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Protection of At-Risk Youth

The Center and its members believe justice and respect for the dignity of every human being, particularly children, are core moral values. Evidence is conclusive that policies which invest in the education and health of our youngest generations are beneficial in reducing poverty and addressing many of the issues that place children at risk in the first place.

Shackling of Prisoners during Childbirth
While much of our criminal justice system reflects appropriate concern for the safety and welfare of the Commonwealth’s residents, it falls short on appropriate displays of compassion and mercy. This is particularly the case with regard to the practice of shackling prisoners during childbirth. The Center is working with coalition partners and the Department of Corrections on legislation that will revoke this policy and implement a more compassionate approach that provides appropriate and dignified health care for women during childbirth.

Campaign for Healthy Kids
Faith communities have a rich history of working together for social change. Today there is emerging energy among faith communities to advocate for improved food, nutrition and environmental policies. In 2010, the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy joined the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth in part of a statewide initiative to impact the issue of childhood obesity. We're addressing the issue of childhood obesity by organizing the faith community, coalition partners, community leaders and allies. By educating and activating our growing coalitions, we're raising awareness about childhood obesity and healthy living.

As part of this initiative the Center is working to improve statewide policies that directly impact children who are at the highest risk for obesity. In collaboration with health groups such as the American Heart Association, we advocate for an increase in the physical activity requirement for Virginia’s school children. Despite both chambers passing the legislation last year, the Governor vetoed the bill and legislators could not muster the 2/3 majority required to override the veto. In 2012 we plan to build on this foundation to promote healthy kids and communities.

Additionally, we worked on legislation that would require that the nutritional content be available for foods sold to students as part of their breakfast or lunch programs. Unfortunately the patron struck her own bill from the docket, but we are working to advocate and educate on the importance of establishing nutritional guidelines in schools that exceed the limited standards established by the USDA. This will help ensure that our children are learning about healthy, nutritious foods, a necessary step in childhood obesity prevention.

Child Trafficking
Human trafficking is a horrendous practice that robs its victims of the freedom and dignity endowed to them by their Creator. Each year thousands of Virginian’s women and children are abused by those who make a profit off of their bodies and labor. Virginia advocates from a variety of backgrounds are united in strengthening Virginia’s laws to protect children from human trafficking. During the 2012 session we will seek strengthened protections and increased penalties for those who participate in this inhumane practice that violates our basic understandings of life and liberty.   

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