Social Policy in the Eyes of Social Workers

Executive Summary

• In recent months, the Illinois General Assembly has had much debate over whether testing students for dyslexia should be mandated in all schools. Private testing can cost upwards of $500 and it limits families who are not able to afford it.

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability or disorder that includes poor word reading, word decoding, oral reading fluency, and spelling.

Introduction

• This topic is important because it has the ability to help students in a positive way. The proposed bill plans to test children in kindergarten-first grade, it would give children the advantage to adjusting their academic learning experience at and early age and set the foundation for the rest of their education careers.
• People should care about this topic because signs of dyslexia can begin to show at age 6. Also, it is estimated that one in ten persons have dyslexia, so it is common that you, or someone you know has dyslexia.
• The goals of the research and implementing the bill will be to offer a solution for families who want to have their child(ren) tested but are not financially able to do so. Another goal is to build a stronger bridge between the school system and parents and come together for the common good of children.
• The overall findings of the research and proposed bill were that the general assembly needed more time to discuss and debate if they wanted to mandate dyslexia testing in schools. Some factors that I am sure they are taking into consideration are the cost of testing, where to get the proper tools for testing, and how it will effect IEP and 504 plans for students.

Approaches and Results  

• Some facts about dyslexia are that dyslexia is not tied to a person’s IQ (intelligence quotient). Often times, people with dyslexia are very creative and artistic and can express themselves in other ways. Another fact about dyslexia is that people with dyslexia can learn ways that help them succeed academically through tutoring. Some dyslexia tutoring centers offer ways for students to spell out words, like sand and finger play, and then it also provides parents with tools to use at home when helping with homework.
• Issues that arise with this topic are that children in the school system who have already been diagnosed with dyslexia are not provided the resources that the proposed bill would. Also, although the proposed bill does not go into much detail about this, dyslexia is not a recognized disability in Illinois at this point and children with dyslexia are provided a 504 plan (a less regulated and non-binding contract between the student and teachers) and not an IEP (an Individualized Education Plan that binds the school to meet the academic accommodations of students with disabilities and other medically diagnosed learning difficulties). Also, the proposed bill does not mention anything about dysgraphia (the inability to write coherently)
• The context of the issue is the general assembly who has noticed a need to dyslexia testing in schools and working on implementing that into the school systems. The bill would also affect students, parents, teachers, and school board. Dyslexia is a relatively new learning challenge that scientists do not know much about in regards to what is causing it, but the General Assembly is attempting to be proactive in their approach to helping this new phenomenon.

Conclusion

• Based on the results of my research, I believe that dyslexia testing is necessary to help students succeed through diagnosis, intervention planning, and documentation. The basis of the testing would require all school districts in Illinois to screen all students in kindergarten-first grade in material related to dyslexic characteristics; such as letter naming, letter sound, and rapid naming. Each school district would then be required to evaluate the child’s family history of learning disabilities. Students in second grade will be tested on components of oral history and spelling. If a student demonstrates difficulty in any of the tested areas listed above, school districts will be provided with evidence-based supportive services and the parent(s) and or/guardian of the child will be informed of the results and provided educational resources as well. Mandatory dyslexia testing in schools would allow parents of lower socioeconomic status an equal opportunity to have their child tested.
• Some assertions that can be made is that parents with dyslexic children need the support from school districts, teachers, and the government help with success of the child. Hopefully, if the bill passes, the next step will be classifying dyslexia as a disability so students can get guaranteed academic accommodations.

Implications and Recommendations

• Your call to action here is to go to advocate at school board meetings and advocate for dyslexia accommodations for students who have dyslexia; regardless of whether or not his bill is passed. Also, speak out and make calls to your local state representative in to vote in favor of the bill if you feel inclined to do so. Speak to school teachers and inquire their view on dyslexia and what they are doing currently to accommodate for students with dyslexia. Another way to support this issue is to become involved with your local outlets and programs such as LEAP in the champaign-urbana area.

Support for dyslexia testing and awareness will significantly improve the educational success of today’s youth.

• IL General Assembly should implement the bill on December 15, 2015 and provide support for students and families with dyslexia. Even though they did not vote on the bill on their original date of July 31, I would assume that they are using this time to do more research about dyslexia testing and the benefits.

The United States is the only developed country in the world with no mandated paid maternity leave in the world (Liebelson, 2014) The only other country that does not mandate any paid leave for women from their jobs is Papua New Guinea. Unpaid leave was only mandated in 1993 under the Family Medical Leave Act and allows hourly workers to take time away from their work, but with no financial support (Kirtzleben, 2015). There is no mandated paternity leave in the United States, despite the fact that fathers are becoming more involved in the care of children and families. High level politicians need to create federal policies that allow all citizens access to the paid family leave that they need and deserve.

Scope of the Problem

In the United States, only 12% of workers get paid family leave through their employers (Liebelson, 2014). Each employer is able to give however much paid time off they would like, but they are in no way required to do so. More than 2.5 million workers need to take leave but are unable to do so because of their family’s financial needs (Lerner, 2015). Most women return to work within 10 weeks of giving birth (Lerner, 2015). Nearly 1 in 4 women return to work within 2 weeks of having their child.

Access to Paid Maternity (and Paternity) Leave

80% of college graduates took 6 weeks or more off to care for their newborn child yet only 54% of women without a college degree did so. This statistic shows how women from racial minorities and lower socioeconomic backgrounds are disproportionately affected by the privatization of paid leave policies in the United States. For example, Netflix announced that all employees would be eligible for unlimited parental leave in August of this year (Peck, 2015). However, what they failed to mention, was that only salaried employees in their digital division could cash in this benefit. The hourly employees who earn a lower wage than their colleagues in the DVD department would not.

Call to Action

The best way to achieve paid maternity and family leave for all workers in America is to have it mandated by the Federal Government. Please contact the sympathetic political candidates as well as your local representatives to tell them that this issue is important for the health of the American economy. The following links will take you to candidates websites, both presidential frontrunners and sympathetic Illinois legislators, so you can educate yourself on their maternity and family leave policies and ask them to stand strong on these issues.

https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/womens-rights-and-opportunity/

https://berniesanders.com/issues/real-family-values/

http://www.durbin.senate.gov/issues/jobs-and-the-economy

https://rodneydavis.house.gov/contact/

The Autism Project in Illinois

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States. In 2003, The Autism Project was created in Illinois to assist families of children with autism get access to the appropriate interventions, and to provide training to educators, Early Intervention professionals, and medical providers. In the spring of 2015, the state cut funding for The Autism Project.

Why autism matters

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. According to the Center for Disease Control, 1 in 68 children has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is up 30% from 2012. Being diagnosed with ASD puts you at a high risk of additional medical conditions and challenges.

What does The Autism Project do?

TAP is a collaboration of local agencies that provides a variety of resources and services.
Family and Community Resource Rooms– available to families, caregivers, teachers, and interested community members.
Screening and Diagnosis– Children  will be screened for the possibility of ASD or other developmental delay.
Social Skills Groups– help children learn the social rules we typically take for granted, and develop a greater level of comfort in communicating with others.
Family Services– Trained professionals can provide family treatment, consultation, and specialized resources and supports to address concerns.
Support Groups– Parent Support Groups and Sibling Support Groups, educational workshops for parents whose children have been newly diagnosed with an ASD
Specialized Consultation– advice, recommendations, and referrals to specialists and other agencies as appropriate, available to parents and caregivers, educators, health care, child care and other providers.
Training Programs– for parents and caregivers, educators, Early Intervention professionals, First Responders, day care providers, and others.
Telehealth Presentations– short lectures and workshops on ASD-related
issues for Service Network Partners and community professionals, topics ranging from Differential Diagnosis, Genetic Testing, Clinic/School Teamwork, and others.

Funding cuts

In April of 2015, the state cut funding to TAP, with the Central Illinois office closing just two weeks ago on September 30th.

 
In Springfield, the center stopped accepting low income
children into its diagnostic and treatment programs in early August. And by the end of the month, the program no longer could afford to continue serving families without private insurance or other means to pay.

 
According to TAP’s director Russell Bonanno, “Medicaid doesn’t cover most services from The Autism Program, and families covered by Medicaid often can’t afford to pay privately for services that can cost up to $100 or more per hour”.

Simply put, families are going without services.

What you can do

• Contact your legislators
  • Let them know how important TAP services are
  • Ask that they support bill SB 2046
  • Ask them to work together to pass a responsible, balanced budget.
• Visit http://www.save-tap.org/ for more ways to support TAP and help restore funding.

 

Human trafficking violates the dignity of men, women, and children who are coerced or deceived into labor services or sexual acts at the profit of their trafficker. To individuals who had hoped for a life free from poverty, they are often left feeling there is no way out. The trauma and manipulation experienced by these individuals is frequently unrecognized or underreported due to underground nature of human trafficking.

Understanding the Facts

Unfortunately, human trafficking on our own soil and is more widespread than the general population may think. According to federal reports, 14,500-17,500 victims are trafficked into the United States annually; this excludes those trafficked within the U.S. each year (American Association of University Women, 2015). However, the first report on human trafficking offenses and arrests only came out in 2013 with 13 states reporting, despite the severity of this problem (The Washington Post, 2015). This is not an issue that can remain out of sight, out of mind; the more knowledgeable the American people are about the existence of human trafficking and the fact that it can occur right down the street, the better able we will be to improve upon the policies in place and the quality of life for those affected.

One young girl named Sacharay explains in her testimony that her trafficker made her feel like she was special despite the fact that she was being sold to “dozens of men a day” in places like motel rooms and barber shops. She was rescued by The Living Water Center, which helped provide her with a GED and a job. Non-profit sanctuaries like this offer therapy, financial education, and leadership training, but only for those who are aware of their services (CNN, 2015).

A Victim-Centered Approach

Because human trafficking is first and foremost a human rights issue, focus should be on rehabilitation and services for victims, in addition to national security. Restrictive migration policies will not abolish this problem domestically or benefit those who have already been victimized.

Recent pieces of legislation have strived to provide victims with appropriate care and job placements, as well as increase law enforcement resources to crack down on perpetrators.  The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2015 was enacted to help fund services and research regarding the development of deterrence and training programs. Additionally, the Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act seeks to establish laws that treat minors involved in commercial sexual activity as trafficking victims instead of criminal prostitutes. The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act is also victim-centered and seeks to use the fines on convicted traffickers to fund support programs and services (US News, 2015).

The amount of legislation passed this year regarding this issue makes it clear that, as a nation, we believe it is important to fight against such violations of human rights; however these Acts must be followed through and properly enacted with continued education and research in order for law enforcement to effectively diminish the numbers.  These policies cannot be undertaken solely for political approval; individual lives are depending on the implementation of these services.

Continuing the Conversation

An essential part of the fight against human trafficking is drawing public attention to the facts surrounding this problem. Documentaries like CNN’s Children for Sale: The Fight to End Human Trafficking brings this issue to our own living rooms, creating a call for greater education of the American people and raising awareness to a topic that deserves our attention.

With the passing of these most recent policies and increase in discourse, especially in the context of the upcoming election, there is hope that with increased funding, more data will be collected regarding trafficking procedures and that more victims, through increased awareness and public action, will come forward seeking services. Ultimately, these policies are a step in the right direction when it comes to upholding human rights and reducing the stigma that surrounds human trafficking.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 888-373-7888. You can also donate to or find help at a number of organizations across the United States:

• Safe Horizon is located in New York City and provides both legal and educational services.
• Polaris Project contains a crisis emergency response team based in Washington DC and provides victims with clothing, food, and therapy.
• Not For Sale, based in San Francisco, seeks to help victims find jobs as well as education and shelter.

Trauma is a pervasive issue that affects millions of children, leading to a multitude of negative outcomes involving an child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.  Protective factors can be implemented in the school environmental to combat such long-lasting negative effects.

The Importance of Trauma Informed Practice in Schools

Trauma occurs when an individual is unable to cope with exposure to acute or chronic stress (American Orthopsychiatric Association, 2012).  Trauma is a widespread problem that affects many individuals, resulting in detrimental effects on development.  According to ACES Too High (2013), approximately 35 million children have been exposed to at least one type of trauma, and the Attorney General Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence (2012) estimated that in 2012 roughly 46 million children experienced some type of violence, abuse, psychological trauma, or witnessed a crime.  Childhood trauma can have devastating lifelong effects on physiological and psychological wellbeing (American Orthopsychiatric Association, 2012), resulting in such negative effects as an increased propensity for obesity, drug abuse, and increased mental health diagnosis.

Through the adoption of trauma informed practices in schools, the public education sector has the ability to become a safe haven for children who have or are experiencing trauma (Trauma Sensitive Schools Org, 2015). As a result of children spending nearly a quarter of their life in school (Team Up for Kansas Kids, 2015), schools serve as a common denominator in the lives of many children who are exposed to traumatic life events and therefore can potentially intervene in the lives of these children on a daily basis.

The Facts

Detriments to Children Exposed to Trauma

• Physical Health – Childhood traumatic experiences have been associated with an increased risk of engaging in behaviors that may lead to negative health outcomes (smoking, unprotected sex, alcohol, drug abuse, etc.), are more likely to become a teen parent, and are at a higher risk of experiencing medical issues (obesity, gastrointestinal complaints, heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes, etc.) (Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators, 2008).
• Brain Development – Children and Youth exposed to chronic trauma may experience changes in the growth pattern of their brain; areas of the brain associated with behavior and learning may also decrease in size (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2015). Chronic trauma exposure may result in consistent flight, fight, or freeze responses from survivors and can result in the individual living in a “constant state of emergency,” impeding their logical cognitive processing abilities (Glass, 2012).
• Emotional Regulation – Exposure to chronic stress without intervention can leave children vulnerable; these children typically do not have the emotional resources or maturity to appropriately respond to stress in a socially acceptable manner (National Traumatic Stress Network, 2015).
• Mental Health – Trauma increases the chances of a future mental health diagnosis (Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators, 2008).
• Academic Performance – Exposure to chronic stress impacts concentration, memory, attention, information processing, problem solving, and planning. Children who have experienced chronic stress are typically suspended or expelled more frequently, have lower academic scores, and are more likely to drop out of school (Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators, 2008).
• Interactions with Peers and Teachers – Exposure to trauma may impact a child’s relationship with peers and/or teachers. Children exposed to trauma have been shown to engage in interactions in a more negative and aggressive manner.  Additionally, children who have experienced trauma are more likely to struggle with social interactions and may engage in bullying behaviors (The Neurobiology of Childhood Trauma and Abuse, 2003).

Trauma Sensitive Schools

• Create a space of compassion and understanding among all employees in the school. All staff learn how trauma affects the development of children and adolescents, which creates an environment geared toward support not punishment (Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative, 2015).
• Support an environment of safety. Physically, emotionally, and socially safe environments allow children to develop trusting relationships with adults and peers (Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative, 2015).
• View children’s needs through a holistic and individual centered framework, and considers those needs when teaching and interacting with each student (Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative, 2015).
• Support a team-based approach to teacher and student interactions. The ideal of asking “what can we do as a community to support all children to help them feel safe and participate fully in our school community?” vs. “what can I do to fix this child?” is supported (Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative, 2015).

Take Action

Get Educated

• Understand how trauma impacts children and youth.
• Visit the Illinois Collaboration on Youth for an introductory course on trauma.
• Take advantage of the Trauma Toolbox on the American Academy of Pediatrics website to further your clinical knowledge regarding the effects of trauma.
• Visit the National Child Traumatic Stress Network Learning Center (http://learn.nctsn.org) to register for a free online training covering a variety of trauma related topics.

Advocate

• As a professional in the field of social work you will be able to make a difference.
• Support your local community or school efforts to engage in trauma sensitive care.

Practice Responsibly and Be Sensitive

• Take into account your client’s history.
• Practice trauma informed care.
• Recognize the impacts of trauma on children and youth.
• Be compassionate to the experiences of the clients you are working with. Respect how their experiences may be shaping their internalizing or externalizing behaviors.

What does it mean to die with dignity?

In 1977, Oregon passed the Death with Dignity Act, which is a bill allowing people with a terminal illness and six months or less to live, have the choice to end their lives in a humane way. The “right-to-die” movement picked up speed after the death of Brittany Maynard. Maynard had brain cancer and was diagnosed with six months to live. She decided to move to Oregon where she could chose to end her life when she felt the time was right. Her story spurred the movement for dying with dignity. Along with Oregon, Montana, Washington, Vermont, and California are currently the only states in the US that have passed this bill. There is a need for this law to be implemented nationwide, so all patients can have the same end of life options.

 End of Life Option Act

The most recent state to pass this bill is California, where it passed on October 5^th, 2015.  The bill, called The End of Life Option Act or Assembly Bill x2-15, was signed by Governor Jerry Brown. According to Euthnasia.procon.org, the state legislature must adjourn on a special meeting about health care before the law will take effect, which will not be until January 2016 at the earliest.

 “I do not know what I would do if I were dying in prolonged and excruciating pain…however, it would be a comfort to be able to consider the options afforded by this bill. And I wouldn’t deny that right to others.”

– Governor Jerry Brown

Patient eligibility in California, According to Euthansia.procon.org

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Resident of California
• Six months or less until death is expected
• Can communicate and make health decisions for him/herself
• Mentally and physically able to administer the aid-in-dying-drug

The facts according to the Oregon Public Health Division

• In Oregon since 1997, prescriptions have been written for 1,327 people and 859 patients have chosen to end their lives legally prescribed medication
• .Patients must also have at least one consultation with a state licensed psychiatrist or psychologist to make sure the patients is not suffering from a mental illness or depression, which might affect their judgment. This applies to all states with the law.
• The attending physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist must also say the person is able to communicate health care desires to the health care professionals. This applies to all states with the law.
• In Oregon, the most prescribed drug is Secobarbital, which is a capsule, followed by Pentobarbital, which is a liquid.
• As in previous years, the three most frequently mentioned end-of-life concerns were loss of autonomy (91.4%), decreasing ability to participate in activities that made life enjoyable (86.7%), and loss of dignity (71.4%).
• 93% of patients that chose to take drugs were enrolled in hospice care as well
• 100% of the patients that took the drugs also had some type of health insurance

Opposition

According to a Time Magazine article by Josh Sanburn, the main objectors to this bill are physicians, the Catholic Church, and disability-rights organizations (2015).  Some physicians do not believe this law coincides with the Hippocratic Oath of “do no harm”. The Catholic Church tends to believe the law devalues the life God gave us. Many people who are in the disability rights organizations are also worried people will be coerced or forced into taking the drugs against their will. Additionally, other say insurance companies could target poor patients and offer to pay for the drugs to end someone’s life, but not for expensive treatments that could save their life (Sanburn, 2015).

A Call to Action/ Recommendation

People should have a choice on how to end their lives when diagnosed with a
terminal illness. Only 5 states have a law making this possible. I recommend the Die with Dignity law be put in place nationwide. People all around the country are suffering and do not have the same rights as those in the five states allowing people to make that choice. Relocating to gain residency is not an option for people who only have six months to live. We need to advocate so all people, no matter where they live, have access to this option. People should have the option to die in a humane and compassionate way, rather than be in pain and suffer.

Currently there is no activity in legislation surrounding this bill in Illinois.

What can you do?    

Learn more

• deathwithdignity.org
• compassionandchoices.org
• euthanasia.procon.org
• dignityindying.org.uk

Contact elected officials in Illinois

• A template of a letter to lawmakers can be found in the link below
  • https://www.compassionandchoices.org/what-you-can-do/get-involved/pass-death-with-dignity-in-our-state-2/

Donate to organizations that work to advocate for this law

• Compassion and Choices
  • Can also volunteer with this organization if you live in a state that has the law
• Death With Dignity National Center
• Get involved in a local chapter of Compassion and Choices in Illinois

 

Summary:

Planned Parenthood, an organization that describes itself as a “trusted healthcare provider,” has recently been under fire due to accusations that include selling aborted fetus organs. In light of the recent accusations, debate has sprung regarding whether or not federal funding to Planned Parenthood should be discontinued.

Introduction:

Planned Parenthood was established nearly 100 years ago by Margaret Sanger as an organization dedicated to women’s reproductive health. Originally with a focus on birth control, Planned Parenthood has grown over the past century to handle a multitude of facets including provision of comprehensive and reproductive healthcare, advocacy of public policy, provision of education programs, and promotion of research and advancement of technology in terms of reproductive health. Nearly 2.7 million women and men in the United States utilize these services annually proving the organization reaches a wide scope of individuals (PPFA, 2014). Included as a health care service provision is the hot-button issue of abortions.

The Controversy:

Recently, videos have surfaced that attempt to expose Planned Parenthood for illegally selling the body parts of aborted fetuses for research as well as mistreating live fetuses after failed abortions (Ertelt, 2015). These videos sparked an upheaval amongst lawmakers who have proposed a bill that would give states the ability to end their funding to Planned Parenthood; states will be able to deny any organization that performs abortions from receiving Medicaid reimbursement (GovTrack, 2015). The bill has passed in the House of Representatives but could still be vetoed by the White House.

Conclusion:

Per existing law, no money generated to Planned Parenthood through Medicaid or other federal funds is used to finance abortion procedures. Federal funds account for 41% of Planned Parenthood’s income. These funds are directed towards other reproductive health services such as sexually transmitted disease or cancer screening and prevention, which accounts for more than half of the services Planned Parenthood provides (GovTrack, 2015). If Planned Parenthood were to lose this funding, their ability to provide other basic reproductive health services would suffer greatly.

Recommendations/Call to Action:

Given that nearly half of all Planned Parenthood patients are Medicaid recipients receiving non-abortion services, it is recommended that federal funding not be discontinued to the organization (PPFA, 2015). Discontinuing federal funding to organizations such as Planned Parenthood could put nearly 36% of women receiving federally funded healthcare at risk of no longer receiving care. A public call to action should start with education: education on what Planned Parenthood offers and who it offers to is necessary to understand how imperative this organization can be to both women and men and their healthcare needs. While much of the media’s focus in regards to Planned Parenthood revolves around abortion services, it is important for the public to be informed on the plethora of other services organizations such as Planned Parenthood provide.

References and Sources for Further Information:

https://medium.com/govtrack-insider/follow-up-on-funding-for-planned-parenthood-e062567bb085

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/

http://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/get-involved/generation/

http://www.lifenews.com/2015/08/04/5th-shocking-video-catches-planned-parenthood-official-selling-fully-intact-aborted-babies/

 

Childhood overweight and childhood obesity are major health problems in the United States, yet state physical activity laws do not reflect that.  Only twenty-one states require by law that schools must provide a certain number of minutes and/or specified difficulty level of physical activity (Levi, Segal, Rayburn & Martin, 2015).  Although Illinois requires daily physical education in schools, this does not guarantee that students are engaging in high-quality physical activity during that time (Illinois State Board of Education, 2015).  If we want to keep our children healthy, more effective state laws regarding physical activity must be passed.

Childhood Overweight and Obesity are Problems

Childhood overweight means the individual has a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 85^th percentile and below the 95^th percentile.  Childhood obesity means the individual has a BMI at or above the 95^th percentile (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015).  In the United States, an alarming 31.8% of children are either overweight or obese (Levi et al., 2015).  Childhood overweight and childhood obesity can lead to serious physical and mental health problems.  There is a clear link between a lack of physical activity and being overweight or obese.  The four states that rank highest in obesity rates also have the most adults who do not exercise (Levi et al., 2015).  So let’s build exercise habits at a young age!  Schools have the opportunity to play a key role in improving the physical activity habits of America’s youth.  Physical activity can result in a wide range of positive outcomes, which include preventing health problems and improving academic performance.  A recent research review reported eleven of fourteen studies found one or more significant positive associations between physical activity in school and academic performance (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010).

Effects of Childhood Overweight and Childhood Obesity

– high cholesterol

– high blood pressure

– diabetes

– poor self-esteem

– depression

(Mayo Clinic, 2015)

Resistance to Physical Activity in Schools

With increasing pressure on students to perform well on standardized tests, more hours of the school day are focused on achieving that goal.  Physical activity time in elementary schools has decreased by 35% (National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity, 2009).  When schools are not required by law to enforce physical activity, it is frequently replaced with more classroom time (Rochman, 2011).  However, it is important that state policymakers consider the effects of physical activity in school.

Effects of Physical Activity

– can help prevent heart disease, cancer and strokes in adult life (Mayo Clinic, 2015)

– can create healthy habits that last a lifetime

– can improve academic achievement

– can improve cognitive skills (concentration, memory)

– can increase self-esteem

(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010, p. 28)

Making Physical Activity a Priority

Based on the effects of childhood overweight and childhood obesity and the effects of physical activity, it is critical that physical activity laws are enforced in each state.  In order to help prevent serious health problems, all schools must make time for physical activity everyday.  This can create healthy habits that last a lifetime.  Children can establish a foundation for a healthy and successful future if physical activity is balanced with academic work during the school day.

Take Action

The rates of childhood overweight and childhood obesity can decrease if every state requires schools by law to enforce physical activity.  State legislators can be the difference.  With the power to make positive change in the lives of America’s youth and the future of our country, I am calling on state legislators to make physical activity a priority.  Additionally, I am asking that community members promote and advocate for physical activity.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2015) calls on state policymakers and community members to:

* Create incentives for schools to enforce physical activity laws

* Give schools additional funding for hiring physical activity teachers

* Promote partnerships between communities and schools to help fund adequate gym space

* Offer a tax rebate to businesses that donate physical activity equipment

*Contact your state legislator about the importance of physical activity in schools

*Encourage children in your life to engage in physical activity

*Volunteer as a sports coach in your community

Summary:

A conversion therapy ban has been placed in Illinois by Governor Rauner, under which youth  are protected until age 18 from therapy that would “repair” children’s sexual orientation (EqualityIllinois, 2015). There is a need in other states for this ban to be implemented to protect youth around the country’s mental health and physical well-being.

Introduction:

Conversion therapy in regards to youth is implemented when a therapist has sessions with the young person to “treat” their sexual orientation to heterosexual (Chicago Tribune, 2015). Conversion therapy was being used on youth here in Illinois was damaging. Youths’ mental, physical and emotional health is affected by these therapy sessions because the sessions can be frightening and harmful. In these sessions, children were being molded to a sexual orientation that their caregivers, religion, etc. felt was better for them. It is not right in any way since the youth were not able to voice how they felt. Youth should be protected by laws in regards to their sexual orientation just as much as adults. By trying to convert these young people, it has led to much failure as well as sad situations. Conversion therapy sessions have triggered mental distress, causing suicidal behavior, depression, anxiety, and risky sexual behavior to rebel against what is being done to them (EqualityIllinois, 2015). The main goal of implementing this ban was to keep people safe from harmful therapy practices that have been proven more insufficient than successful. There has been research done and it has found that people are unlikely to change a person’s same-sex attractions or increase other attractions with conversion therapy (HRC.org 2015). Some quick statistics are highlighted below from San Francisco State University on the damage conversion therapy and rejection from loved ones does to youth.

 

Approaches and Results:

This ban/law that has been implemented by the governor is in place at a time where LGBTQ rights are in the news a lot. Much of the public agrees with it, since it is intended to keep the youths’ mental health safe. This ban not only protects youth from conversion therapy, but it also makes it known that therapy services cannot advertise conversion therapy saying that homosexuality is a “mental disease, disorder or illness” (Time Magazine, 2015). With this ban implemented here in the state of Illinois, it is a move towards progress to help more people with protecting their mental health. More states should be moving towards this movement to keep our youth safe.

Conclusion:

Children are not able to openly voice their opinion on things that they want. Protection of these individuals by implementing more policies and laws to keep the innocent ones safe is a good step forward. Hopefully, this ban is one of many to come in the future of this country to protect people from negative therapy practices. It has been shown that conversion therapy can lead to distressing results for people, which should not be ignored. The therapy appears to do more damage than anything, and the failure rate outranks any sort of “successful” results. There is no specific number at this time that can represent the failure rate at this time, there is still evaluations being done to figure out a number. But as stated before there is a lot of harm done to individuals well-being and safety that go through conversion therapy.

Recommendations/Call to action: 

• The main recommendation would be for this ban to be upheld in the state of Illinois as well as to be implemented in other states.
• This can be done by people voicing their support of a conversion therapy ban to their state representatives by calling, sending letters, etc.
• See if others are willing to share their stories about conversion therapy for people to see a real life example of how anyone can be affected.
• Support LGBTQ organizations by volunteering, donating, sponsoring, etc.

Websites for more information:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-rauner-gay-gender-identity-conversion-therapy-20150820-story.html

http://www.equalityillinois.us/issue/conversion-therapy-ban/

http://time.com/4006675/illinois-bans-gay-conversion-therapy-on-minors/

http://www.prideagenda.org/igniting-equality/current-legislation/protecting-lgbt-youth-conversion-efforts

http://www.hrc.org/resources/entry/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy

http://www.nclrights.org/bornperfect-the-facts-about-conversion-therapy/

Turn on any news channel and you’re sure to hear about a person in law enforcement using excessive force or violence against a citizen of a different race. Within the past few years we’ve heard about many people being seriously injured or even killed due to a police officer taking needless violent action. Take Michael Brown for example, a young African American man who was shot and killed by a police officer. Whether or not this shooting was needed is still unsure. A more transparent case of true problems in law enforcement is that of Tamir Rice; a young African American boy, age eleven, who was shot and killed in a Cleveland park for holding a toy gun that officers believed to be real. How many more American citizens, how many more children are going to be shot and killed before action and punishment are taken against police officers?

What is this Issue About?

As of late, many American citizens have been questioning whether or not police officers are correctly doing their job. There is also question as to whether or not those who do their job incorrectly are being punished. Many are curious about whether or not the law enforcement officials are being held to the same standards as the citizens they claim to protect. In many highly populated cities (New York City, Chicago, and Sacramento) there is evidence suggesting that those law enforcement officials who break the law are not held up to the same standards, and are actually getting away with and covering up their crimes with the help of other officials. Many of these problems seem to be heavily connected with race, and if this is true then who is going to really protect those of color?

Law Enforcement is supposedly held to an extremely high standard of work, and the fact that they are potentially breaking the law and then avoiding the consequences is not right. As they are citizens as well, they must abide by the rules the same as anyone else. However, several reports indicate that they might not and will use excessive force on those of a different race than themselves. In Sacramento, for instance, a white police officer was cited for over 200 complaints; after receiving no punishments other than a simple reprimand, he went on to shoot a sixteen year old African American boy 17 times, killing him. Although he was put on leave, he was set to begin work again soon. There are still questions as to whether or not this punishment was fitting for the incident that occurred. So many people have their lives put at risk when we allow these officers to roam the streets.

Speaking of punishment, what can an officer actually be sentenced to? For a small issue, reprimand is usually given. Then, a dock of pay, followed by suspension, firing, finally followed by potential jail time itself. In Chicago there were approximately 17,700 complaints against police. Approximately half of those were race-based. Only 800 of those were actually deemed worthy enough to be looked at, and out of those 800, only 45% of the officers involved were given a “reprimand,” 37% suspended (however 75% of those suspensions were five days or less), and the rest all resigned on their own, not wanting to face the consequences. The fact that this is allowed and known is absolutely terrible, and we need to both put a stop to it, as well as train and punish our officers effectively.

What are the Facts?

• The number of police officers convicted of a crime for killing a black person while on duty in 2014: Zero, according to Mapping Police Violence.
• The likelihood that a black person killed by police, like 22-year-old Rekia Boyd (killed in Chicago), will be unarmed: Twice as likely as a white person killed by police, according to the Guardian
• The number of officers involved in police misconduct cases in 2010: 6,613, according to the Cato Institute, a public research think tank behind the National Police Misconduct Reporting Project.
• The group as likely as black Americans to be killed by police, according to 1999-2013 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Native Americans — like 30-year-old Allen Locke, who was killed by police in Rapid City, South Dakota, the day after he attended a #NativeLivesMatter Anti-Police Brutality Rally in December 2014.

Why is this Important?

The United States is constantly being cited for its blatant racism, as well as for police brutality. Following the killings of both Michael Brown and Freddie Gray (an African American man who supposedly died in an ambulance after police viciously beat him) there were uproarious riots and the calling out of the police force. The fact that these riots are what made people rethink the justice system of ridiculous. By allowing police officers to avoid punishment, we are telling our citizens that the only way to make them (meaning the police force and government) both accountable and aware of the situation is by starting massive riots where stores are damaged and people are injured or worse. We need to prove to our citizens that our police officers are there to protect them, and that they should not be afraid of them simply for the color of their skin. It is extremely important that our citizens feel protected no matter what their background, because if law enforcement won’t protect them, then who will?

What can You do to Help?

Advocate

Organizations such as Black Lives Matter (or any of the “Lives Matter” groups) try to bring to attention all the issues of police brutality to the public eye who may otherwise not see it. If given the voice and the power, these groups may actually be listened to and heard. One of the simplest ways to assist them is by simply attending their events and making others aware of their cause. Educating people and speaking out against police brutality to the public might just make more people aware of the issues we are facing as a society due to the lack of control over law enforcement. If attending an event isn’t possible, you can always do something as simple as writing a blogpost advocating for them; this is just one small example.

Start a Conversation

This issue is consistently talked about, yet not much has been done to stop it. Reach out to your congressperson or governor in order to truly let your voice be heard. Writing petitions and letters are one such idea that could sway an official in power, or at least have them understand better the situations we are put in everyday in having to deal with unruly law enforcement officials. Even something like a video recording of police brutality might make them more aware of the situations at hand. Many of those higher up in the government do not deal with or see the police brutality that people face, and they might just see the lack of punishment as not needed to begin with. We need to make them see and understand the experiences we go through as citizens against a potentially corrupted police force.

With enough people on your side vying for the attention of the government put in place to protect you, they will be able to do nothing but listen and hear you out. Who knows what you might get across to them? The police might actually answer for the crimes they commit.

Record if You See Something Amiss

One of the best ways to prove whether or not someone was a victim of police brutality is by use of hard evidence. Unfortunately, a lot of these situations deal with either the officers word against the citizens, or with poor eye-witness accounts (eyewitness accounts are proven to be extremely inaccurate). If you can record the situation and use it as evidence, you may be either saving someone’s life, or giving them the justice they deserved.

There are many safe and effective ways to record these police interactions; one of the easiest ways is to use a video-recording application on your phone. There are some applications that will record and store the video permanently, making them unable to be deleted by the police (Check the ALCU website for a link to this app). Always be sure to take a non-aggressive stance and alert the police officers that you are recording the situation. You are completely 100% allowed to record these interactions as long as you are not interfering with the situation at hand.

Know your rights

Listed here are links about the rights you are allowed in Illinois, should you ever find yourself in trouble:

http://www.breslinlaw.com/Know-Your-Rights.shtml

• Always remember this: It is absolutely 100% legal to record police encounters in any and every state, as long as you do not interfere with or interrupt the police officer doing their job
• The infographic below (although it says it is for NH law) is thought to be very consistently accurate with the law throughout all fifty states: