Legislative Advocacy for Children

Connecticut Children’s is often called upon by policy makers to act as an expert resource on health care issues that affect children. Too often, kids do not have a voice in the decisions that affect them and their families. Connecticut Children’s advocacy efforts are aimed at ensuring that children’s concerns are always heard when public policies are made.

Public Policy Priorities

Connecticut Children’s Child Health Policy Priorities were developed to provide policymakers with a roadmap to pursue regulatory and legislative changes to help strengthen and empower families as well as protect and enhance the physical and emotional well-being of all children.

Within each of the priorities outlined below, you will find brief descriptions of the key topics, and public testimony that was submitted to the Connecticut State Legislature on behalf of Connecticut Children’s, presenting the case for each of these issues.

Additionally, many of the priorities feature policy briefs developed to draw attention to significant challenges impacting children that warrant further consideration.

All children should have equitable access to the right care, at the right time, in the right setting. Improving access to care for children and their families cannot be accomplished without improving Medicaid rates and reforming current payment models for pediatric providers.

Submitted Public Hearing Testimony Related to this Topic: 

Related Policy Briefs: 

Advance innovative policies and practices that support early intervention and a comprehensive and integrative behavioral health system so that kids and families can access services where and when they need them. 

Submitted Public Hearing Testimony Related to this Topic: 

Strengthen families by supporting policies that empower them and help address the many social factors that impact a child’s health and development (often referred to as the social influencers of health).

Submitted Public Hearing Testimony Related to this Topic: 

Related Policy Briefs:

Support children’s optimal health through the advancement of cures and treatments for childhood diseases and conditions and through the implementation of new and more efficacious ways of delivering care to kids and families.

Submitted Public Hearing Testimony Related to this Topic: 

Related Policy Briefs:

Family Advocacy Day

Each year, the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) hosts Family Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. The event brings together patients, families and team members from children's hospitals across the country. Patients have the chance to speak directly with members of Congress, share their stories, and advocate for a variety of pediatric health topics, including timely access to care, the vital role of Medicare and addressing the mental health crisis.   

Stay Informed and Take Action

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Find Your Legislators

As a Connecticut resident, it is important to remember that your elected officials work for you. If there is an issue that matters to you, you can write, email, or call your state legislator to make sure your voice is heard. Contacting your elected officials really does make a difference!

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Read the Blogs

Stay up to speed on topics that matter most to families and the community.

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Contact the Government Relations Team

Have questions about the legislative process, our public policy priorities, or another government relations issue? Reach out to a member of our Government Relations team.

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