OC Partnership for Young Children report 1999

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KEY ISSUES The findings from the focus groups and surveys were presented to the Task Force for their review. In small group discussions, Task Force members refined the key issues in the areas of early childhood care and education, child health and mental health care, and family support. These key issues are listed below, and represent a distillation of the major concerns and barriers facing Latino families and young children in Orange County. Early Childhood Care and Education • Families prefer that a friend or relative provide child care for their children, but may find this type of care unreliable. • Families that do enroll their children in formal child care settings believe that their children benefit from the opportunity to learn English and social interactions with other children. • Families who wish to use child care centers and family day care homes need Spanish speaking staff and interpreters in these settings. • Head Start is not available for all families who want it because of income eligibility limitations and insufficient spaces. • Families often are on waiting lists for child care subsidy. • Day care remains expensive for those who do not qualify for child care subsidy. • Many families need transportation to child care. Child Health and Mental Health Care • Insufficient bilingual staff members and interpreters in health facilities creates barriers to Latino families and children receiving medical care. • Some children need mental health services to adjust to coming to live in the U.S., particularly those who have been separated from family members by the move. • Despite significant outreach efforts, some eligible Latino families still are unaware of the Health Choice insurance program. • Health Choice does not cover non -U.S. born children. • Families need financial assistance to afford the full cost of medical care that is not covered by insurance. • Families with preschool aged children need assistance locating and paying for preventive dental care. Family Support • Language barriers are a major concern for parents and children. • Parents want more classes on child development and behavior management. • The Old Well Apartments community is not safe for children. • Families need a central location where they can obtain information and services — e.g., how to get driver's license, where to register for parenting classes, etc. • Domestic violence is a problem for some families. • Families have difficulty locating good quality, affordable housing in Orange County. 18