Questions Regarding Personal Legislative Agenda 1) Which areas should I focus on regarding expanding community-based health care policy for the vulnerable population? 2) What are the best strategies to engage policymakers and stakeholders to advocate for expanding community-based healthcare programs in vulnerable populations?

My personal legislative agenda regarding child abuse advocacy requires a strategic approach to be successful. Child abuse is a major public health concern with potentially lasting effects of trauma (National Children’s Alliance, 2025). The implementation of Ohio’s Senate Bill 288, Erin’s Law (The Ohio Legislature 136th General Assembly, 2025), and the federal bill, The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act (Congress.gov, 2025), is a step in the right direction to support child abuse advocacy.

I would appreciate your advice and guidance with the following issues:

1. Erin’s Law mandates that Ohio schools provide age-appropriate education in child sexual abuse, dating violence, and sexual violence prevention in grades K-12. This was implemented in the 2023-2024 school year. Trained professionals provide the instruction. Teachers and counselors must also receive training on child abuse prevention and mandated reporting procedures (Ohio Department of Education & Workforce, 2025). Erin’s Law was done without appropriate or sustainable funding for supplies and training. Some funding is available through grants. What are your thoughts on alternative sustainable funding sources?

 

1. The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act, H.R. 909, introduced to the House in February 2025, will provide consistent funding for Child Advocacy Centers and child abuse survivors and families. This program is not funded by taxpayer dollars but by federal criminal fines, penalties, and bond forfeitures (National Children’s Alliance, 2025; Congress.gov, 2025). Other than consistent funding, do you have any recommendations for improvement?                                                                                                                    

References

Congress.gov (2025). https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/909/?s=1&r=15

Ohio Department of Education & Workforce. (2025). Child sexual abuse, dating violence and sexual violence prevention.  https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/School-Wellness/Prevention-Education/Child-Sexual-Abuse-Dating-Violence-Sexual-Violence

National Children’s Alliance (2025). https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/media-room/national-statistics-on-child-abuse/

The Ohio Legislature 136th General Assembly. (2025). https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/134/sb288/status