June 21, 2023
The Center for Children’s Advocacy played a critical role in the successful passage of life-changing laws during this year’s legislative session in Connecticut. These laws will significantly improve the health and education of children and youth, ultimately supporting their smooth transition into adulthood.
1. Access to Health Insurance
HUSKY health insurance was expanded to cover low-income children through 15 years old, regardless of immigration status: Public Act No. 23-204, AN ACT CONCERNING THE STATE BUDGET. For more information, contact Jay Siclick.
2. Child Welfare Reform
Youth who have grown up in DCF care will be able to continue to have a court-appointed attorney for their DCF case after they turn 18. Watch CCA’s video about why this legislation is so important. For more information, contact Stacy Schleif.
3. Juvenile Justice Reform
Youth who are involved in the juvenile justice system will receive services and interventions that are developmentally appropriate and are designed to help them learn the educational, vocational, and social-emotional skills that can help them avoid future justice system involvement: Public Act No. 23-188, AN ACT CONCERNING JUVENILE JUSTICE
For more information on the JJPOC juvenile justice legislation, contact Martha Stone.
4. Educational Equity
Students who are English Language Learners will have their educational rights spelled out by the State in an English Language Learner Bill of Rights: Public Act No. 23-150, AN ACT CONCERNING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, AN AUDIT OF THE STATE-WIDE MASTERY EXAMINATION, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CONNECTICUT CIVICS EDUCATION AND MEDIA LITERACY TASK FORCE, THE PROVISION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION, AND A BILL OF RIGHTS FOR MULTILINGUAL LEARNER STUDENTS. For more information contact Stacey Violante Cote.
5. School Climate
Schools will make changes to ensure they are safe, supportive learning environments, to improve student engagement and educational achievement: Public Act No. 23-167,AN ACT CONCERNING TRANSPARENCY IN EDUCATION. For more information, contact Kathryn Scheinberg Meyer.
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