In a groundbreaking move towards improving child protection systems
Transforming Systems Together (TST) announces its first series of community grants
In a groundbreaking move towards improving child protection systems, Transforming Systems Together (TST) announced its first series of community grants, distributing $1,228,550 to 26 local entities. This child protection act initiative marks a significant step forward in ensuring the well-being of children potentially at risk in Ramsey County’s child protection system.
Recognizing the urgent requirement to overhaul the child welfare system, TST, in conjunction with Ramsey County, marked child welfare system enhancement as its premier priority in 2021. With the county’s support, TST created a more streamlined and community-centric grant distribution system. The collaboration was fruitful, and by 2022, the county commissioners sanctioned a $2.5 million budget dedicated to these child protection grants.
Director of TST, Danny Givens commented, “Our collective hard work has led to an equitable community investment strategy emphasizing preventive measures. This initial grant distribution signifies a pioneering shift in system reforms that will, hopefully, resonate for years.”
Data indicates a systematic bias in child protection act
Data indicates a systematic bias in child protection act, with Black and American Indian communities disproportionately affected in Ramsey County. Such disparities are evident when considering the ten times higher likelihood of out-of-home placements for American Indian children than the broader county demographic. The same risk is twice the likelihood for multiracial and African American children.
Tonya Long, a TST community member, elaborated, “These TST Grants are a beacon of hope, channeling community and cultural resources to heal American Indian and Black families affected by the child protection system.”
The main objective of the TST Grants of child protection policy
The main objective of the TST Grants of child protection policy is to transition from solely system-heavy investments to more community-led, proactive strategies that address early intervention and prevention. This shift aims to fund community-guided resources to decrease child protection system involvement and reduce the aftermath of out-of-home placements.
Trista MatasCastillo, Ramsey County Board Chair, highlighted the county’s commitment: “Upon inviting the community for shared decision-making, we pledged to reshape systems for racial and health equality. Today, these child protection grants are a testament to child protection policy to our dedication, fueling community-led projects to meet demands and innovate.”
Ryan T. O’Connor, County Manager, further emphasized the TST Grants’ role as a blueprint for other community projects. The lessons from this endeavor will influence future investments and community collaborations in Ramsey County.
Grant recipients and their awards
Among the grant recipients, prominent community nonprofits received Innovation Grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. Some notable awardees include:
- Alia – awarded $100,000
- YMCA – awarded $100,000
- The ANIKA Foundation – awarded $55,000
- ICWA Law Center – awarded $77,650
Micro Grants, spanning $10,000 to $35,000, were given to community organizations and individual entrepreneurs. Accountable Cultural Brokers LLC, LOGO Community Support Services, and Montessori American Indian Child Care Center each received $35,000.
Lastly, Individual Grants of up to $10,000 were granted to private citizens offering unique cultural services. Awardees include Alfreda McClain, Latoya Ealy, and Patricia Azu-Domike.
To see all TST Grant Awardees, check here.
About Transforming Systems Together
About Transforming Systems Together: TST is an innovative shared decision-making initiative from Ramsey County. It aims to revamp the county’s service delivery and community investment approach, placing community voices at the forefront of decision-making.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses child protection systems and the need for improvement, particularly in addressing disparities and reducing inequalities. These issues are connected to SDG 1 (No Poverty), as child protection systems play a role in preventing and addressing poverty. SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) is relevant because the well-being of children potentially at risk is a central concern. SDG 5 (Gender Equality) is connected because the article mentions disparities affecting Black and American Indian communities. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) is addressed due to the focus on reducing disparities in child protection. Lastly, SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) is relevant as the article discusses the need for system reforms and community-led strategies.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
- Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births.
- Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
- Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are related to implementing social protection systems (Target 1.3), reducing child mortality (Target 3.2), ending discrimination against women and girls (Target 5.1), promoting inclusion (Target 10.2), and ensuring participatory decision-making (Target 16.7).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims and the poor and the vulnerable.
- Indicator 3.2.1: Under-5 mortality rate.
- Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex.
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities.
- Indicator 16.7.1: Proportions of positions (by sex, age, persons with disabilities and population groups) in public institutions (national and local legislatures, public service and judiciary) compared to national distributions.
The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, the indicators mentioned above can be used to measure progress towards those targets.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable. | Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims and the poor and the vulnerable. |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births. | Indicator 3.2.1: Under-5 mortality rate. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere. | Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. | Indicator 16.7.1: Proportions of positions (by sex, age, persons with disabilities and population groups) in public institutions (national and local legislatures, public service and judiciary) compared to national distributions. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: insightnews.com
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