IN FRONT OF THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE ARE MARLENE GARZA, SHANE BONNER, WHITNEY STALNAKER, SHANTEL KINDRED, SHANE MELOY, KAREN RUST, JIM RYDINGSWORD AND FRONT CENTER IS CASSANDRA PLACENCIA. California’s local child welfare service agencies were caught off guard last year, when Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger line-item vetoed $133 million from the budget. Working toward restoration of these funds is the first priority of a broad coalition of more than 300 individuals and organizations across the state known as Protect Our Children Our Future.

According to testimony to the legislature on April 28, with recession adding stress to families, there is a concomitant rise in abuse and neglect throughout the state. Members of the coalition told the legislature that now is the time to increase family support to help families become stronger to cope with increased pressures at home and on-the-job.

Jim Rydingsword, Director Mariposa County Human Services, encouraged several Mariposa youth to attend and participate in the Legislative Day at the capitol. Two of the students, Cassandra Placencia and Whitney Stalnaker, met with Assemblyman Tom Berryhill to encourage him to vote to hold the line against any further cuts to services for children in-care. Three other students, Marlene Garza, Shantel Kindred, and Shane Meloy, had the courage to walk up to the microphone to face large cameras and the formal legislative budget committee to speak to restoration of the money for services that include: wraparound community support, independent living skills, emancipation preparation, and educational support.

The ensuing vote was unanimous support for restoration of the line-item veto. This beginning step may eventually mean up to $76,500 for Mariposa foster youth services and $133 million statewide.