CHILDREN'S POLICY COUNCIL

The Alabama Children’s Policy Council (CPC) system originated from the Alabama Juvenile Justice Coordinating Councils and is designed to support providers of children’s services as they work collaboratively in developing community service plans to address the needs of children ages 0-19 and their families. By creating a CPC in each county, the unique needs of each community can be addressed. At the state level, these local needs become the driving force for children’s policies.
 
By creating six sub-committees, a county CPC takes a comprehensive approach to helping its families:
•  Economic Security
•  Health
•  Safety
•  Education
•  Parental Involvement and Skills
•  Early Care and Education

Throughout the year, CPC members review the needs of children and families in their community then report their results in a Needs Assessment. This Needs Assessment serves as a blueprint for the counties, state, and legislators to assign priorities to needs and implement programs and services to provide for the needs.
 
Some programs and services that have developed as a result of the CPC Needs Assessment are:
•  Kids health and developmental screenings and health fairs,
•  Community gardens,
•  “Prom Promise” to emphasize effects of alcohol and driving,
•  Teen pregnancy prevention programs to high schools,
•  Juvenile Redirection Program as an alternative  for first time juvenile offenders,
•  Juvenile Drug Court and Juvenile Mental Health Court,
•  Character education programs for middle school students and alternative school students,
•  Dolly Parton Imagination Library for children birth-5,
•  Peer Helper Program where students assist peers with tutoring, mediation and leadership,
•  Comprehensive Resource Directories,
•  Career Fairs and GED training, and
•  Parenting classes for teens and adults.

To find out more about the CPC, contact Liletta Jenkins at liletta.jenkins@ece.alabama.gov or call 334-328-2562.