A Policy Proposal: Who's Watching Your Children

Running head: POLICY PROPOSAL 1

Who’s Watching Your Children?
A Policy Proposal By: Melissa Whitmore
SW 330 – Fall 2010

POLICY PROPOSAL 2
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In order to propose any new policy, there are steps to be taken. First it is

important to state the social welfare concern you are addressing. Social workers not only

make decisions on allocating resources and funds but must be persuasive, patient,

attentive, knowledgeable of policy and programs, and honestly believe in what you are

doing. These families rely on the social worker or advocate to be their “voice” when they feel like no one is listening. The social welfare concern I chose for analysis is
the growing concern for affordable daycare in the United States. Two specific problems I will be analyzing are “latch-key kids” and child neglect which are a direct result of not having access to affordable daycare.
EXTENT OF PROBLEM
One of the main factors that contribute to these issues is poverty. Poverty has

plagued children throughout United States history. Poverty rates are higher among the

youngest children ages birth to four years. These children are more vulnerable to the

long term effects of poverty. According to the National Center for Children in Poverty,

“An estimated forty-two percent of children under the age of eighteen are living below

the poverty line.” (NCCP, 2009). About half of the forty-two percent live close to two

hundred percent below the line. As the poverty rate rises, more single and low-income

parents are in need of affordable daycare. A recent study showed that “Forty percent of

low-income or single-income families spend almost half of their total income on

childcare” (Associated Press, 2007). Although subsidized programs are available, the

waiting process can be long and tedious. For example, programs like Operation
POLICY PROPOSAL 3
Breakthrough which provide daycare at no cost to families have close to a thousand

families on their waiting list. Because cities are not providing for the growing need of

childcare, parents are “forced” to seek alternative methods.
LATCH-KEY KIDS
One alternative parents chose is to leave their children either at home alone or with other siblings. An estimated seventy-seven percent of American kids are considered
“latch-key” kids” (Another study showed that “nationwide, parents report leaving more than three million children under thirteen, some as young as five, to care for themselves for at least a few hours a week on a regular basis” (Associated Press, 2007). SAFEKIDS is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to reduce and stop preventable child injury and death. SAFEKIDS recommends that no child under the age of twelve be left alone for any period of time. There is no federal statute on the age a child can be safely left alone; it is left up to the states to decide. In Kansas, the current age a child can be left alone is twelve; however, in Missouri there is no age requirement.
Although a child may be aware of emergency and accident prevention, many times they do not have the cognitive capability and judgment to handle the situation when it occurs. Children four and under require interaction and supervision that another child can not adequately provide to them. “Children four and under are at a higher risk and make up half of the unintentional injury-related deaths among children fourteen and under” (Safe Kids, 2010). The bottom line is that the latch-key method of childcare results in an increasing amount of preventable child injury and death.

POLICY PROPOSAL 4
NEGLECT
Neglect is federally defined as “Failure of a parent or guardian to provide needed

food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision such that the child’s health, safety,

and well-being are threatened with harm” (HHS, 2009). “An estimated 5.8 million

children are neglected or abused each year” (HHS, 2009). Parents that do not have older

children rely on neighbors, family members or friends to watch their children. This is

sometimes referred to as “patchwork” childcare. Out of desperation, other parents leave

their children alone at home, public parks, or public libraries. “Children and their families

may be in need of services even though the parent may not be intentionally neglectful.

When poverty limits a parent’s resources to adequately provide necessities for the child,

services may be offered to help families provide for their children” (American Humane

Society, 2010).

Attachment Theory, (Bowlby, 1969) shows certain aspects that all children

require and need in order to flourish and grow healthy. In order to have “Secure

attachment” children need human physical contact. “Physical connection means

plenty of touch and eye contact. Such things as cradling an infant while feeding, cuddling

with a toddler before bedtime, and hugging a teenager increase the sense of physical

connection, especially if touch and eye contact take place on a daily basis throughout the

childhood years” (Wesselmann, 2006). Many times the child goes from place to place, to

different locations and sometimes watched by “strangers”. The child has no stability,

permanency or sense of “home.” Permanency is a key factor for early child development.

A “safe haven” is needed so that when a child feels threatened or afraid, he or she can

return to the caregiver for comfort and soothing. If the child is alone or does not receive
POLICY PROPOSAL 5 this comfort, they will eventually stop relying on the caregiver and become withdrawn.

Children also need a “secure base” that is provided by the caregiver. This gives them a

safe and dependable place to explore the world. In many cases the caregiver is not

intentionally putting the child in danger, but is simply unaware of the many household

dangers to children. “Separation distress” is also detrimental to a child’s well-being.

When separated from the primary caregiver, the child will immediately become upset and

depressed. Many children experience this even in the most “normal”, ideal family

circumstances. A deficiency in any of these areas can affect a child later down the road.

LEGISLATION

In the past, the United States has tried to correct this problem through legislation.

The Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) was first passed in 1935, provided

money for “relief” to help families provide for their children. In 1972, President Nixon

built on the idea but changing it to Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) trying to switch the

focus on to the children as opposed to the family. Republicans typically have a “laissez

faire” attitude, however all sides felt this was an important issue. Later Temporary

Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) was created in 1996 and reformed the ADC.

With TANF, time limits were put in place, and subsidies were provided to parents to help

them care for their children. Currently the federal government allows up to thirty percent

of each state’s TANF funds to be used alongside current child care grants.

In the 1980’s The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare act focused on keeping the

child with the biological parents at any cost. Later this was reformed into the Adoption

and Safe Families Act of 1997. The new act switched the focus from family preservation

to safety and permanency of the child.
POLICY PROPOSAL 6
The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) is a block grant given to

states to subsidize child care for low-income families if parents are currently employed or

enrolled in school. “Approximately 1.8 million US children receive funds, 36,300 in

Missouri alone” (DSS, 2009). The grant only applies to children thirteen and under

offering in-kind assistance to their families. “An average of sixty-six dollars per week is

given in vouchers to subsidize child care” (Almanac of Economic Policy, 1995).

Another step in the right direction is provided by the Early Childhood Development,

Education, and Care Fund (ECDECF). This is another block grant that is provided to the

states and has many programs set in place to allow the child to remain in the home

instead of utilizing facilitated child care. They offer a program called Stay At Home

Parent (SAHP) which allows families with children three and younger to receive in-cash

and in-kind benefits in order to provide childcare themselves. Other qualifications for

this program include teen moms, high risk, no permanent residence, unemployed, etc…

The family must also be 185% below the poverty line to be eligible.

While these programs have been successful with goals regarding abuse, safety, and

permanency; the poverty level continues to be at an all time high.

LOOKING ABROAD – THE NETHERLANDS

I chose to compare our policies with The Netherlands. I found that the

Netherlands is more progressive with its view of social welfare than the United States,

however is far behind almost all other European countries. In The Netherlands they offer

what are considered “General Provisions.” Basically every citizen is entitled to certain

basic needs and provisions. General provisions include Child development groups, pre-

school playgroups, child day-care, out of school child care, special education, primary
POLICY PROPOSAL 7 education, and youth health services. All of these programs are universal and available to

all citizens. The majority of the provisions are geared towards children staying with the

parents if possible to have a strong family unit. They offer extended maternity and

parental leave for both parents to lower the cost and need for facilitated child care

centers. The funding fro child care and maternity/parental leave is provided by both

national and local municipal authorities. All citizens pay in for the “greater good” of the

country.

LOOKING AHEAD – REFORM

I propose not to create a new policy but reform the currant policy.
I feel that the

Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) is meeting the expectations and

goals the program was designed for. Because the problem is growing rapidly, changes

need to be made so that we don’t lose control of the situation. The program’s goals

would continue to focus on importance of family, and strive to provide stability,

permanency, and enrichment to families. I also feel that we need more focus on early

child development (birth to four years) because it will play a dramatic role later in these

children’s lives. Working and collaborating with programs such as Head Start provide

care givers tools to provide young children with what they need to thrive. Graduated

disengagement should be another key factor in the success of the program.

Graduated disengagement is one of the most important core functions of social

work. As social workers we need to help people build their own support system so that

when they complete the process, they don’t feel alone or back where they started.

Finding activities and helping them build new trusting relationships is a key factor in
this

step. They need a support system in place so that when crisis or hardship happens, they
POLICY PROPOSAL 8 do not feel hopeless.
SERVICES
The program I am proposing would be separated into two main groups. The first

group is children ages birth to four years and the second would reach children ages five to

eighteen years old. Playgroups which are used in the Netherlands as well as many other

European countries give young children ages birth to four years old a chance to interact

and socialize with other children their age.
Licensed facilitators specializing in early

education and development will guide volunteers in providing educational and

stimulating activities. Meetings would be held three times a week at local schools,

churches, parks, and community centers. Keeping the locations in the neighborhoods of

the people they are serving will make attending the programs easier for these families.

Child day care will also be provided to families that qualify. Accredited programs

are required for all programs receiving grant funding implementing the core value of

competency. The number of locations should be based on the need for each individual

community. For example, in areas of greater need, there should also be greater access to

programs. I would also like to propose “Emergency” child care. This program would be

a temporary “safe” arrangement to offer parents “peace of mind” if their usual

arrangements fall through. For example if the baby-sitter doesn’t show up, or you have a

family emergency, you could drop your child off for a short period of time.
Children

must already be enrolled in the program or be on some corresponding program such as

TANF to qualify. Companies that provide on-site day care centers for employees will

also receive funding as well as tax incentives. This will give the parents incentive to

want to keep their job as well as peace of mind knowing their children are close by.
POLICY PROPOSAL 9
I also feel that more funds should be used for the Stay At Home Parent program to allow

children ages four and under to be with their parents. Families that qualify will receive

subsidies while working or attending school part-time and stay home with their child the

rest of the time.

For older children ages five to eighteen the program would continue to offer

rewarding after school and summer activities. The objective is to get these kids away

from the TV and teach them about the world around them. These activities should be

based on the strengths perspective model. It is important to find something that the child

is interested in or desires, so that they can feel like they have a skill or purpose. After

school programs would include tutoring, mentoring, counseling, skill building social

interaction, violence prevention, and other similar programs. As social workers we must

first build a trusting, positive relationship with the people we are working with. Finding

common interests help to bridge partnerships and giving them someone they feel they can

“turn to.” It is important to focus on forming positive relationships instead of trying to

“treat” them. These programs will give the children the skills they need to be responsible

for their own behavior and become productive members of their communities.

I would also like to provide subsidies for summer camps. I found some programs

such as the YMCA that offer subsidized summer programs for under-privileged youth

already. Many families struggle the most during the summer months when their children

are out of school. This would eliminate having to pay for child care the entire three

months of summer, as well as give the child something enjoyable to do.

POLICY PROPOSAL 10
PARENT RESOURCES
Parents would be provided education and resources on child development and

health. The program would offer employment resources, resume help, transportation

assistance, interview techniques, internet access, and listings for local job openings in the

area. I also feel it is important to give resources and information to the families and

parents of the volunteers involved in the program. This will express the need of

involvement and build communities of supportive families. Spreading awareness with

flyers, public service announcements, and fundraisers will also serve to increase the

amount of volunteers and donations.
ELIGIBILITY
As with the majority of social welfare programs and policies, many of these programs are need based. All of the programs are designed for underprivileged or “high- risk” families -living in poverty. Social welfare programs advocate social and economic justice so that every child or family has the same chance to succeed as any one else.
Because these children are living in poverty, lack of resources and education would lead them to failure. Other circumstances to determine eligibility include families and children with disabilities or mental illness. This corresponds with the American Disabilities Act of
1990, which provides accommodations to those with special needs in order to provide equal opportunities. I do feel however, that pre-k which is typically ages four and five years old should be universal to all citizens so that the do not start public school at a disadvantage from other kids. I pay $205.00 a month for my son to go to pre-school for only 2 ½ hours, three days a week. It is costly but worth it to me because of how much

POLICY PROPOSAL 11 he has learned and how prepared he will be for public school. Being prepared for what is expected of you should never be a privilege for those who can afford it.
Another change I feel needs to be made is that the income of the families should be based on “what you bring to the table” instead of gross salary. I feel like as social workers, we can’t get the full picture of the extent of their needs without accurate information. For example if a spouse is court ordered to pay child support but loses his job or has no income, the system takes awhile to rectify and reorder a new payment plan.
In the meantime, the single mother is not receiving support and is still not eligible for some programs because it “shows” that she is receiving court ordered support. Another determination of eligibility is that the parent or parents must be employed. For child care subsidies, both parents must be employed if applicable. For eligibility in the Stay At
Home Program parents must be either employed part-time or attending school part-time.
It is important that the parents are trying to better themselves in some way. All school and work hours must be documented weekly and submitted to the social worker to continue eligibility. These guidelines will help eliminate any fear of Irritation Theory or
“abuse” to the system and promote Actualization Theory. Most of these participants genuinely want to make their lives better feel like they need a “fresh start.”
FUNDING
Since I am proposing to reform the CCDGB, this is where the majority of the

funding will come from. Funding is provided by both federal and state municipalities. I

also propose that “sin-taxes” be raised slightly to increase grant amounts available to

each state to ensure the demand is met. There are also many non-profit ways to fund this

POLICY PROPOSAL 12 program. The majority of these programs rely partially on volunteer workers. By

socializing with these volunteers, the children and families learn how to seek healthy,

reciprocal, “give and take” relationships on their own.
Volunteers not only receive the satisfaction of doing something good for their community but they also receive tax a write-off for their altruism. Volunteers in school will be offered extra credit points for documented participation in volunteer work. Many of the supplies and goods will be donated and therefore provided at no cost. Fundraisers and public service announcements will promote awareness and encouragement to donate items. Volunteers embrace the idea of “collective responsibility vs. rugged individualism.” In order to help our community succeed, we must all be committed to being involved.

POLICY PROPOSAL 13
REFERENCES

American Humane Society, (2010). Facts About Child Neglect. Retrieved November 5,

2010 from: http://www.americanhumane.org/about-us/newsroom/fact-sheets/child-neglect.html

Associated Press, (2007). Latchkey Kids: An American Epidemic. Retrieved

November 5, 2010 from:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/73413/latchkey_kids_an_american_epidemic_pg2.html?cat=7

Call Care Centers, (2009)., Latch-Key Resources. Retrieved November 2nd, 2010 from:

http://www.latchkey-kids.com/latchkey-kids-age-limits.htm

Child Development Media, Inc., (2008)., John Bowlby: The Father of Attachment Theory

Retreived November 13, 2010 from:

http://www.childdevelopmentmedia.com/john-bowlby-the-father-of-attachment-theory.html

Council of Economic Advisors, (Clinton, 1997). The Economics of Child Care

Retrieved November 13, 2010 from:

http://www.policyalmanac.org/social_welfare/archive/child_care_economics.shtml

Missouri Department of Social Services, (2009). Early Childhood Grants and Resources.

Retrieved November 2, 2010 from: http://www.dss.mo.gov/cd/early/

POLICY PROPOSAL 14
National Center for Children in Poverty, (2009)., Basic Facts About Low-Income

Children: Children Under Age 18. Retrieved November 5, 2010 from:

http://www.nccp.org

Safe Kids USA, (2009)., Safety Basics. Retrieved November 15, 2010 from: http://www.safekids.org/

US Department of Health and Human Services and Child Welfare Information Gateway,

(2009). State Statutes and Definitions. Retrieved November 2, 2010 from:

http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/define.cfm

Wesselmann, D., (2009). Attachment: A New Way of Understanding the Problems of

Parents and Kids. Retrieved on November 15, 2010 from:

http://www.planetpsych.com/zPsychology_101/attachment.htm