Delegate Keith Hodges debates candidate Sheila Crowley in the race for the delegates seat of the 98th district here in Virginia. Keith Hodges is the present seated candidate here in the 98th district and is a Republican. Sheila Crowley is the Democratic challenger for that seat. This debate happened in Gloucester County, Virginia at the Moose Lodge along route 17 North. Watch the video and then cast your vote on November 7th, 2017 for the candidate you think will serve the 98th district the best.
Defending The Republic, Not some Democracy, and enjoying some of life's rewards along the way.
Showing posts with label Ralph Northam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ralph Northam. Show all posts
Friday, October 27, 2017
Delegate Keith Hodges Debates Sheila Crowley For The 98th District
Delegate Keith Hodges debates candidate Sheila Crowley in the race for the delegates seat of the 98th district here in Virginia. Keith Hodges is the present seated candidate here in the 98th district and is a Republican. Sheila Crowley is the Democratic challenger for that seat. This debate happened in Gloucester County, Virginia at the Moose Lodge along route 17 North. Watch the video and then cast your vote on November 7th, 2017 for the candidate you think will serve the 98th district the best.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Governor McAuliffe Announces Creation of Children’s Cabinet and the Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success
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| (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Richmond - Governor McAuliffe signed an Executive Order creating a cabinet solely dedicated to the education, health, safety, and welfare of Virginia’s children and youth. The newly launched Children’s Cabinet will develop and implement a policy agenda that will help better serve Virginia’s children and will also foster collaboration between state and local agencies. As a part of that effort, the Governor also signed a second Executive Order establishing the Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success. This Council will be chaired by Lt. Governor Northam and will focus on improving the health, education, and well-being of our youngest children.
“Children are the Commonwealth’s most important resource, and it is critical that we provide them with the tools and resources they need to thrive in a 21st century economy,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Both the Children’s Cabinet and the Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success will help ensure that Virginia’s children live happy and productive lives.”
Secretary of Education Anne Holton and Secretary of Health and Human Resources Bill Hazel will serve as co-chairs of the Children’s Cabinet. Lt. Governor Ralph Northam, Secretary of Public Safety Brian Moran, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones and the First Lady of Virginia Dorothy McAuliffe will serve as members of the Children’s Cabinet.
“The Children’s Cabinet provides an opportunity to work together on the complex issues that affect a child’s development. Addressing the need for safe housing, access to healthcare and proper nutrition are important first steps that will help bridge the achievement gap and prepare Virginia’s children to succeed in a new Virginia economy,” said First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe.
“It is an honor to be named Chair of the Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success,” said Lt. Governor Northam. “I am incredibly grateful that early childhood is a priority for Governor McAuliffe and his administration. The early years of a child’s life are extremely formative, and have a significant impact on their health, growth, and readiness to succeed. As policymakers we must ensure that our public investments in these services provide adequate access and high quality programs. I look forward to working with state agencies, local school districts, service providers, the business community, and advocates to ensure that every Virginia child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”
“The establishment of the Children’s Cabinet is a great first step towards addressing the basic needs of Virginia’s youth,” said Secretary Holton. “There are schools, neighborhoods, and communities across the Commonwealth suffering under the crushing weight of entrenched poverty, and it is our goal with the Children’s Cabinet to offer a helping hand, not a wagging finger.”
Secretary Hazel added, “While regular communication between secretariats regarding children and youth issues is important, we believe a more significant impact can be achieved by delving further into the issues impacting the health, education and success of our children.”
The Children’s Cabinet will focus on five specific priority areas:
- Eradicating the achievement gap in schools in high poverty communities.
- Increasing access to basic needs including housing, healthcare, and proper nutrition.
- Improving outcomes for youth transitioning out of Virginia’s juvenile justice, mental health and foster care systems.
- Increasing workforce opportunities for parents and for youth as they transition out of high school.
- Improving early childhood care and education.
The full text of the executive orders are below:
CHAMPIONS FOR VIRGINIA’S CHILDREN:
VIRGINIA CHILDREN’S CABINET
Executive Order Number 21 (2014)
Importance of the Issues
With a longstanding history of prioritizing our youngest generation, Virginia has a distinguished record as one of the best states for children and families. This achievement has been accomplished through a firm commitment to the highest quality of life, health care, public safety, K-12 and higher education, and a vibrant business environment that promotes job growth, employment opportunities, and career advancement.
We must ensure that youth throughout Virginia can excel, beginning in their earliest years. Addressing the challenges that face our children requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on strengthening families and stemming the tide of poverty. To build Virginia’s workforce, we must continue to invest in and foster the development of healthy and well-educated children who are prepared to be productive members of our communities as adults.
The Commonwealth of Virginia must cultivate a solid foundation for our children and their families through supportive measures that promote: 1) early childhood development programs and basic healthcare needs, 2) age-appropriate mental health services, 3) first-rate, coordinated services for at-risk youth, 4) critical educational outcomes and academic readiness to succeed, and 5) nutritional security and access to stable housing. The education, health, safety, and well-being of Virginia’s children are fundamental to the Commonwealth’s future.
Establishment of the Cabinet
Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby initiate Champions for Virginia’s Children with the establishment of the Virginia Children’s Cabinet (“Children’s Cabinet”).
Virginia Children’s Cabinet
The Children’s Cabinet shall develop and implement a comprehensive policy agenda related to the education, health, safety, and well-being of youth throughout the Commonwealth. It shall evaluate and recommend strategies to optimize and align local, state, and federal public resources, and public-private partnerships to enhance current and prospective programs and services for Virginia’s children and their families, particularly those at highest risk. It shall also identify best practices and areas for improvement.
Additionally, the Children’s Cabinet shall provide leadership and strategic direction, facilitate the sharing of information, and work to improve service delivery of state programs. It shall identify specific goals, outcomes, and metrics to accomplish its work during this administration. These issues are interrelated and require regular communication and collaboration across local, state, and federal agencies, secretariats, industry sectors, and other related constituencies. It will coordinate with other state entities as appropriate to remain apprised of developing issues.
Children’s Cabinet Priorities
By collaborating across secretariats and working with local, state, and federal agencies, private industry, non-profit organizations, the Children’s Cabinet will work to ensure that effective supports are in place to achieve the following:
1. Beyond the barriers. Schools in high-poverty communities face numerous systemic societal barriers (such as unstable housing, high crime rates, health, nutritional, and social challenges). The myriad of issues facing these schools and their students must be addressed. Opportunities for increased support will be identified, including, but not limited to, community and social services for Virginia’s most vulnerable children and their families.
2. Raising the foundation. High quality early child care, increased access to pre-K, and educational programs lay the foundation for academic achievement. Child care providers must be held accountable to provide quality care so that our youngest children will thrive and obtain the necessary skills to contribute to our communities.
3. Access to basics. Access to healthcare, housing, and proper nutrition must be facilitated to meet basic needs and ensure the healthy growth, development, and well-being of our children and their families.
4. Triumph over transitions. Services for youth who are transitioning out of Virginia’s juvenile justice, mental health, and foster care systems will be assessed. Best practices will be determined, and replication will be encouraged. Factors leading to youth entering the juvenile justice system will be identified to reduce the impact of incarceration. Issues related to educational and work transitions from preschool to K-12 education, and K-12 education to college and/or the workforce, will also be examined.
5. Working parents, building families. Policies and services that encourage workforce development efforts for parents through education, credential training, career development, and employment will be addressed.
Composition of the Children’s Cabinet
The Secretaries of Education and Health and Human Resources shall serve as Co-Chairs of the Children’s Cabinet.
The Children’s Cabinet will be appointed by the Governor and consist of the Lieutenant Governor, the First Lady, the Secretaries of Commerce and Trade, Education, Health and Human Resources, and Public Safety and Homeland Security. The Children’s Cabinet Co-Chairs may invite other Secretaries to participate as needed and appropriate.
Staffing
Staff support for the Children’s Cabinet will be provided by the Secretaries of Education, Health and Human Resources, and any other agencies or offices as may be designated by the Governor. The Children’s Cabinet will serve in an advisory role, in accordance with § 2.2-2100 of the Code of Virginia, and will meet upon the call of the Chairs at least four times per year. The Children’s Cabinet will issue an annual report by no later than June 1, and any additional reports and recommendations as necessary or as requested by the Governor.
Effective Date of the Executive Order
This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in force and effect until January 9, 2018, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.
Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 11th day of August, 2014.
Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor
Attest: ______________________________
Levar M. Stoney, Secretary of the Commonwealth
ESTABLISHING THE COMMONWEALTH COUNCIL
ON CHILDHOOD SUCCESS
Executive Order Number 22 (2014)
Initiative
The optimal development of Virginia’s infants, toddlers, and young children is linked to our success as a Commonwealth. Children’s earliest experiences have a significant impact on their health, growth, and readiness to succeed.
We must address the basic health, education, and child care needs of young children, including the early identification of intellectual and developmental delays, access to stable housing and nutritious foods, and high quality child care and early education programs. Public and other resources need to be used efficiently and effectively by local, state, and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and providers of health care, child care, and education through early intervention and case management.
Establishment of the Council
Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including, but not limited to §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby establish the Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success.
Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success (“CCCS”)
The Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success shall regularly report to the Governor and the Children’s Cabinet. It will conduct a comprehensive, statewide assessment of current programs, services, and local, state, and federal public resources that serve Virginia’s children ages 0-8. In coordination with the Children’s Cabinet and relevant state agencies, it will serve as a central coordinating entity to identify opportunities and develop recommendations for improvement including, but not limited to: 1) funding for preschool, 2) kindergarten readiness, 3) strategies to close the achievement gap in early elementary years, 4) the quality and accountability of child care programs and providers, and 5) coordination of services for at-risk families. The CCCS will also collaborate with other entities as appropriate. It will seek participation from relevant stakeholders, including the business community, private and nonprofit providers, and advocacy organizations.
Composition of the CCCS
The CCCS shall be chaired by the Lieutenant Governor and consist of representatives of the following: Department of Education; Department of Social Services; Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; Department of Health; programs under part B, Section 619, and part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Child Care Development Fund; Virginia’s Head Start Collaboration; the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation; local educational agencies; institutions of higher education; local providers of education and child care; local Head Start programs; the business community; the legislature; and others with appropriate expertise, as appointed by the Governor.
Staffing
Staff support for the CCCS will be furnished by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, and such other agencies and offices as designated by the Governor. The CCCS will serve in an advisory role to the Governor, in accordance with § 2.2-2100 of the Code of Virginia, and will meet upon the call of the Chair at least four times per year. The CCCS will issue an annual report by no later than June 1, and any additional reports as necessary.
Effective Date
This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and, pursuant to §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, shall remain in full force and effect for a year from its signing or until superseded or rescinded.
Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 11th day of
August, 2014.
Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor
Attest: ______________________________
Levar M. Stoney, Secretary of the Commonwealth
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Order to Continue the Governor’s Task Force on Improving Mental Health Services and Crisis Response
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| Mental Health Awareness Ribbon (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Governor McAuliffe signed Executive Order #12 yesterday, which continues the Governor’s Task Force on Improving Mental Health Services and Crisis Response.
Speaking about the Executive Order, Governor McAuliffe stated, “I am glad to sign Executive Order 12, which ensures that Virginia leaders continue to focus on access to mental health services and improvements in Virginia’s mental health system as we work to build better communities and grow the Commonwealth’s economy. I am encouraged at the progress we made legislatively this year on reforming our mental health system, but there is still significant work to be done to prevent future tragedies from occurring and to make sure our mental health system works for all Virginians.
“I want to thank Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam for agreeing to chair the Task Force along with Secretary of Health and Human Resources Bill Hazel and Secretary of Public Safety Brian Moran who will co-chair. I also thank all of the Virginia leaders who are working tirelessly to improve our Commonwealth’s mental health system and the outcomes it delivers for the Virginians we all serve.”
Full Text of the Executive Order is Below:
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER TWELVE (2014)
CONTINUING THE GOVERNOR’S TASK FORCE ON IMPROVING
Importance of the Taskforce
Virginians have experienced tremendous heartache as a result of mental health tragedies. It is incumbent upon us to reevaluate how we can better serve our fellow Virginians with mental health needs and examine ways to improve the system by filling in gaps in services and making impactful investments. Collaborative groups of experts, advocates, policy-makers and others have assessed certain aspects of the system and affected critical changes over the years. In particular, following the tragedy at Virginia Tech, Virginia’s leaders drew upon work done by the Virginia Tech Review Panel and the Commission on Mental Health Law Reform to study and investigate the tragedy in order to strengthen the civil commitment process through legislation so that individuals with serious mental illness could receive needed help in a timely manner. The 2008 budget included an infusion of funds to build core community services such as emergency services, case management, and outpatient treatment. Unfortunately, many of these gains were lost as a result of the economic downturn. Last year, targeted investments were made to Virginia’s mental health system upon recommendations from the Governor’s Taskforce on School and Campus Safety.
While bolstering our ability to respond to mental health crises when they occur, we must continue to seek ways to intervene early and prevent crises from developing. Virginia has crisis prevention services in place, such as outpatient psychiatric consultation, suicide prevention, Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) services, and rehabilitation services. These services are in high demand, and are not consistently available across the Commonwealth.
Virginia’s mental health system has moved away from the days of overcrowded state mental institutions toward a community-based system for individuals to receive treatment in their homes and communities. However, the mental health system remains extremely complex and difficult to navigate for families seeking assistance and for workers within the system. Though state law helps guide the process, practices and services are locally developed. This system allows flexibility to implement the policies that work best for particular regions, though the protocols have not always been in writing and variations have existed across the Commonwealth.
The mental health system for emergency services is dependent upon cooperation and communication from a variety of partners, including community services boards, law enforcement, the judicial system and private hospitals. Effective collaboration among these many parties ensures the most favorable outcomes for people in crisis. While emergency mental health services work for most people, it is critical that the mental health safety net responds effectively to all individuals and families in crisis.
Since taking office, my administration and I have been committed to finding and supporting measures to assure the care and safety of persons suffering mental health crises along with their families, neighbors, and members of the community. Lawmakers acted quickly this session to make numerous changes to Virginia’s mental health laws. Among the changes is extending the emergency custody order (ECO) period from a maximum of six to a total of eight possible hours. This change will give clinicians more time to locate an available psychiatric bed during the ECO period. Our legislators also extended the temporary detention order period from 48 to 72 hours to help ensure individuals have enough treatment time to stabilize prior to the court hearing which determines involuntary admission to a psychiatric hospital.
To help Virginia improve its mental health crisis response, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) has taken steps since the beginning of 2014 to outline clear and specific statewide expectations for securing a private or a state psychiatric bed when an individual qualifies for a temporary detention order. In turn, partners across Virginia’s seven DBHDS Partnership Planning Regions, including community services boards and state and private hospitals, have incorporated state guidance into tightened and clarified admission procedures for the regions’ private and state psychiatric beds. In addition, in a collaborative effort among DBHDS, Virginia Health Information, the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association and the 40 local community services boards, Virginia launched an online psychiatric bed registry to help clinicians locate available beds in an emergency situation. While the changes that have been made in recent months have been critical, more solutions are needed to improve Virginia’s complicated and chronically underfunded mental health system. Because the system is multifaceted, the solutions must be as well.
Through this Executive Order, I am calling on leaders in the mental health field, law enforcement communities, the judicial system, private hospitals, and individuals receiving mental health services, to seek and recommend solutions that will improve Virginia’s mental health crisis services and help prevent crises from developing.
To accomplish this, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including but not limited to §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby continue the Governor’s Task Force on Improving Mental Health Services and Crisis Response.
Governor’s Task Force on Improving Mental Health Services and Crisis Response
The Task Force’s responsibilities shall include the following:
· Recommend refinements and clarifications of protocols and procedures for community services boards, state hospitals, law enforcement and receiving hospitals.
· Review for possible expansion the programs and services that assure prompt response to individuals in mental health crises and their families such as emergency services teams, law enforcement crisis intervention teams (CIT), secure assessment centers, mobile crisis teams, crisis stabilization centers and mental health first aid.
· Examine extensions or adjustments to the emergency custody order and the temporary detention order period.
· Explore technological resources and capabilities, equipment, training and procedures to maximize the use of telepsychiatry.
· Examine the cooperation that exists among the courts, law enforcement and mental health systems in communities that have incorporated crisis intervention teams and cross systems mapping.
· Identify and examine the availability of and improvements to mental health resources for Virginia’s veterans, service members, and their families and children.
· Assess state and private provider capacity for psychiatric inpatient care, the assessment process hospitals use to select which patients are appropriate for such care, and explore whether psychiatric bed registries and/or census management teams improve the process for locating beds.
· Review for possible expansion those services that will provide ongoing support for individuals with mental illness and reduce the frequency and intensity of mental health crises. These services may include rapid, consistent access to outpatient treatment and psychiatric services, as well as co-located primary care and behavioral health services, critical supportive services such as wrap-around stabilizing services, peer support services, PACT services, housing, employment and case management.
· Recommend how families and friends of a loved one facing a mental health crisis can improve the environment and safety of an individual in crisis.
· Examine the mental health workforce capacity and scope of practice and recommend any improvements to ensure an adequate mental health workforce.
Task Force Membership
· The Task Force shall be chaired by the Lieutenant Governor.
· The Task Force shall be co-chaired by the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources and
Public Safety and Homeland Security;
Membership shall include the following individuals or their designees:
· The Attorney General of Virginia;
· Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs;
· Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia;
· Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services;
· Commissioner of the Department of Social Services;
· Director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services;
· Superintendent of the Virginia State Police;
· At least three community services board emergency services directors;
· At least three law enforcement officers, including at least one sheriff;
· At least two executive directors of community services boards;
· At least two magistrates;
· At least two private hospital emergency department physicians;
· At least two psychiatrists;
· At least one representative of a state mental health facility;
· At least two representatives from Virginia’s private hospital systems;
· At least two individuals receiving mental health services;
· At least one member from a statewide veterans organization;
· At least two family members of individuals receiving services; and
· Two members of the House of Delegates and two members of the Senate of Virginia.
The Governor may appoint other members as he deems necessary.
Task Force Staffing and Funding
Necessary staff support for the Task Force's work during its existence shall be furnished by the Office of the Governor, and the Offices of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources and the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, as well as other agencies and offices designated by the Governor. An estimated 750 hours of staff time will be required to support the work of the Task Force.
Necessary funding to support the Commission and its staff shall be provided from federal funds, private contributions, and state funds appropriated for the same purposes as the Task Force, as authorized by § 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, as well as any other private sources of funding that may be identified. Estimated direct costs for this Commission are $5,000 per year.
The Task Force shall commence its work promptly and suggest legislative and budgetary proposals that will enable the implementation of identified recommendations. The Task Force shall make recommendations on an ongoing basis and shall provide a final report to the Governor no later than October 1, 2014. The Task Force shall issue such other reports and recommendations as necessary or as requested by the Governor.
Effective Date of the Executive Order
This Executive Order replaces Executive Order No. 68 (2013) issued on December 10, 2013, by Governor Robert F. McDonnell. This Executive Order shall be effective upon signing and, pursuant to §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, shall remain in force and effect for one year from its signing unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.
Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 8th day of April, 2014.
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