This special report originally appeared in the September-October 2001 issue of the Children's Advocate, published by Action Alliance for Children.

Prop. 10: Weaving a web of support for young children and families

Looking ahead

Asked about future challenges, many people active in Prop. 10 focused on resources, but many also identified other challenges and goals.

Including diverse communities

"I think if anyone were to say that they weren't struggling with the diversity, it's not true." -Deborah Bremond, director of Family Services, Alameda

"We have to make sure that every child can benefit from what we're doing. For immigrant and undocumented populations, we have to make sure that they're able to access the services." -Mark Friedman, executive director, Alameda

"We have to be checking in all the time-do we have everybody in this process that should be here?" -Carole Singley, commissioner, Monterey

Continuing community input

"It's a challenge not to lose touch with people in the community, to continue community contact over time."
-Karen Blinstrub, executive director, Santa Clara

"One of the things for next year for us is developing a parent advisory committee." -Janis Burger, deputy director, Alameda

Building an integrated system

"Let's look at what we've already funded and what has happened with what we've done, then go back to our stategic plan and say, OK, where are we still not meeting the needs? When you do a competitive bid process you get [proposals for] what people want to do. But what if we demonstrate the need and get the players together and say 'how can you guys work together to provide this service?'" -Carole Singley, commissioner, Monterey

"How do we create effective systemic change and not just fund gaps in services?" -Paul Crissey, executive director, Solano

Focusing on prevention

"Really sticking with a commitment to prevention and early intervention is tough. The reason dollars get allocated as they do now is because there are tons of needs, indiviual families have huge needs." -Kathy Tabor, commission chair, Contra Costa.

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