Agenda - 04-20-1999 - 10b - Laserfiche WebLink

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Orange County Partnership for Young Children Los Ninos Task Force Key Issues and Recommendations February 24, 1999 Task Force Purpose The Los Ninos Task Force was formed in October 1998 at the request of the OCPYC Board of Directors to address the needs of the growing Latino population in Orange County. The purpose of the initiative is to assess the needs of Latino children ages 0 -5, to identify gaps in essential services, and to determine the capacity of community agencies to serve these families and children. The Task Force was comprised of approximately 30 agency representatives, community members and parents, and met three times between November 1998 and February 1999. Task Force members provided guidance to OCPYC staff to develop and implement the needs assessment, which included parent focus groups and surveys of Orange County organizations and child care providers. The Task Force then reviewed the key issues from the needs assessment and developed the following recommendations for consideration by the OCPYC Board of Directors. Needs Assessment Findings -Key Issues Family Support Language barriers are a concem for parents and children. • Parents want more classes on child development and behavior management. Old Well community is not safe for children. • Need for centralized information service -how to get driver's license, etc. • Domestic violence is a concern. • Lack of good quality affordable housing. Child Health and Mental Health • Lack of bilingual staff/ interpreters in health facilities. • Children need help with trauma of coming to U.S.(e.g. separation from family) Need more outreach about Health Choice. • Health Choice does not cover non-U.S. born children. • Families need `gap' support. • Need for preventive dental care. 2