Family and Children Advocate organization Voices for Virginia’s Children has continued to fight for the protection of children statewide through its many projects. From addressing racism in the foster care system to providing resources for children during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have been front and center to ensure that youth across the Commonwealth are given the best opportunities available to succeed. As the 2021 Virginia General Assembly continues to meet and set the way forward with legislation, the organization has taken on the issue of racism as a public health crisis.

Virginia is preparing to become the first Southern state to declare racism as a public health crisis through House Joint Resolution 537. Championed by delegates such as Hala Ayala (D-51st), Joshua Cole (D-28th), Elizabeth Guzman (D-31st), and Candi King D-(2nd), the resolution focuses on the trauma that centuries of racist acts towards Black and brown communities have resulted in. It has an even greater impact on children, and the resolution will help provide a continuum of care as well as investments in services across systems for youth.

Chloe Edwards, advocacy and engagement manager at Voice’s for Virginia’s Children, released the following statement in regards to the resolution’s passing. “The pandemic made it painfully clear that communities of color experience greater hardships because of structural and institutional racism. When it comes to our children, we are placing burdens on them that affect their success and well-being into adulthood.”

“The psychological impact of racism on children, specifically internalized racism, is well documented. The level of violence and adverse experiences for Black and brown children is also greater. Tamir Rice was 12-years-old when he was fatally shot by the police in 2014. The state must foster a sense of belonging for children and families through intentional acts of inclusion. Passage of this legislation and how it’s implemented is significant in how we fight for the life of every family and child in Virginia.”

“To truly create a future that ensures young people feel valued and have the ability to live long, healthy, successful lives, we needed to acknowledge that racism is a public health crisis. Now we can start to reconcile our past from a point of truth. Voices for Virginia’s Children thanks Del. [Lashresce] Aird (D-Petersburg) for carrying this historic legislation and fighting for the future of our children.”

In addition to the legislation, Edwards is also serving on a workgroup responsible for bringing the Marcus-Peters Act into legislation. The state plan will provide the framework that each locality must use to write a specific plan on the local levels. They are seeking input from community members, particularly those who have experiences with mental health or substance use disorders, developmental disabilities, law enforcement involvement, temporary detention, or emergency custody as an individual or family member.

Please fill the survey by Monday, March 8 to assist. For more information Voices for Virginia’s Children and how they are bringing Racial Truth and Reconciliation, visit their website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.