Join us in the fight for the rights of EVERY child and family in NJ by signing and sharing this petition supporting enactment of a Bill of Rights for Children, Youth and Families. Thousands of New Jersey families lack the basic supports and opportunities they need to successfully raise their children from birth to adulthood.     The Family Success Institute and our collaborative partners in the Learning Community have launched a campaign to make the essential pillars of support so many of us have enjoyed a RIGHT – not just a privilege – for every child, youth and family in New Jersey.

If you agree that our state must confront the social and economic disparities that divide us and assure that EVERY New Jersey family has the resources and support they need to succeed, then sign this petition.  Our goal is for New Jersey to adopt this Bill of Rights as law and to commit the resources needed to achieve for all what so many of us take for granted.

THE NEW JERSEY BILL OF RIGHTS FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES
 
All children, youth and families in New Jersey will have the right to:

• Clean and safe land, air and water
• Safety at home, in school or work and in their communities (safety includes physical, psycho/social/ emotional, environmental, virtual, etc.)
• Strong, permanent, loving and nurturing households
•  Full and equal voices in decisions that impact their lives
• Respect and dignity, equal opportunity and absolute freedom from any forms of prejudice, bigotry and discrimination
• Household financial resources that provide for a decent standard of living (food, shelter, clothing, transportation, etc.)
• Age and developmentally appropriate quality and affordable health and behavioral health care
•  Age and developmentally appropriate quality life-long learning and education
• Meaningful spiritual, cultural and recreational experiences
• Learn and celebrate the rich diversity of our racial, cultural, ethnic, spiritual and linguistic traditions
• Accessible locally organized networks of resources, opportunities and supports that address family needs and aspirations
• Public policies, practices and resource allocations that promote child, youth and family wellbeing

 Next Steps:

1. Call and email your state legislators to express your support for the Bill of Rights. We can’t get this passed without your help! Unsure of who your legislator is? Find them HERE.

2. Ask your colleagues, friends, neighbors and others in your community to sign this petition.  The louder and farther our collective voices are heard, the sooner this bill will become law!