Ohio Governor Signs Child Well Being Bill, Supporters Look Ahead to Budget for Funds
Source: http://www.mahoningmatters.com
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed House Bill 7, a sweeping measure designed to improve child outcomes across the state. The legislation addresses a wide array of child wellbeing issues, including the Help Me Grow development program, youth mental health initiatives, tobacco reduction efforts for parents, fatherhood programs, and enhancements to the WIC program.
Lynanne Gutierrez, president and CEO of child advocacy group Groundwork Ohio, hailed the legislation as a “milestone” in ensuring every child in Ohio has the chance to thrive. “House Bill 7 represents critical steps forward for Ohio’s children, including a transformative new approach to early childhood mental health diagnoses, prioritization of home visiting programs for families in great need, and strengthened interagency collaboration to ensure timely and coordinated care for families,” Gutierrez said in a statement.
The bill includes provisions for evaluating programs overseen by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, the Department of Medicaid, and the Department of Health, among others. Supporters of the bill are hopeful that additional funding for its initiatives will be secured through the state’s upcoming biennial budget.
Groundwork Ohio emphasized its commitment to working with policymakers to tackle Ohio’s infant and maternal mortality crisis. The legislation’s success marks a significant step forward in prioritizing the health and wellbeing of Ohio’s children and families.
Read more of the story here: https://ohio.childreninfobank.com/safebank/ohio-governor-signs-child-well-being-bill-supporters-look-ahead-to-budget-for-funds/
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