The Latest News Report: One in five in SD unprepared for a financial setback
South Dakota Voices for Children is a member of the Alliance for Economic Security, which advocates for strong communities and public policies that empower all South Dakotans to build assets and achieve economic security.

My Voice: SB163 allows an informed choice
South Dakota Voices for Children supports this bill.

2012 Assets & Opportunity Scorecard measures financial security of SD families
One in five South Dakota residents have almost no savings or other assets to weather a fnancial crisis, according to this scorecard released today.

Tighter home-based day care regulations get a hearing
South Dakota Voices for Children actively supports Senate Bill 163, which would tighten the rules for some home-based child-care businesses in South Dakota.

Voices' staffer lists priority at Sioux Falls legislative coffee
"An issue that is important to me today is senate bill 121 which expands medicare coverage to pregnant women," Greg Boris said. Boris is senior policy and program specialist for South Dakota Voices for Children.

Healthy moms lead to healthy babies
South Dakota Voices for Children suports SB 121, which would expand Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women and to make an appropriation. Contact your legislators and urge their support!

Register now for Children's Day at the Capitol
Join fellow South Dakotans who are committed to assuring that South Dakota children are healthy, educated and safe.

SD first lady advises lawmakers on reducing infant deaths
South Dakota Voices for Children has supported past legislative efforts to expand Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women.

Pre-k program for at-risk kids gets funding boost
The Rapid City Starting Strong Initiative, whose launch is targeted for fall 2012, received a $5,000 funding boost from the Black Hills Educational Institute, Inc.(BHEI).

Daugaard: Early feedback on merit pay for teachers 50-50
Susan Randall, South Dakota Voices for Children's executive director, asks the governor about state support for pre-kindergarten programs toward the end of the story.

Bridge to Benefits -- may offer help at tax time
It’s tax season! South Dakota Bridge to Benefits can link citizens to a range of benefit programs that include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Plan now to attend Children's Day 2012: February 7
For more information and registration form, click here.

Start 2012 with a donation to SD Voices for Children!
Begin the year with a tax-deductible donation to South Dakota Voices for Children. Donate online by clicking the PayPal link at the bottom left side of this page.

Voices' executive director named to state Teen Driving Task Force
Susan Randall, Ph.D., is among 14 named to task force.

Task force looks at teen crash death rate
"It's really on the heels of a lot of tragedy that we're coming together to form this task force. The picture is pretty sad in South Dakota." -- Susan Randall, executive director, South Dakota Voices for Children

Ask the candidates about kids in 2012
New Voices report: Only 2 percent of presidential debate content on kids’ issues

Keep kids safe during winter
Safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics for when the weather outside is frightful

Distracted driving: clues and solutions (SD Safety Council)
Driving is a risky activity. Each year, more than 40,000 people are killed in motor vehicle crashes and over 3 million are injured. Research indicates that in more than 50 percent of all crashes, driver inattention was a contributing factor.

SD organizations worried about cuts
"Over 34 thousand children across our state are living in poverty," said Executive Director for South Dakota Voices For Children Dr. Susan Randall. And if Congress decides to make more cuts, it's about to get worse.

Budget cuts shouldn't target poor, advocates say
Group fears supercommittee's work will further hurt needy

New Mayo guide helps parents spot teens' mental disorders
The Mayo Clinic has released a list of warning signs showing whether children might have mental disorders -- a tool designed to ensure that parents and doctors catch mental illness early without alarming parents of healthy children.

South Dakotans Talking set for Vermillion
Join your neighbors for a free meal and some serious discussion about our state finances.

Rapid City Journal: Study says state lags in after-school programs
Ensuring that students are supervised in the hours after school has become a national priority, one in which South Dakota fails to excel, according to a recent report.

T. Berry Brazelton stresses family connection in talk at Kellogg Foundation
A Harvard professor and early-learning researcher on Tuesday urged the Battle Creek area to "galvanize" around empowered parents and early learning.

Study: Pre-k crucial to best 3rd grade reading outcomes
A study out today has a clear message: If you want to maximize the chances of strong 3rd grade reading results, preschool programs in combination with full-day kindergarten is the way to go.

GFP, DOH to grant nature backpacks kits to after-school/out-of school programs

Rapid City: Public conversations planned about state budget priorities
The talks will be facilitated by the South Dakota State University Extension Community Development and South Dakota Budget & Policy Project. The latter is a project of South Dakota Voices for Children.

Yankton: Budget forum looks at state policy issues
The SD Budget & Policy Project is a project of South Dakota Voices for Children.

Mitchell: South Dakotans Talking: Group works to raise awareness of budget choices
“South Dakotans Talking” events, being held statewide, are designed to educate South Dakotans and get them engaged in the state budgeting process. The South Dakota Budget & Policy Project is a project of South Dakota Voices for Children.

Helping folks talk about the state budget
Watching the state budget being devised during the legislative session can be a confusing, frustrating process. So, the South Dakota Budget and Policy Project has organized a series of meetings, called "South Dakotans Talking," to help people understand the process.

Poverty touches more Sioux Falls students
South Dakota Voices for Children's advocacy has focused on lifting children and families out of poverty and enhancing prosperity. A major accomplishment is development of the Bridge to Benefits Web site in cooperation with the Children’s Defense Fund. The site links families and individuals to information about tax credits and benefit programs.

Shining light on after-school programs
KSFY's coverage of South Dakota's October 7 Lights on Afterschool.

Argus Leader editorial commends SD Afterschool Partnership report
"Guidelines for tailoring successful plans eventually will benefit all S. Dakotans"

Out-of-School Time in South Dakota report released Oct. 6
Out-of-School Time in South Dakota -- Achieving Program Sustainability: A Report and Recommendations has been released by the SD Afterschool Partnership, a project of South Dakota Voices for Children. To read the report, click on "Publications."

No Place for Kids report
New Annie E. Casey Foundation News report presents groundbreaking research on the failure of juvenile incarceration in America.

Identifying the homeless
With comment by Susan M. Randall, executive director of South Dakota Voices for Children.

State reports full compliance with Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act
For the first time since South Dakota regained compliance with a federal law regarding where juvenile offenders can be housed while awaiting court action, the state is reporting no violations of the federal Act.

2010 Census data: SD children impacted by poverty
Part of an interview by KDLT-TV with Susan M. Randall, executive director, South Dakota Voices for Children.

Poverty hitting S.D. children hard
Census figures indicate state's kids feel effects more than peers in neighboring states

Poverty rates for children on the rise
With comment from Joy Smolnisky, director, SD Budget & Policy Project, a project of South Dakota Voices for Children.

Fewer youths in state custody
Emphasis now being placed on community collaboration BY BOB MERCER, American News Correspondent

Sanford joins effort to protect young athletes
Written by Jon Walker Sioux Falls Argus Leader

Susan Randall honored by state school board association
Commitment to improving public education noted

Poverty rate high in South Dakota, nationwide
State slightly below U.S. level; many also lack insurance Written by Peter Harriman

Sioux Falls Family Home Daycare Inspections/Enforcement
You can determine whether your day care provider has registered with the city of Sioux Falls and also view any inspections that have been conducted at the day care. If a citation has been issued within the last year to a daycare it will appear on the citation list.

Congratulations to Voices’ executive director Dr. Susan Randall
Dr. Susan Randall was named recipient of the 2011 South Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children (SDAEYC) Leadership Award.

Councilors: Changes wouldn't have saved baby
But updating Sioux Falls' day care system still considered essential ... with comment by Voices' executive director Susan Randall. By Steve Young,Sioux Falls Argus Leader

See/hear KIDS SPEAK 2011 for yourself!
The 2011 KIDS SPEAK topic was “How can policy (including education, implementation and enforcement) help South Dakota youth avoid the lasting effects of tobacco, drugs and alcohol?” Six students from across the state were selected to speak before a panel of distinguished listeners. You can hear the presentations (and comments by panelists) by clicking on the headline.

Preschool benefits last into adulthood, study says
Preschool has surprisingly enduring benefits lasting well into adulthood, according to one of the biggest, longest follow-up studies of its kind. Better jobs, less drug abuse and fewer arrests are among advantages found in the study that tracked more than 1,000 low-income, mostly black Chicago kids for up to 25 years.

Helping children respond to natural disasters
Website offers help for parents concerned about children affected by Missouri River flooding.

Photos of Sioux Falls and Rapid City Champions for Children; KIDS SPEAK forum
Click on "Events and Awards" in the column at left. Then click on "Champion for Children Awards Luncheon" to see photos of those events and on "KIDS SPEAK" to see forum participants.

Updated Juvenile Justice Guidebook available
Guidebook helps youth, parents navigate juvenile justice system

"A Parent's Guide to Children's Mental Health Services" featured on SDPR Dakota Midday
Paul Guggenheimer is joined by Susan Randall, Executive Director of South Dakota Voices for Children, and Tom Stanage, Executive Director of Lewis and Clark Behavioral Health Services. They talk about "A Parent's Guide to Children's Mental Health Services in South Dakota."

Voices for Children updates mental health guide
Parents urged to identify kids' problems early Josh Verges • jverges@argusleader.com • January 5, 2011

Children can have mental health problems; help is available
Changes in diagnoses, treatment in updated Parent’s Guide

Media coverage of SD Budget & Policy Project website launch; Budget Primer release
Project aims to bring together citizens and lawmakers to build a better state budget.

Project aims to help lawmakers, citizens craft a state budget that works
Days in advance of Gov. Mike Rounds’ December 7 budget address, the South Dakota Budget & Policy Project (SDBPP) released its Budget Primer and launch its website at a news conference in Sioux Falls.

Starting Strong Pre-k pilot maintains high marks through final year
For its third and final year, youngsters in Sioux Falls’ Starting Strong pre-kindergarten pilot have shown “significant” gains, according to independent evaluator Dr. Gera Jacobs of the University of South Dakota.

Why Should I Care...about Early Childhood Education?
A response by Voices' executive director Susan M. Randall to that question posted on Plug-In Sioux Falls, a blog for the Sioux Falls Young Professionals.

Public policy changes can help families flourish
Essay in the the November 7, 2010 edition of the Sioux Falls Argus Leader by Susan M. Randall, executive director, South Dakota Voices for Children.

Voices' members win recognition for philanthropy efforts
Pierre (SD) residents with connections to South Dakota Voices for Children will be recognized at the Philanthropy Day luncheon organized by the Pierre Area Charitable Organizations.

S.D. children fare well emotionally
Problems are fewer than for kids in other states Beth Wischmeyer • Argis Leader • October 16, 2010

Mt. Rushmore alight for Afterschool Programs
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The four presidential faces on Mount Rushmore were lighted Saturday night as part of the "Lights on After-school" commemoration. This was part of a national project to spotlight the importance of after-school programs.

Questions to ask candidates for governor about issues that matter to children
In the weeks ahead the two candidates for governor will be appearing across the state to share their ideas and ask for your vote. This also provides you with the opportunity to ask them questions about children’s issues. Below are some questions (along with background information) that we encourage you to ask the candidates.

Voices concludes candidate interviews
South Dakota Voices for Children invited the three candidates for U.S. House and the two candidates for South Dakota governor to come to Voices' office to talk about issues of importance to children. Photos taken during those interviews are below. To learn more about candidates' views, click on "Publications" at left, then scroll down to Fall 2010 newsletters.

Kids mental health website updated
Children do have mental health problems; help is available

‘Unbelievable journey’ for Britton-Hecla senior student
When Britton-Hecla senior Tara Andresen accepted the invitation to join the South Dakota Voices for Children Advisory Council as an eighth grader, she was excited but had no idea what this opportunity would be like. “This has been an unbelievable journey to be involved with a state organization and to help children in South Dakota,” she said. “We try to make the lives of SD children ‘harm-free’ by advocating legislation and programs to help them.”

More: SD can do better for its kids
A radio interview by Yankton's KYNT with Dr. Greg Boris, senior policy and program specialist with South Dakota Voices for Children.

Report: South Dakota can do better for its kids
The 2010 "Kids Count" report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows South Dakota is 26th in the nation in a ranking by state of child well-being. The annual report rates each state on ten categories in health, safety and education.

South Dakota losing ground in making after-school programs available;
The America After 3PM Special Report on Summer offers a snapshot of how children spend their summers and finds that the nation is missing a key opportunity to help millions of children succeed in school.

Newpaper coverage of Champion for Children Award recipients
While we’ll soon be posting photos from South Dakota Voices for Children’s Champion for Children Awards events in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, here’s a look at coverage of the events from around the state.

KIDS SPEAK 2010 an outstanding success
Seven South Dakota teens address topics related to school wellness.

SDPB to reprise This Emotional Life
Three episode encore presentation begins April 18.

Children's Day at the Capitol 2010
Since 1995, South Dakotans from across the state gathered in Pierre to speak on behalf of children at Children?s Day at the Capitol, hosted by South Dakota Voices for Children. This year?s event, February 2, drew advocates who, like Voices, are committed to assuring that every child in South Dakota is healthy, educated and safe.

Rapid City group urges child care, early education improvements
The Rapid City Area Council on Early Care and Education urged city officials to take specific steps to benefit the quality of early care and education in the area.

New SD coalition aims to break the grip of poverty
As South Dakota?s unemployment rate hit 5 percent, a group of stakeholders convened by South Dakota Voices for Children laid groundwork for an effort to end the grip of poverty for children and families in the state.

South Dakota Voices for Children receives Northwest Area Foundation grant
South Dakota Voices for Children is among 14 recipients of grants awarded to organizations "with proven track records of success offering approaches that reduce poverty by building prosperity" across the Foundation?s eight-state region.

Fulfilling Our Responsiblity focuses on infant/child care in Rapid City
Report reveals survey results, related research and recommendations.

Another way to support South Dakota Voices for Children
You can now join South Dakota Voices for Children and help to support its work through PayPal.

An economic development strategy that works
Fed economist in Rapid City October 29 to focus on the high public return of early childhood education.

Pre-k pilot holds promise for all S.D.
Program is market-based, parent-driven and includes private and public providers who meet quality standards.

Focus of report, Web site: Lift SD children out of poverty
Public policy shift can secure ?our common good?

Aberdeen report on child care and early education released
Life is good in Aberdeen ? Making our good life better report reveals survey results of Aberdeen parents regarding child care and early education reality and needs.

May 21 luncheon honored Black Hills 2009 Champions for Children
Three Rapid City men were honored as 2009 Champions for Children at a luncheon held Thursday, May 21 at the Holiday Inn Rushmore Plaza. Individuals and organizations named to the 2009 Honor Roll were also be recognized.

2009 'Champions for Children' announced
Honor Roll recipients also named

Seven presented ideas at KIDS SPEAK 2009
Teens, selected from applicants statewide, spoke directly to influential adults who comprised a panel of distinguished listeners.

New Web site helps parents with children?s mental health needs
A new Web site ? www.sdkidsmentalhealth.org ? developed especially for South Dakota parents, includes information about mental health disorders that can affect children, available services, and how and where to get help. In addition, parents can view a video version of the publication, "A Parent's Guide to Children's Mental Health Services in South Dakota."

Lights On Afterschool
Afterschool programs keep kids safe and active, while helping to develop social, emotional, physical and academic skills.

High marks for Starting Strong's first year
An independent evaluator has given high marks to the first of a three-year pre-kindergarten pilot for at-risk children in Sioux Falls.

Quality early learning: Economic development that works
Federal Reserve Bank economist focuses on high public return of early childhood learning at Aberdeen event

Community Foundation Salutes South Dakota Voices for Children
Community Spirit Award recognizes Voices' early learning initiative

2008 Champion for Children Award Recipients and Honor Roll
Established in 1996 by South Dakota Voices for Children, the Champion for Children Awards honor significant achievements that improve the lives of South Dakota children. Champions for Children may be volunteers or professionals; individuals, organizations or community groups. This is the inaugural year for Voices' Policy Leader Award.

2008 Legislative Wrap-Up
Highlights of the 2008 session that includes the outcome of measures on which Voices took a stance and a roll-call vote on key issues.

Poll shows strong public support for pre-k standards
Republican/Democrat, East/West River voters back measure in equal numbers

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