Rochester’s children are the 11th poorest in the country, increasing the odds that thousands of children will drop out of school, get pregnant too early, or get in trouble with the law.  Thanks to numerous successful partnerships, Rochester has made great strides in many areas including early childhood education, immunization rates, and pediatric care for children in foster care.  However, too many children are not on track to successful lives.  While some indicators of overall child health are moving in the right direction, too many are not.  Rochester Area Community Foundation is working with The Children’s Agenda to help address key problems.  The Children's Agenda is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization working to improve the health and well-being of children in the Greater Rochester area.

The Importance of Good Government Government policies can make a difference for children, just as they have for other populations such as the elderly, whose poverty rates were reduced dramatically through Social Security.  Whether it is child care subsidies that help ensure that children arrive at school ready to learn or health insurance programs that give children access to vital health care, public policies affect large numbers of children and have a substantial impact on their lives.

Top Priorities for Children After a careful review of the needs and opportunities for children, The Children's Agenda is focusing initially on two important areas of concern: the prevention of child abuse and the social and emotional well-being of children.  In addition, The Children's Agenda has analyzed the Monroe County budget to ensure that children are a priority among policymakers.  To learn more, contact Michelle Yale at (585) 256-2620 or MichelleYale@thechildrensagenda.org.

New Executive Director This spring, The Children's Agenda announced the appointment of Jeffrey M. Kaczorowski, M.D. as its first Executive Director.  A pediatrician educated at the University of Rochester, Dr. Kaczorowski is co-founder of Pediatric Links with the Community - which places resident pediatricians in community-based organizations. To reach The Children's Agenda, located at 500 East Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14607, contact Michelle L. Yale, Administrative Coordinator, at (585) 256-2620 or MichelleYale@thechildrensagenda.org.

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