The Snohomish County Children’s Commission is a local
Children's Ombudsman agency in the US state of
Washington. It has 25 members, including two youth, appointed by
Snohomish County Council to serve as advisers on issues of health, safety, and welfare of children. Commissioners are mandated to act in an advocacy role on behalf of the children of Snohomish County.
Research and development
Research and development (R&D or R+D), known in Europe as research and technological development (RTD), is the set of innovative activities undertaken by corporations or governments in developing new services or products, and improving existi ...
work is conducted through forums, public hearings and a strong committee structure. Advocacy work is accomplished through publications, legislative efforts, active involvement in resolving local issues and
monthly meetings held in public session. Members are appointed to a four-year term and represent a diversity of backgrounds, including
health and human services, law and justice, education, business and labor, children and youth, parents, minorities and concerned citizens.
The Commission addresses concerns around access to adequate
health care
Health care or healthcare is the improvement of health via the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, amelioration or cure of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in people. Health care is delivered by health profe ...
, children's participation in their community, education, safety and stability in home life, protection from abuse,
commercial sexual exploitation of children, bullying, alcohol and other drugs, adequate nutrition, exercise, resourcing of public services,
positive youth development
Positive youth development (PYD) programs are designed to optimize youth developmental progress. ''Youth.gov'' states that "PYD is an intentional, prosocial approach that engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups, ...
,
street gangs,
mental health issues,
juvenile crime and the
best interests principle in decision making.
The Commission was created by County Ordinance number 85-060 in July 1985. It was the first Children’s Commission formed in Washington State. It first met on 8 January 1986. Shortly after its formation, the Commission came to national media attention when it was called upon to investigate the killing of an infant by his father.
Seattle PI, October 9, 1986
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Notes
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Organizations based in Washington (state)
Children's rights authorities
Children's Ombudsmen