you to be part of this exciting journey. Here are ways you can get involved: ·        Volunteer: Share your time and expertise by becoming a mentor or assisting with our programs. ·        Donate: Your contributions will directly support our initiatives and help us reach more families in need. ·        Provide Feedback: Share your ideas and suggestions to help us improve and grow. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of high-risk teen parents and their children. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our mission! #EveryoneBehindtheFlag #SDG4 #USA

Looking for some guidance on your Stage 1 application? 📝 We’re now accepting grant applications for our science & medicine, health & disability, and heritage, humanities & the arts programmes. We understand that preparing an initial application involves careful consideration. To guide you through this process, our grants team has created a blog post outlining essential considerations before you submit your Stage 1 application. https://lnkd.in/eN25Q92A #fundingopportunities #grants #capitalprojects #fundraising

💥 Compassionate Communities: Reviving Early Support for Families 💥 This recent report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies sheds light on the benefits that Sure Start brought to children and communities. While we can't reverse the closures, we must recognise the critical role of early years support and glean valuable insights from the Sure Start experience. I still recall a young mum who I was talking to when Sure Start was at its height, saying that her local Sure Start Centre was a lifeline for her when everything else in her life was falling apart. Sadly, three years later it was closed. While Home-Start and other local family support charities continue to work tirelessly to provide a lifeline for families, the need is simply too great for us to do it alone. The introduction of the Family Hub programme is a step in the right direction, but it's crucial to acknowledge the huge gap left by the closure of thousands of children's centres that were once part of a thriving community of support for families. Now more than ever, we need to rally behind the idea of rebuilding these communities and a partnership between the voluntary and public sector that truly makes a difference. Reviving early support on the scale we once had demands not just political will, but substantial investment. Yet, the evidence demonstrates the transformative potential of such initiatives. So let’s unite in advocating for the resurgence of comprehensive early years support, leveraging the invaluable lessons learned from Sure Start to pave the way for brighter, more equitable futures for our children and communities. #EarlyIntervention #CommunitySupport #FamilyWellbeing #SureStartLegacy

What is the age limit to be adopted? It might surprise you to learn there is none! Learn how Jazmín, a former Plummer youth, became adopted at 22 and proved it's never too late to find your forever family! #fostercare #adoptionjourney #nonprofitorganization https://lnkd.in/e7wf8J8k

It's that time of the year! No, not Christmas...The Big Give! When your donations get to make twice the impact. Did you know, people with a learning disability face an estimated average of £975 of additional costs every single month? This puts huge strain and pressures on family budgets.   Mencap's vital advice and support services, including our helpline, help people with a learning disability and their families to navigate complex systems, and access the services, benefits and support they need.   This work is especially important during the colder months, where we see demand on our resources increase, against the backdrop of the never-ending cost of living crisis.   That's why we're taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 🎅🤶🎄 , aiming to raise £16,000 to support these amazing services, with support from Newhall Publishing. If you're planning to make a Christmas donation this year, there's no better time to do it, as all donations will be DOUBLED up until midday on Tuesday 10th December.   We're already a third of the way there - please donate if you can, or share with your networks, to help us get to 100%! https://lnkd.in/eZNYsaRK

Most of us are likely to need adult social care services at some point in our lives, and yet the lack of investment means important services that literally save, prolong and enhance people's lives are being cut. All that does is store up problems down the line, usually for the NHS. #Fundraising becomes ever more important when local authorities' budgets are under such stress. If you've got the skills and passion to raise money for our amazing services which enrich #disabled and #autistic adults' lives, check out our #FundraisingManager role 👇 https://lnkd.in/eRqMjSPT https://lnkd.in/e5gVyHDp

According to our 2023 True Cost of Living Report, 50% of New York City households are unable to make ends meet, including 80% of those led by single mothers. Universal afterschool programs in NYC would cut childcare costs for parents, easing their financial strain and allowing them to work more hours. In a recent PIX11 segment, UWNYC President & CEO Grace C. Bonilla, Esq. discussed our policy recommendation urging elected officials to boost funding for universal afterschool programs. Read about the government policies we, along with the Fund for the City of New York and other nonprofit partners, are advocating for to reduce costs and increase wages for our fellow New Yorkers: unitedway.nyc/3xN7orY #NYCTrueCost #CostOfLivingCrisis

You know, in my time working in the public sector, I've seen firsthand the tough decisions families are forced to make just to get by. The United Way of New York City's 2023 cost of living report really hits home, showing just how many of our neighbors, and folks all across the country, are grappling with these challenges daily. That's why I'm fully behind the United Way's push for universal free after-school programs. These programs aren't just a nice-to-have; they're an absolute necessity for those who need them most. When families are stretched thin by the rising cost of living, they're often put in impossible situations, having to choose between essentials for themselves and their kids. That's where accessible after-school programs step in like a lifeline, providing a safe and supportive space for children while their parents or caregivers work to keep things afloat. By making after-school programs universally free, we can ease the financial strain on struggling families and open up doors of opportunity for kids outside of regular school hours. These programs offer more than just a place to hang out; they provide crucial academic support, mentorship, and enriching activities that can break the cycle of poverty and food insecurity. And it's not just about helping families get through the day-to-day grind. Investing in after-school programs is an investment in the future of our communities. When our children have access to quality education and support systems, they're set up to thrive, contributing positively to society and tearing down barriers to success. So, let's join forces and throw our support behind universal free after-school programs. It's a vital step toward creating a more equitable and prosperous future for every family in NYC.