tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post5830785913506493340..comments2024-01-12T14:51:23.690-08:00Comments on All Things Wildly Considered: Do You Support the "Education Begins at Home Act"?Frank Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18214921895704057150noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-3440744438900002402009-09-07T20:15:47.873-07:002009-09-07T20:15:47.873-07:00I was actually researching this myself today becau...I was actually researching this myself today because I haven't entirely made my mind up about it yet. I heard about it initially through Prevent Child Abuse America's website. I've read through parts of the bill but not the entire thing. As far as I can tell the purpose is to provide funding so that the states that don't currently have Home Visitation programs available will be able to fund them and the states that do will get funding to improve the programs they already have in place. For more info on how these programs work, below is a link to the one started by Prevent Child Abuse America. It's currently offered in 35 states, DC and Canada.<br /><br />http://www.healthyfamiliesamerica.org/home/index.shtml<br /><br />There are loads of articles you can find online that will show what a positive impact programs like this one have had in their communities. I think the issue at hand is what effect the government funding might have on the existing programs. I haven't seen much negative press about this, but I have read a couple of articles that are pretty misleading. Please note that at present, it is not government officials entering the homes of the voluntary participants. They are social workers. I haven't read anything in the bill that changes that aspect. And the "reporting" the bill refers to seems to focus on the child's development, parents' education and any health concerns. <br /><br />Personally, I've known too many parents who were not ready to have kids when they did. I've also known several who were "ready" and still felt incredibly overwhelmed and unsure of themselves. The Home Visitation programs in use today have clearly proven to be helpful to those who choose to use them. The case workers are well educated in early child development and provide valuble information and resources to parents who may not know where to find them. But from what I have seen in the past, organizations seem to have a harder time accomplishing their goals the moment government funding enters the picture. And that is why I'm torn. This bill appears to be entirely on the up and up. And you know what they say about too good to be true. <br /><br />I guess the bottom line for me will be whether or not the wording is clear. What restrictions are there? What changes will be made to the current programs? How will the current programs be allowed to grow and change with new research once government assistance is granted? Will the government have power to change the existing programs down the line? Will this bill open up potential issues with illegal search and seizure?<br /><br />There are a lot of questions to be answered. Luckily this is just in committee so we've got some time to get those questions to our local representatives. <br /><br />To read this bill in it's entirety, follow this link. (you may have to cut and paste into your browser because sometimes links don't include ":")<br /><br />http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.244:<br /><br />To watch this bill,<br /><br />http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-2205<br /><br /><br />Oh, and for Dave E, Yes- the power here is at state level. According to the bill, states will apply for the grant money and the Governor will decide which existing program will receive the funding; or if there is no existing program, which new one will be offered.Jocelyn Everetthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07326691447154830963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-10630631837544271192009-08-01T12:04:43.518-07:002009-08-01T12:04:43.518-07:00Too many questions unanswered in this bill for me....Too many questions unanswered in this bill for me. I don't want government intrusion either. Especially when the kinks aren't worked out. I think this is another reaction to the "no child left behind" idea. Seems to be an overwhelming task.Frank Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18214921895704057150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-74284320204597904132009-08-01T11:07:18.581-07:002009-08-01T11:07:18.581-07:00The home is one of the few sanctuaries we have lef...The home is one of the few sanctuaries we have left, where the gov can't arbitrarily come bursting in the front door, without probable cause. <br /><br />Why some would allow an intrusive gov power to come knocking when they want is beyond me. To each their own I guess.<br /><br />BTW, is this being mandated on the states? If so, I certainly won't/don't support it, even if it is a voluntary program.Dave Ehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12089245440406849397noreply@blogger.com