Fighting the Good Fight: A Shout Out to Legislative Responsibility
In a time marked by growing inequality, political division, and the erosion of long-held protections, it has never been more urgent for our legislators to understand and uphold the rights of vulnerable children, youth, and families. Across the United States, families living in poverty, children in foster care, LGBTQ+ youth, immigrants, and those affected by systemic racism are facing heightened risks to their safety, well-being, and fundamental rights. The decisions made by those in power—particularly lawmakers—carry real consequences for those who often lack the means to advocate for themselves. Now is the time for legislators at the local, state, and federal levels to lead with empathy, knowledge, and a deep commitment to justice.
Children and youth in particular cannot vote, lobby, or fund political campaigns. They rely on adults in power to protect their rights, ensure their safety, and invest in their futures. This responsibility is especially critical for youth in foster care, many of whom have already experienced trauma, instability, and loss. Without intentional action by legislators to prioritize their needs, these young people can easily fall through the cracks of a system that should exist to serve them.
Today our elected officials are demonstrating a wide range of action regarding the needs of vulnerable people. Some are failing to act with sufficient urgency. Others are actively working to undermine our already-insufficient safety net. In recent years, we’ve also seen the rollback of protections for LGBTQ+ youth, immigrant families, and children with disabilities, signaling a broader attack on inclusion and equity. These trends are not just policy choices; they are moral failures.
But there are other legislators – many in fact – who are fighting harder than ever to protect the vulnerable and to preserve the institutions in which those protections are enshrined. When legislators choose to center the voices and needs of the most vulnerable, the impact is transformative. Laws that support kinship care, fund mental health services for youth, strengthen family preservation programs, and guarantee access to quality education have a ripple effect that extends across generations. When we protect children and support families—especially those in crisis—we build stronger, healthier, more just communities for everyone. So, three cheers for elected officials who continue to demonstrate informed, courageous leadership. When legislators listen to young people, families, and advocates with lived experience… when they are willing to challenge systems that perpetuate harm… when they push for policies rooted in equity, trauma-informed care, and human dignity… they truly help build a more perfect union.
To support good leadership of this kind, nonprofits like A Better Way, need to help elected officials understand the most pressing issues faced by the people we serve. We do not promote any party or any particular candidate. We do participate in efforts to raise awareness and to foster a more informed legislature.
Recently we had the opportunity to join more than 1,000 other organizations – all members of The Children’s Movement – to educate and advocate for the preservation of a key support for foster youth and caregivers. The proposed California state budget released in January 2024 initially eliminated funding for The Family Urgent Response System (FURS). FURS is a highly successful 24/7 helpline and response system for foster youth and families in crisis. Along with other members of The Children’s Movement we took a stand, we educated local and state leaders, and we signed an opposition letter emphasizing the importance of preserving FURS, and describing its role in supporting the wellbeing of foster youth and their caregivers. This letter was addressed to the Governor and other key decision makers.
Our efforts alone would not have added up to much. But as a part of a large collective voice, we were able to appeal to the conscience of elected officials, and the FURS funding was preserved. This is just one small example of the transformation that can happen when assertive, justice-oriented advocacy is coupled with a critical mass of justice-oriented legislators. This is one tiny – but impactful – story of democracy in action. This is one way that “we the people” help to shape “a more perfect union.”