[Event Recording] Polls, Priorities, and the 2020 Political Landscape for Children

CCF Joined by National Pollsters Molly O’Rourke and H. Stuart Elway, Ph.D. and Washington State Consultant Sai Samineni for a Timely Conversation on the 2020 Political Landscape for Children

CCF hosted an insightful and timely conversation about the polls, priorities, and political landscape from federal races to our own state legislative races here in Washington. Held the night after the first Presidential debate, it was a lively discussion about the most pressing issues facing children and families and what we can learn from the polls. Moderated by CCF Co-Chair and former representative Ruth Kagi, we were thrilled to welcome special guests Molly O’Rourke (Partner at Hart Research in Washington, D.C.), Sai Samineni (Campaign Manager and South Sound Community Consultant), and H. Stuart Elway, Ph.D. (Owner, Elway Research, Inc.).

Missed the event? You can watch the recording below!

The Imprint/Youth & Family News

Excerpt featuring CCF Co-Chair & former Rep. Ruth Kagi from “Homeless and in Foster Care: Hundreds of Washington Youth Sleeping in Offices, Hotel Rooms and Even Cars” by Elizabeth Anon (published Oct. 1)

…In the meantime, those connected to the child welfare system agree that for a state agency that has removed children from their homes due to safety concerns and taken over custody rights, it is indefensible to then treat them as if they were homeless. Under federal definitions outlined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, people sleeping in cars are to be considered homeless because cars are “not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation.”

“The damage that youth are experiencing with these multiple stays and without a stable, consistent support system is just devastating,” said Ruth Kagi, a former state legislator who serves as co-chair of an oversight board monitoring the child welfare agency. Kagi described such slapdash housing in hotels and offices as “increasing the traumatization and the instability in children’s lives.”

Click here to read the full article.

CCF Leadership News

We are thrilled to celebrate the following additions to our leadership team.

New Co-Chair, Rep. Ruth Kagi (ret.): We are deeply grateful that Rep. Ruth Kagi (ret.) – an original founder of CCF over 30 years ago and major champion for 20 years in the legislature – has rejoined the board and has agreed to serve as CCF co-chair! Please join us in celebrating Ruth’s leadership and deep commitment to children, youth, and families across Washington.

New Board Member, Janis Avery: We’re honored to welcome Janis Avery to the CCF Board! Janis has just launched Janis Avery Consulting after retiring from Treehouse in 2020. Her 24 year career at Treehouse focused on improving educational and life outcomes for children and youth experiencing foster care. We’re so grateful to Janis for sharing her considerable expertise and inspiring passion on our board!

New Executive Director, Jess Agi: After an extensive search, we are thrilled to announce that CCF has hired our very first Executive Director – Jess Agi! With so much at stake for children, youth, and families, Jess joins the CCF team at a critical time in our 30-year history. She comes with non-profit management, political, fundraising, and media expertise – and is eager to connect with dedicated community members like you this fall.

Visit the "Our Team" page to learn more about all of our incredible staff and board members!