September 27, 1999
Williams, Chavous, Allen Unveil Detailed Action Plan for Children
(District Leaders Release Needs Assessment Report for Children of the District)
(Washington, D.C.) Mayor Anthony A. Williams, Councilmembers Kevin Chavous and Sandy Allen unveiled a detailed legislative and executive needs assessment and action plan, Safe Passages, geared toward improving the health and safety of the children of the District. The announcement was made at the Richard England Boys and Girls Club in Northeast. The Plan also included a comprehensive comparative findings report within agency operations.
"We're making a strong commitment to our city's children," said Williams. "This is not just my commitment, but also the commitment of the District's Council. This comprehensive legislative and executive package will hold our government accountable for better serving our children."
Safe Passages guides the adults of the District who must ultimately ensure the safe passage of children as they move from birth to young adulthood. The Plan requires the District to work across agency boundaries to align critical supports and services for children, youth and their families.
Twelve of the District's agencies are making the commitment and are being held accountable for coordinating all services for children. The Plan included a $2.5 million computer system that will share information among agencies as services are delivered. This inter-agency tracking of a child's needs and progress will help ensure that no young person falls through the cracks.
"District government agencies are doing tremendous work for some of the city's most fragile populations-especially for its children. However, a fully integrated system of support is necessary for departments to focus resources where need is greatest and measure the effectiveness of our efforts," said the Mayor.
The Plan includes five action agendas to make the District a livable city for children. They are:
- ensure children are ready to learn upon entering school;
- ensure children and youth are succeeding in school;
- ensure that they develop into successful young adults;
- ensure children and youth and their families are healthy; and
- the reduction of youth-on-youth violence in schools.
"Our goal is to make D.C. a better place to raise children," said the Mayor. "This plan is one that is an aggressive one that will make that goal a reality."
