Welcome to CFRA's News & Events page where you can learn about current events and important information affecting children, families and communities.

Our plan is to use this page to inform you about ground-breaking news, pending legislation and other critical announcements that matter to you and the families you serve. We will also post a calendar of major events throughout California, including trainings and conferences, so that you will know what's going on in your area. In addition, a press room will be available where you can find CFRA's information kit, recent press clips and other materials.

We look forward to keeping you updated with the most essential information to help you do what you do!

NEWS

After School Education and Safety Program (ASES) - based on voter approved Prop. 49.

This year California will fully fund the After School Education and Safety Program (ASES) based on the voter approved initiative Proposition 49. Funding for the program will increase to $550 million.

Family resource centers, neighborhood resource centers and family support programs can help to ensure that the local ASES programs are reflective of the needs of the neighborhood and communities. If you are interested in getting involved, take these steps:

1) Familiarize yourself with the requirements of ASES funding. More information may be obtained at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ba/as/ases06fundingfaq.asp

2) Contact and identify the local lead organization that will apply for funding and oversee the program. This is usually the school district, if not the school district should know which organization will be the lead organization.

3) Connect with schools, principals and partners who will be participating in the planning process. All programs must be established through a collaborative planning process that includes parents, youth, schools, parks and recreation, law enforcement, community organizations and the private sector.

4) Identify how you might participate in the planning process and/or the program. Some potential examples are:
a. Linking on-site FRC services with the afterschool program
b. Providing and/or facilitating parent and youth input on program design
c. Participating on application review and/or development teams
d. Sharing resources and information (e.g., needs assessments)

The time to act is now. The bill making substantial improvements to the ASES program is expected to be signed by the end of August. The California Department of Education will release a Request for Applications soon after.

State Budget

The Budget has been passed and signed by the Governor. A major issue that was not included in the budget was proposed funds to expand health coverage to children who are not currently eligible for coverage through the Healthy Families or Medi-Cal Programs. Go to www.cbp.org for a full read.

The Legislative Analyst Office has just released their annual Cal Fact's report. This report provides snapshots of information that provide the reader with an overview of public finance and program trends in the state.

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