Issue Brief Voluntary home visiting programs provide critical support to vulnerable children and families. This report provides county-by-county data on the availability of voluntary home visiting programs in California, as well as several estimates of the need for these programs.

The brains of infants and toddlers develop at an incredible rate, forming the foundation for lifelong learning and health. The stimulation that children receive in these early years powerfully influence not only their academic and material success, but also – critically – their physical and mental health as well.

Issue Brief Access to affordable child care helps families achieve economic security, offers children stability and the opportunity to thrive, and strengthens California’s economy overall. Unfortunately, the programs that provide child care subsidies to low-income Californians were greatly weakened during the Great Recession of 2007. As a result, children and families in greatest need of these resources now face instability and diminished job prospects that will have short- and long-term consequences to their individual well-being, and our state.

Publication Women are critical to a strong and vibrant California economy. That is why advocates, legislators, and other community members from across California have come together to promote an economic security agenda in 2015 that will reduce poverty and build assets; expand access to affordable, quality early childhood care and education; ensure fair pay and job opportunities; and support working families.

Issue Brief This issue brief highlights some of the research on the growth of unstable work schedules, and describes the provisions of recently introduced legislation in San Francisco that seeks to increase predictable scheduling among certain retail and food service workers. San Francisco’s is the first such legislation to be introduced at the local level in the nation.

Publication Changes in employment practices during the past decade have increased the number of hourly and part-time workers. These workers have little control over their work schedules, which leave them struggling to make ends meet and provide care to their families.

Issue Brief Voluntary home visiting programs are a powerful tool to improve outcomes for at-risk children and families. Families enrolled in home visiting programs are visited by trained professionals on a regular basis who provide practical tips and information – as well as emotional support – on a range of issues, including maternal health, early learning, and improving parent-child interactions.

Issue Brief Approximately 5 million Californians lack paid sick days protection. For these employees, life is a delicate balancing act – when, inevitably, they become ill, they can either go to work while battling illness, or they can choose to stay home and lose out on a day’s pay. Sometimes, the decision to stay home can cost them their jobs. And if these workers are parents or family caregivers, the choices are harder still.

Publication Paid Family Leave allows most employed Californians to take up to 6 weeks per year of leave from their job and receive up to 55% of their wages up to a maximum. Paid Family Leave (PFL) may be taken for bonding with a new baby or to take care of a sick family member, and is 100% employee funded. It is a critical support to families and has wide benefits. However, low awareness about the program keeps some families from benefiting. Targeted education efforts will raise awareness so that Californians who most need it can take Paid Family Leave.

Report Next Generation and East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC) developed a set of concrete recommendations for the Legislative Analyst’s Office highlighting ways the State Legislature can leverage the state’s health insurance marketplace, Covered California, to link health insurance applicants with other benefits for which they may be eligible.