Voices for America's Children (Voices) was a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Washington, DC. Voices was a U.S. nonpartisan, national organization that advocated for the well-being of children at the federal, state and local levels of government. It addressed areas such as early childhood education, health, juvenile justice, child welfare, tax and budget decisions.[1]
It was known as National Association of Child Advocates prior to 2003.
Quick Facts Founded, Dissolved ...
Voices for America's ChildrenFounded | 1984 |
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Dissolved | June 2013 (2013-06) |
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Type | Child Advocacy |
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Location | |
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Area served | United States |
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Members | 60 |
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Key people | Tamara Copeland, president (1996 - 2006)
William Bentley, CEO (since 2007)
Deborah Stein, federal policy director
Joe Theissen, vice president |
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Revenue | $2,723,275 (in 2009) |
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Website | http://www.voices.org |
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Formerly known as the National Association of Child Advocates (renamed in 2003) |
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Voices for America's Children officially closed its doors in June 2013, although groups of former members continue their work at the state and local level.[2]
Voices for America's Children began when child advocates from the US met for the first time in 1981 and formed the National Association of State-based Child Advocacy Organization (ACA) in 1984. In 2003, ACA changed its name to Voices for America's Children.
In 1996 the National Association of Child Advocates established its annual Florette Angel Memorial Child Advocacy Award in memory of Florette Angel and her efforts to improve the lives of West Virginia children.[3]
In 2004, the organization prepared and published a report named “Early Learning Left Out: An Examination of Public Investments in Education and Development by Child Age".[4] The report was based on a comprehensive analysis of public investments in education and child development. It covered three age groups - early years (0-5), school age (6-18) and college age (19-23) - across 12 states.[5] The report was updated the following year[6] and then again in 2010.[7]
Voices for America's Children received two grants from Atlantic Philanthropies, a $1.8 million grant in 2006[8] and a $3 million three-year-grant in 2008.[9]
In 2011, after reviewing ten Republican candidates' debates and campaign websites,[10] Voices found that only 2.2% of the debates referenced children-related issues.[11]
In 2012 Voices sent letters to Democratic candidate President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney urging them to clarify their stance on child and family issues and to formally seek the advice of child advocates.[12]
In 2013 Voices was dissolved after a vote by the board of trustees. In September of the same year President Obama appointed William Bentley, former CEO of Voices, to head Family and Youth Services Bureau.[13]