In 2023, it was brought to our group's attention that when the Juvenile Detention Center closed in Mecklenburg County in 2022, services for youth being detained had ceased, and due to staff shortages, conditions were not okay. For the best outcomes, it is important for youth to maintain family support, provider support, and access to their legal counsel. We began convening meetings with stakeholders in the spring. Our meetings have included the Mecklenburg County, NC DJJ, Mecklenburg Sherriff, CMS, and nonprofit community members. We hope these conversations will lead to solutions that benefit the entire community. The reality is that youth in detention will return to our community - we want to provide the best opportunity to return with opportunity for success.

140,000 children in our County get their education through a CMS school. In the past two years are kids have been asked to do all sorts of things that before COVID we would not have thought possible. And now it is time – for our County Commissioners to step up to the plate and do what in the past hasn’t been possible. Fully fund the request from CMS. This is the moment – for the adults to take the opportunity to do more for our kids. CMS Basic bills they are required to pay have gone up by $20.9 million. However, the County Manager recommends increasing CMS funding by $19.9 million. This means CMS will have to cut/redirect funds by $1 million in order to cover the most basic costs that have increased. None of the other initiatives (including preventive maintenance) would be possible at this level of funding. CMS Budget request included $21 million to cover increases in FIXED expenses: $10.8 M So that locally funded teachers and staff receive the same pay increases (2.5 – 2.7% depending on position) received by state funded teachers and staff. To cover increases in retirement and health insurance rates. $5.5 M CMS is required to fund Mecklenburg County students who attend charter schools. These funds cover charter school enrollment growth. $4.6 M CMS is opening a new elementary and high school. These funds pay for staffing, maintenance, and operating cost of these new schools and expanded spaces at existing schools. TOTAL Required Expenses = $20.9 Million The County Manager’s proposed budget includes just under $20 million in new funds for CMS. If no other funds are added, CMS can ONLY pay for its fixed expenses. They cannot raise teacher pay supplement, increase teacher assistant wages, or keep up with preventive maintenance on school buildings. CMS will NOT be able to establish a new Early College High School, provide additional supports to English language learners, plan a high school for newly arrived students who do not speak English, and increase social/emotional and academic supports for students. ONLY THE COUNTY CAN FUND THIS. THE COUNTY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SUFFICIENTLY FUNDING SCHOOLS.

We are hosting a candidate forum for our Mecklenburg County Congressional Candidates from Districts 12 & 14. ​ District 12 Candidates include: Congresswoman Alma Adams & Tyler Lee ​ District 14 Candidates: State Senator Jeff Jackson ​ RSVP HERE: https://ChildrensIssueCandidateforumMeck.eventbrite.com

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS One of the goals of The Children’s Alliance is to be inclusive. The Children’s Alliance is open to requests from organizations and individuals that are concerned about children and families to join this effort. The standards for membership are: Commitment on the part of the participating organization to the children & families in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Attendance at all meetings by the top executive of the participating organization, or an appointed designee who has the authority to make commitments or decisions on behalf of the organization during a meeting. Currently, The Children's Alliance meets monthly. Consistent individual to attend all meetings. Annual dues to the Children’s Alliance. The willingness to participate in honest dialogue with professional colleagues and work collaboratively to support the group’s decisions The willingness to accept some leadership role during the life of the collaborative Financial There is a financial commitment to keep our group up and running and a minimal level of financial commitment is required. Annual dues pay for a part time staff member & website maintenance. Dues are collected at the beginning of each year. The group is not a 501(c)(3) as not to compete with our member agencies. The Children Family Service Center maintains our funds. If you are interested in becoming a member, contact Jenny Harbin.

Prior to 2002 a group of organizations committed to the well-being of children and families in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County began working together on a number of shared issues and concerns. Together these organizations informally collaborated on various projects in the community, primarily focused on a specific goal or outcome. In 2002, these organizations decided to form a collaborative – now called The Children’s Alliance – with the purpose of working on identified projects as well as create a forum for new collaborative to emerge. The group shares information and resources to make sure every child has access to available resources. 2022 marks The Children's Alliance our 20th year. For 20 years our organization has committed to the well-being of children and families in Mecklenburg County. We have worked together on many shared issues and concerns. Organizations have informally collaborated on various projects in the community, primarily focused on a specific goal or outcome. In 2002 these organizations decided to form a collaborative-now called The Children's Alliance. The following agencies are the founding members of The Children's Alliance: Alexander Children’s Center Mecklenburg County Health Department Charlotte Links of America Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office Child Care Resources Inc. Partners in Out-of-School Time City of Charlotte Teen Health Connection Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools The Children’s Law Center Communities in Schools The Family Center Council for Children The Lee Institute Crown Jewels, Link Thompson Children’s Home NC Department of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention/Juvenile Court Time Out Youth Foundations for the Carolinas United Family Services Greater Enrichment Program, Inc. United Way of Central Carolinas Junior League of Charlotte Wachovia Juvenile Court Judges YMCA of Greater Charlotte Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services Youth Homes Mecklenburg County Area Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities & Substance Abuse Youth Network #charlottekids