Human Trafficking
SPAC has for many
years been concerned about human trafficking in New Jersey as it is a portal state for
traffickers. We jointly held a
conference at Rider University in 2005 to draw attention to the issue, and help
inform law enforcement on effective action.
SPAC has worked
with NJ Congressman Chris Smith to address the problem of what is “modern day
slavery” and advocated for measures to improve access to information for victims of human trafficking. In New Jersey, victims can be found working in the sex industry, agriculture, in domestic service, in hair braiding and nail salons and many other places.
NJ HUMAN TRAFFICKING 24-hr HOTLINE: 877-986-7534
- A toll-free number to report suspected cases of human trafficking
Recess in Schools
SPAC became aware
that in some parts of New Jersey, recess was no longer being offered to
students. It took a supporting
position on a bill to establish a Task Force to study the importance of recess
for children, and to discover how widespread the problem is and the causes of
it being removed.
Seven
out of 10 Americans disagree with schools’ policies of eliminating or reducing
recess time for budgetary, safety or academic reasons.
Umbilical Cord Blood
In 2005, NJ was the first to create a statewide, publicly funded umbilical cord blood bank. Cord blood stem cells treat several cancers, sickle cell anemia and immune disorders. 2007 legislation requires healthcare providers to inform pregnant patients about life-saving donations to the NJ Cord Blood Bank. SPAC is working to improve the implementation of this law.
The New Jersey Cord Blood Bank (NJCBB) is the Public Cord Blood Bank for NJ – their website is: http://www.communitybloodservices.org/cb_njcbb.php
The bill that was passed in 2007 can be seen here: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2006/Bills/A0500/312_I1.PDF
Ovarian Cancer
Over the years, SPAC has been supportive of a number of measures mandating that insurance companies pay for screening of cancers in women. In the case of ovarian cancer, SPAC realized that not only was it important to ensure symptomatic women get the screening that could save their lives, but that by educating women about the symptoms to look out for, it could lead to early detection and therefore better outcomes.
Children in Foster Care
SPAC is currently investigating the effects of the reform of the Division of Youth & Family Services (DYFS) on the quality of foster care, and is mounting a campaign to ensure the reforms are fully funded.
LETTER TO GOVERNOR CORZINE (download pdf file)
Domestic Violence
Combating violence against women has been a long-held position of SPAC. We support legislation that seeks to assist victims of domestic violence in escaping dangerous situations, and assist them in finding work and keeping their jobs as a means of gaining economic freedom, which often means real freedom from their abusers.
Childhood Obesity
Along with Junior Leagues throughout the country, SPAC seeks to promote healthy eating habits through the "Kids in the Kitchen" program. Click on the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) link at the bottom of this page for more information.