Making Government Work For Your Citys Kids

This guide is designed to help local elected officials become better intergovernmental advocates for their city's children and families. The book is based on the experiences of selected policy researchers, collected via a questionnaire sent to some 50 local officials. It advocates developing and using intergovernmental collaboration and partnerships in which officials from all levels and the private sector come together as equals to find joint solutions to community problems. Chapter 1, "The Dual Crises of the 1990s," provides the context within which local officials must work (children, families, and systems that are supposed to be serving them are in crisis). Chapter 2, "Who Does What To Whom," gives a brief overview of the various government structures that affect children and families and points out opportunities for advocacy in each. Chapter 3, "How the Intergovernmental Pieces Fit Together," describes the ways that intergovernmental efforts provide services to children and highlights points of flexibility where local advocacy can be particularly effective. Chapter 4, "Local Government: Catalyst for Collaboration," covers how local efforts can rationalize and coordinate the maze of services and programs and gives specific examples, resources, and sources for technical assistance. Chapter 5, "Seven Steps to Becoming a More Powerful Partner," outlines seven key steps to becoming a stronger advocate for the city's children. Included are two figures and selected supplementary discussions. Three appendixes contain lists of state advocacy organizations; national advocacy, research, and professional organizations; and 37 references. (JB)