LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

This year marks the 25th year that we have been reporting on the status of children in Orange County. It is remarkable to see how much has changed over the last 25 years! Through collaboration and hard work, we have made great strides over 25 years in the outcomes of our youngest residents.

The economic landscape in which Orange County’s children live and thrive has changed dramatically. For example, today’s unemployment is comparatively low at 2.6 percent; in 1995, it was double that rate at 5.2 percent. Over the same time period, however, the median home price in Orange County quadrupled.

Today, children make up a smaller proportion of our total population, with about 10,000 fewer babies born in 2017 as compared to 25 years ago. Additionally, more moms are seeking early prenatal care and the rate of infant mortality has been cut in half.

While our student population is more diverse today than ever, a smaller percentage of students are English Language Learners and a greater proportion of students are completing college prep classes. Yet, we have more work to do. We must address childhood poverty and our children and youth’s mental health.

It is important to note that this annual report on the conditions of our children – an important resource for effective planning and strategic decision-making – would not be possible without accurate data to point us in the right direction. In 2020, we have the opportunity to make a critical impact on the resources that our community is provided through the Census.

The 2020 Census is vital to Orange County getting its fair share of federal funds for programs serving our seniors, veterans, college students and our children. In fact, undercounting our residents in the Census could jeopardize $15 billion in federal funding coming to Orange County over the next 10 years.

Our everyday life will be impacted by the results of the Census. We are at a pivotal moment, so I ask you to help ensure that no Orange County resident is left out of this process. Let’s make sure all kids count!

Sincerely,

Andrew Do, Chair Orange County Children’s Partnership

Chair Supervisor Andrew Do

First District Orange County Board of Supervisors

Vice Chair

Debra J. Baetz

County of Orange Social Services Agency

Members

Eldon Baber

The Raise Foundation

Donald Barnes

Orange County Sheriff

Kimberly Goll, MURP

First 5 Orange County

Hon. Joanne Motoike

Presiding Judge of the Orange County Juvenile Court

Al Mijares, Ph.D.

Orange County Superintendent of Schools

Jeff Nagel, Ph.D Orange County Health Care Agency, Behavioral Health

Paula Noden Regional Center of Orange County

Leon J. Page County Counsel

Sharon Petrosino

Public Defender

Denise Schleicher

Contract Attorney for Children

Steven J. Sentman Chief Probation Officer

For more information about the priorities, work and public meetings of the OCCP, please visit: ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/family/OCCP.

Todd Spitzer, J.D., MPP

Orange County District Attorney

Nichole Quick, MD, MPA

Orange County Health Care Agency, Public Health

Vacant

Foster Parent Representative

Vacant

Group Home Representative

Candice Gomez, MHA

CalOptima

Vacant

Former Foster Youth

As of September 2019