Showing posts with label youth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label youth. Show all posts

Lake Forest Park Rotary donates to the Hope Center for homeless youth

Thursday, December 12, 2019

LFP Rotary Members donate to Youth Care Hope Center
Photo courtesy LFP Rotary Club

The Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park presented a check for $3,270 to the Hope Center to support homeless youth during the holiday.

The Club has an ongoing project to support homeless youth, led by George Piano and his team (pictured). George is second from right.



Read more...

Shorewood Amnesty group demonstrated on International Children's Day

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Shorewood Amnesty students on 185th overpass
Photo courtesy Shorewood Amnesty


On November 20, 2019 International Children's Day, Shorewood High School’s Amnesty International group demonstrated to demand action from policymakers and elected officials to end child detention, holding a banner drop at the 185th Street I-5 Overpass.

In a time of hate and violence, we, the youth, must be the voices of change and action.

Shorewood Amnesty International  swamnestyinternational@gmail.com


Read more...

Registration open for baseball and softball with Shoreline Little League

Wednesday, November 27, 2019


Registration is open for the 2020 Shoreline Little League Spring Season for baseball and softball. Sign up by December 31st to receive $10 off the registration price. 

Shoreline Little League endeavors to mentor our community's youth in developing the qualities of sportspersonship, discipline, teamwork, confidence and physical well-being. 

Learn more here.



Read more...

Shorewood Amnesty group to protest Child Detention with banner drop over I-5

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Shorewood Amnesty banner drop at Shoreline
City Hall
Photo courtesy Shorewood Amnesty


Universal Children’s Day - Banner Drop - November 20 


On November 20, 2019 from 4 - 6pm, Shorewood High School’s Shorewood Amnesty International will lead a demonstration of local youth, parents, and community supporters to demand action from policymakers and elected officials to end child detention. 

“Regardless of their migrant status, everyone deserves basic human rights and all families belong together and free” (Sofia Gerrard, President of Shorewood Amnesty International).

There will be a banner drop at the 185th Street I-5 Overpass to make a statement and urge legislators to take action. In a time of hate and violence, we, the youth, must be the voices of change and action.

Shorewood Amnesty International is a youth-led chapter of Amnesty International 

Follow them on Instagram: @swamnestyinternational

Shorewood Amnesty International: swamnestyinternational@gmail.com



Read more...

Fundraiser for Shoreline Sports Foundation Nov 3

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Shoreline Sports Foundation is having their annual fundraiser and invites the community to come support this program that serves our youth. 

Not only do they offer quality basketball but also programming to develop leadership skills and volunteer service opportunities.

November 3, 2019 from 6:45pm to 9pm at Shoreline Community College, 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline 98133 in the Pagoda Union Building (PUB).

RSVP here. Dessert, Snacks, Drinks, Childcare provided for children 3-10

SSF's ultimate goal is to shape local youth-culture to become more socially connected and engaged in healthy activities. SSF leaders and athletes work together to create opportunities for their peers to have a healthy community. Leveraging the 50 enrichment events per year as a spring board, they seek to fill what we believe has become the most critical need for youth, healthy relationships.



Read more...

Lake Forest Park adopts Homeless Youth Resolution

Sunday, September 29, 2019

For the last two years, the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park has sponsored the Homeless Youth Project, dedicated to finding ways to address the needs of homeless youth in our community, focusing specifically on homeless high school students in the Shoreline School District.

After meeting with County officials, local Service Providers, and School District representatives, the LFP Rotary Homeless Youth Project is working to bring the problem to the attention of the Lake Forest Park and Shoreline City councils in order develop support for assisting this growing, yet under-served population within our communities.

On September 26, 2019, the Lake Forest Park City Council unanimously voted to adopt Resolution 1743, “Confirming support for the establishment of a comprehensive homeless youth resource center serving Lake Forest Park and Shoreline, Washington.” (Attached)

This is a major step forward in our community’s recognition of the issue and a new approach to working on this problem.

The Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park will continue to support and advocate for our homeless students, and with the help of existing Youth Service providers and our community leaders in both LFP and Shoreline, we hope to expand services, assist these under-served students complete their education, and break the cycle of homelessness.

For more information, contact the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park or George Piano at pianosr@aol.com

~~~~~~~

RESOLUTION 1743
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE
FOREST PARK, WASHINGTON, CONFIRMING SUPPORT FOR
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE HOMELESS
YOUTH RESOURCE CENTER SERVING LAKE FOREST PARK
AND SHORELINE, WASHINGTON
__________________________________________________

WHEREAS, the lack of housing or housing instability - homelessness - is a major problem for our nation, state and King County; and

WHEREAS, homelessness almost always has profound negative consequences for an individual’s mental and physical health, and economic prospects; and

WHEREAS, the effects of homelessness can be especially damaging for youth, including incomplete educational accomplishment, life-long mental health conditions and economic disadvantage; and

WHEREAS, 40,000 Washington public school students were identified as homeless during the 2016-17 school year, and

WHEREAS, the Shoreline School District student population includes, on average, several hundred homeless students, about 100 of whom are high school students; and

WHEREAS, while there are shelters, emergency housing, counseling, medical referral and other resources for homeless adults and many families in north King County, there are extremely limited resources available for north county homeless youth, especially those living outside a family context; and

WHEREAS, the Lake Forest Park Rotary Club, through its Homeless
Youth Project, has for several years provided monetary and material assistance to
homeless youth via the Shoreline School District and social service agencies, and

WHEREAS, the LFP Rotary Homeless Youth Project is advocating among service clubs,
homeless youth service providers and local governments for the establishment of a
comprehensive homeless youth resource center serving Lake Forest Park and Shoreline;
and

WHEREAS, there are positive indications of willingness of homeless youth service providers in other areas of King County, to extend those services to north King County; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Lake Forest Park, as follows:

Section 1. Confirmation. The City Council of the City of Lake Forest Park confirms its strong support for the establishment of a homeless youth resource center providing comprehensive services to youth in Lake Forest Park and Shoreline, Washington.

Section 2. Corrections. The City Clerk is authorized to make necessary corrections to this resolution including, but not limited to, the correction of scrivener’s/clerical errors, references, ordinance numbering, section/subsection numbers and any references thereto.

PASSED BY A MAJORITY VOTE of the members of the Lake Forest Park City Council this 26th day of September 2019.



Read more...

Youth still being held in solitary confinement in spite of County Council's 2018 ban

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Juvenile court and detention center
Seattle.gov
Two members of the Metropolitan King County Council, who sponsored legislation banning the solitary confinement of juveniles in all King County detention facilities, raised several concerns when the council’s Law and Justice Committee received a briefing on a report from an independent monitor showing the ban is not being enforced. 

“Today’s hearing on the status of the Executive branch’s efforts to implement the County Council’s ban on solitary confinement raised several troubling developments,” said Council Chair Rod Dembowski. 
“Executive staff leading the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention was unsure of the deadline to implement the law, and couldn’t, or wouldn’t, confirm the failure to comply with the council’s ban on solitary confinement, as reported by the independent monitor. 
"Solitary confinement of youth causes permanent harm, is inhumane, and unjust. It needs to stop, now.”

Ordinance 18637 was adopted in December of 2017 and went into effect on July 1, 2018, yet executive staff disclosed that they only recently started bargaining with the Adult Detention Officers’ Guild on any labor agreement changes needed to implement the law.

“The Executive and Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention staff could have been much more forthright in identifying a series of problems that they should have known have arisen in the implementation of the solitary confinement ordinance at both our youth and adult detention facilities,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett, chair of the Law and Justice Committee. 
“That is why I think it is going to be very important that we contract with the same independent monitor, to allow her to delve deeper into the causes of these problems related to the confinement of youth in our justice system.”

The independent monitor’s report found that youth continue to be held in solitary confinement at King County’s adult detention facilities, despite the prohibition that went into effect over six months ago. 

Representatives from the Executive’s office and from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) were present to provide comment and answer questions.

After many councilmembers found the report, and the answers to their questions, insufficient to show compliance with the ordinance, Committee Chair Gossett declined to bring acknowledgment of the report up for a vote.



Read more...

Lake Forest Park Rotary Club Homeless Youth Project

Thursday, February 7, 2019



The Homeless Youth Project (HYP) of the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park was formed in the Spring of 2017 after Josh Little, then the Student Services Specialist, spoke to the club about youth homelessness in the Shoreline School District.

George Piano and Jeff Weissman, with the support of club president Claire Conway, initiated the project to address the underserved homeless young people in our area. Other members are Judy Altman, Linda Holman, Norman Lieberman, and Mark Phillips.

We had two immediate goals: to educate ourselves about teen homelessness and to provide assistance to the homeless youth in the Shoreline School District high schools.

HYP members began the learning process by meeting with Cocoon House in Everett and Youth Care in Seattle, both of whose missions are to serve homeless teens.

We talked to LFP’s Vision House, Teen Link, NUHSA, Mary’s House, and the family advocates from Shorewood and Shorecrest high schools. 
We explored partnering opportunities with the Shoreline Rotary, the Dale Turner YMCA, and both The Works and Embrace Shoreline Schools, Shoreline PTA affiliates that provide for students and families in need.

We sponsored Rotary coat drives in 2017 and 2018 in conjunction with The Works. On an ongoing basis, HYP provides food and transportation vouchers as well as Fred Meyer gift certificates for Shoreline students in need.

The ultimate goal is to expand available services and to establish a drop-in resource center for local homeless youth, modeled on Cocoon House’s U-Turn Drop in facility. HYP continues to work with other organizations in the LFP-Shoreline area to reach that goal.



Read more...

LFP: Cocoa and Cookies with the Mayor, Youth Council, and the 2018 Argosy Cruise Christmas Ship Viewing

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Parking for Christmas Ship viewing in Lake Forest Park

Wednesday, December 19, 2018, Lyon Creek Waterfront Park will be open for the public to enjoy the annual holiday celebration that has been part of the Northwest since 1949. Enjoy the 20-minute choir performance and broadcast from the Christmas Ship starting around 7:55pm.

Before heading down to Lyon Creek Waterfront Park, stop by City Hall for some hot cocoa, apple cider, and cookies with Mayor Jeff Johnson from 7:00-7:40pm. Parking will be available in front of City Hall for a short walk to the park. Remember there is no parking available at or near the park.

This year the LFP Youth Council will be collecting New Coats, New Toys (middle to high school aged items are most appreciated), Food, and Hygiene supplies for North Helpline!

With the support of generous community members, neighbors will have food on the table, warm winter coats, hygiene packs, and toys for the holiday season. Bins will also be available for drop off donations at City Hall, during office hours, through December 19.



Read more...

Shoreline Sports Foundation fundraiser brought in 200 guests Nov 4

Thursday, November 8, 2018

200 people attended the fundraiser
Photo courtesy Shoreline Sports Foundation


Sunday, November 14, 2018 at Shoreline Community College, the Shoreline Sports Foundation had a fundraiser to help support their foundation. Over 200 people attended to raise money and hear speeches from Shoreline students participating in and leading the SSF.

The foundation has a strong student led program using basketball, events and enrichment programs to support the youth of Shoreline.

Students in the program spoke of their experiences
Photo courtesy Shoreline Sports Foundation


Started in 2014 by Keith Nelson and Dick Shoemaker, they received 501(c)3 status and started with a total budget of $50,000.

They rely on the strength of our leaders to shape the lives of the youth in our community.

Any donations are greatly appreciated and others ways to make a difference in the lives of local youth: coaching, volunteer committee, basketball committee, finance committee or become a leader.

Contact them through their webpage or their Facebook page.



Read more...

Steel Magic Northwest youth steel ensemble going on the road

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

The Pan Wizards are going on the road
Photo courtesy Steel Magic Northwest

The Steel Magic Northwest “Pan Wizards” advanced youth steel ensemble is proud to announce two trips it will be making next year. The group has been invited to perform and give a presentation at the National Association of Music Educators regional conference in Portland, Oregon, in February, 2019.

And in June, the group will embark on their first 4-day tour, into western Montana and northeastern Oregon.

The group is by invitation or audition only, and is comprised of young musicians from the area who are 7th – 12th grade. Steel Magic Northwest also provides a preparatory group for students seeking to join the Pan Wizards (starting in the 5th grade). Audition and registration information here.



Read more...

Does your non-profit have volunteer opportunities for teens? Shorecrest and Shorewood high schools can help

Friday, August 17, 2018

Shorecrest students 2012
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools
Does your registered non-profit (501-C 3) organization want to advertise volunteer opportunities available for teens? Shorecrest and Shorewood high schools can help.

Students at both high schools must meet a minimum 40-hour volunteer graduation requirement to connect with the community. Community Service offices at both schools:
  • list eligible events on our online Community Service pages; 
  • include events in emails about Community service opportunities; 
  • use posters advertising your event around the high school buildings. 

If you have an upcoming event or project, you can maximize your reach by:
  • Submitting a request at least four weeks in advance of your event (six to eight weeks is preferred); 
  • Mailing or attaching any posters or flyers available (jpeg for electronic postings); 

Neither high school is available to:
  • screen volunteers; 
  • gather groups of volunteers for you; 
  • forecast how many students will sign up for your event; 
  • send an email about a single event; 
  • guarantee that all students who sign up will follow through. 

In your email about your event, please include:
  • Name of your organization and/or event, with your website; 
  • Dates and times when volunteerism would be performed; 
  • Address where project/tasks will be performed; 
  • Description of duties, including any perks; 
  • Primary contact person with phone and email. Students will contact you, not the high school community service office, if they are interested; 
  • Any posters or flyers available. 

Details may be submitted to
  • Suzanne.Monson@shorelineschools.org at Shorecrest, and
  • Marianne.Stephens@shorelineschools.org at Shorewood.


Read more...

Kids 5 to 18 - come join the fun at Hillwood Soccer

Friday, July 27, 2018

The Hillwood Knights
Photo courtesy Hillwood Soccer


Hillwood Soccer Club is gearing up for the fall soccer season. Hillwood Soccer Club is a non-profit, volunteer recreational soccer club. We encourage kids 5 to 18 to come and enjoy the fun.

The website is available for open registration, or you can call for more information, 206-542-3353. Hillwood Soccer Club is affiliated with Seattle Youth Soccer Association and Washington Youth Soccer Association

Hillwood relies on its volunteers
Photo courtesy Hillwood Soccer
"We rely strongly on our volunteers to make this a really positive experience for the kids! Our volunteers are the parents, grandparents, siblings and family friends who give of their time. 
"With that said, we are always looking for volunteers to be coaches, assistant coaches and team managers."

This is a great opportunity for high school students looking to fulfill community service!

If you are interested in making some extra money, you can become a referee through Hillwood Soccer. Visit Hillwood Soccer’s website for more information on the referee clinics.

Hillwood Soccer Club, come join the fun!!!"



Read more...

Protestors demonstrate at NRA Foundation event in Mountlake Terrace

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Gathering in Echo Lake Park to prepare for march

By Rowan Hurt
Photos by Caleb Correos


On Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 3:30pm, a group of fifteen Shorewood students and community members gathered in Echo Lake Park to prepare for a march on the Nile Shrine Golf Course in Mountlake Terrace. At 5pm, the Nile Shrine Country Club was to host a fundraiser dinner for the NRA Foundation, also known as “Friends of NRA.”

The protestors' event page on Facebook said “By allying itself with the NRA, Friends of the NRA is sending a message that it supports what the NRA supports. This is the part that we oppose.”

Protestors stood on each side of the entrance
to the Nile Golf and Country Club

The NRA has, in recent history, opposed pretty much every attempt at gun regulation that has been proposed, from a ban on bump stocks to mandatory background checks. While the NRA Foundation is officially tax-exempt, tax-deductible, and not involved in political activities, and thus not affiliated with the lobbying branch of the NRA, it still uses the NRA’s name, which is, arguably, political.

The movement for gun reform has been relatively unfocused, because while it is easy for someone to say that they oppose all restrictions on guns, it is more complicated to specify which policies someone supports. In an effort to clarify that they are not about banning guns, and to provide a specific goal, the protest supported numerous policies.

The poster bears some of the names of those
killed by gun violence

These were: requiring a license to own a gun; comprehensive, mandatory background checks; a ban on large capacity magazines; heavier restrictions on assault weapons, to the same level as handguns; putting more resources into an emergency response system and a reporting service for schools; and mandatory de-escalation training for police officers.

Currently, in Washington, one needs a permit to concealed carry. A license is not required to own or use a gun. Every gun sale is subject to a background check, but if 10 days pass and the background check has not been completed, the firearms dealer may use their discretion on whether or not to sell the weapon. There is no law restricting the size of ammunition magazines in Washington. Magazines with 100 bullets, like the ones used in Las Vegas, are allowed.

Mountlake Terrace police were friendly while
ensuring that no trespassing took place

The protest was non confrontational. While quite a few people flipped protesters off or gave a thumbs down, the response was hand waving and peace signs. Police were there to ensure that no trespassing or violence occurred. They were friendly, offering the protesters sunscreen if it was needed. It reached 75 degrees, and outside the gates where they were standing was in full sun.

At 5:30pm, they left the gates of the golf course and headed out.


Read more...

Youth tennis camp with Arnie Moreno this summer - Skills & Drills

Monday, May 7, 2018

Photo by Arnie Moreno
Coach Arnie Moreno is having a six day tennis camp at Shorewood courts this summer: three days after the last day of school and three days at the end of July.

If you are looking for a local youth tennis camp and do not belong to a tennis club, for beginners, intermediates and advanced players, sign up for the Summer Skills and Drills tennis camp.

Coach Moreno teaches tennis skills in fun and challenging practice sessions. Each session is two hours. You can sign up for all six or choose lessons to attend.

Summer Tennis Skills and Drills 2018
Arnie Moreno, PTR Certified Tennis Instructor
  • Shorewood High School Girls Varsity Tennis Coach
  • Shorewood High School Boys Varsity Tennis Coach
  • Seattle P–I Girls Tennis Coach of the Year 2005
  • King 5 “Coach that makes a Difference” Feb. 2008
  • Washington State University “ Educator of Excellence” Award 2007
  • Marysville Junior Tennis Team Coach
  • City of Marysville tennis instructor
Location: Shorewood HS tennis courts 17300 Fremont Ave N.
Time/ Days: MONDAY – WEDNESDAY – FRIDAY 10am to 12 noon
Dates: June 29, July 2, 6, 23, 25, 27
LAST DAY OF CAMP JULY OF CAMP July 27
  • July 31st make up date only for rain out lessons
  • Call instructor for dates of make up lessons 206-412-3191
6 two hour lessons for $120 or $ 20 per lesson
  • Family plan – more than one family member in the camp : 
    • 6 lessons for $100 per student or $16.50 / date
Checks payable to Arnie Moreno or pay by lesson or number of lessons you plan to take.

Mail payment or bring to first day of practice.
  • 18904 32nd Ave NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
Ball Machine - Live ball drills - Fundamentals
Games and Matches - Skill drills – Strategy

All levels of skill
  • Beginners to advance
  • Middle school to high school
Racquet provided if need - balls provided

Required by first week of tennis camp: emergency contact and insurance coverage information

Call Arnie Moreno 206-412-3191 or email to sign up



Read more...

Youth Mental Health First Aid Classes in Seattle on Sand Point Way

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Seattle Children’s is now offering a Youth Mental Health First Aid class to adults who regularly interact with adolescent 12 to 18.

This is a great learning opportunity for teachers, parents/caregivers, social workers, etc.

This class is offered once a month from May to September. The cost is $15, lunch included, for a full day class. Classes are held in the Sand Point Learning Center 5801 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle 98105.

More information and registration



Read more...

March For Our Lives: Students are turning frustration into action

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Photo By Rowan Hurt, Shorewood Senior


By Rowan Hurt, Shorewood Senior

The rally for the March for Our Lives on Saturday, March 24, 2018, began at 10am, but members of the greater Seattle area began to assemble at Cal Anderson Park even earlier. People stood around holding “register to vote” clipboards, and waving signs bringing attention to the issue of gun violence.

The march against gun violence was organized almost entirely by students, and students held a large presence in the crowd, holding signs, registering voters, and starting chants. Teachers also showed up in force, asking for the state to fund education instead of giving teachers guns.

Shoreline teachers gathered under the balloons
Photo by Caleb Correos, Shorewood Senior

Many teachers from the Shoreline School District met up to march together, some uniting under a bundle of balloons with the words “Shoreline supports our students” written on them.

At 10, the organizers took to the stage.

“We, the youth of Washington State, are infuriated,” one of the student organizers said to the cheers of the assembled crowd. “We will no longer risk our lives waiting for adults to take action.”

They mentioned the importance of including people of color in the conversation, who are threatened by gun violence on a daily basis.

Vote
Books not Bullets
Photo by Rowan Hurt, Shorewood Senior

After the founders spoke, they had several groups on stage, including Youth for Peace and Senator Maria Cantwell. Then, at approximately 11am, people began to stream out of the park.

Tens of thousands of people marched from Cal Anderson Park to the Seattle Center, chanting slogans such as “What do we want? Gun control, when do we want it? Now,” and “Hey hey, ho ho, AK-15s have got to go.”

Voter registration
Photo by Caleb Correos, Shorewood Senior

The march ended with a second rally, at which students gave speeches. Shorecrest students also performed songs, which led into the performances by celebrity guests and singer-songwriters Brandi Carlile and Dave Matthews. While Brandi Carlile had already been scheduled to perform, it was at her request that he came onstage to speak and sing “Mercy.”

“There's been a lot of times I'm proud of this city, and today might be when I'm most proud,” Carlile said before she performed her song “Hold Out Your Hand.”

After the musicians got offstage, more students gave speeches.

Sadie, a student from Seattle Academy, spoke to the crowd. “We think it will not be us, until it is,” she said. “That's why we need to fight until there is not one more.”

Shoreline students and teachers
Photo by Caleb Correos, Shorewood Senior

“We will not stay quiet, and we will not wait for you to catch up with your thoughts and prayers. And we sure as hell aren't going to let this happen again,” said Shorewood freshman Nara Kim. “We have just as loud a voice as they do.”

When the last speaker stepped aside, the core founders came on stage one last time to send people off.

The only gun that belongs in school
is a glue gun
Photo by Caleb Correos, Shorewood Senior

When asked why she came, Shorewood junior Ella Anderton had this to say:

“There was a shooting just this last week at a high school in Baltimore, a hundred miles away from where I was born and grew up. These tragedies keep getting increasingly personal... I despise the fact that I fear every day that I might lose my brothers, my friends, or my mom who is an elementary school counselor… The frustration inside me grows every day.”

If there's one thing that can be taken away from the march, it's that students are ready and able to step up when they feel adults aren't doing enough. They are turning frustration into action, and if the numbers are anything to go by, they are not alone.

Updated photo credits 3-26-2018 10pm


Read more...

Shorecrest junior wins Best of Show at Youth Art Month exhibition

Saturday, March 24, 2018

Shorecrest junior Justin Share won Best in Show award
for untitled ceramic sculpture

Justin Share, a junior at Shorecrest, recently won the Best of Show Award at the 2018 Youth Art Month Exhibition for his untitled ceramic sculpture.

Ceramic sculpture
by Justin Share
Share was recognized and presented with the award at a special ceremony held at the Schack Art Center in Everett on March 8. As part of his award, Share was presented with a cash prize of $1,000 and his ceramics teacher, Craig Vandenbosch, was presented with art supplies for his classroom valued at $1,200.

“Justin had been working on building this ceramic piece by hand since November and all of the imagery is hand carved into the surface,” said Vandenbosch. “We are very proud of Justin for being recognized with this prestigious award.”

Youth Art Month is observed in March of every year to emphasize the value of art and art education in public schools and is supported by the Washington Art Education Association.



Read more...

Bill focused on preventing newborn abandonment signed into law

Attached Photo: Councilmember Dunn with
Governor Inslee as he signs SB 5522 into law.
On March 22, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law legislation to improve reporting of incidents of newborn abandonment.

The legislation focuses on efforts to continue raising public awareness efforts about Washington State’s protections for newborn babies with the goal of saving the lives of newborns.

King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn and Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles worked with the legislation’s sponsors, Senators Guy Palumbo, Joe Fain, and Sharon Nelson, to advocate for its passage.

“Washington State Law already protects the safe surrender of newborns, now we can more effectively communicate those protections to at-risk populations,” said Vice Chair Dunn.

“This life-saving act has been on the books for more than a decade, but we know relatively little about how many abandonment incidents happen and how many could have been prevented,” said Sen. Guy Palumbo, D-Maltby. “With reliable data, and better coordination between agencies, we can make caregivers more aware of our safe surrender option.”

“Better data and information about newborn babies given up by their parents will allow us to more effectively reach parents in crisis and ensure the right services are available and known to the public in this time of need," said Sen. Joe Fain. "I appreciate Councilmembers Dunn and Kohl-Welles for leading this effort and partnering with the Legislature to get the bill passed and signed into law.”

On February 12, 2014, an infant, named Baby Kimball after the bridge near where she was found, died wrapped in a blanket in the woods less than a half a mile from a hospital near the city of North Bend. Since her death, the King County Council has been actively working to examine ways to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

“To help prevent future tragedies, especially the death of newborns, it is crucial to have current and accurate data to guide public outreach strategies,” said County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, who was the prime sponsor of the original safe haven legislation in 2002 while a member of the state Legislature. “With this law, we will continue and enhance our efforts to educate struggling new parents on their options. One of the options will be for these new parents, who are usually in their teens and unable to care for a newborn, to be able to safely surrender their child without fear of prosecution or other legal repercussions.”

The King County Safety of Newborn Children Task Force was then created to address how Washington State’s Safety of Newborn Children Act could be better implemented across the county. The adopted bill requires the Washington Department of Health Services to collect and compile info and publicly report it annually.

In Washington state, parents can leave newborns with qualified individuals at hospitals, fire stations or federally designated rural health clinics. The Safety of Newborn Children Law allows parents to do this anonymously up to 72 hours after the birth of a child without fear of prosecution for abandonment.


Read more...

Local March For Our Lives gatherings

Friday, March 23, 2018

Two Shoreline gatherings have been announced for Saturday in support of March For Our Lives - and one against.

Some of the Shorewood students who were part of the March 14 walkout have announced a rally from 11am to 12pm at N 175th and the Interurban Trail, behind the N 175th Walgreens.

32nd District Democrats have their caucus on Saturday at Shoreline CC from 10am to 3pm.

46th District Democrats will hold their caucus at Ingraham High School Auditorium, 1819 N 135th St, Seattle 98133. Doors open at 9:00am. The agenda starts at 10:00am and ends no later than 3:00pm.

After the Caucus Democrats from the 32, 36, and 46th Legislative Districts will gather in support of the students and families of March For Our Lives at 180th and Aurora in Shoreline. They will start to assemble about 3:30pm with elected officials, student organizers, speeches, signs, and march from 175th to 185th at 5:00pm. Parking is available at Shoreline City Hall, at 175th and Midvale.

32nd District Republicans have announced a counter-protest. For details, message them through their Facebook page.


Updated 3-24-18 12:30am



Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP