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CURRENT PRIORITIES
SPAC works continuously on many issues. Our current priorities are: Human Trafficking, the Opioid Epidemic, the Environment, Cord Blood Donations, Childhood Nutrition and Fitness, Foster Care and Violence Against Women and Children.
Human Trafficking For many years, we have voiced concerned about human trafficking in New Jersey. Since 2009, we have held multiple conferences dedicated to the issue as it affects New Jersey. SPAC is focused on prevention, protection, prosecution (of johns) and partnership. Those interested in finding out more information on advocacy actions please click here or use the contact us page, Junior League members should contact their SPAC Delegate. The Opioid Epidemic The Environment SPAC's Environment Task Force is examining ways to ensure that our kids are not exposed to harmful pesticides as they play. (Resources - Safe Playing Fields Town Resolution, Safe Playing Fields Position Paper and Legislative Testimony) Cord Blood Donations 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. SPAC also supports efforts to improve the funding stream to this life-saving organization. Childhood Nutrition and Fitness The women of SPAC were integral in the designation of March as Childhood Obesity Prevention Month in New Jersey. This new legislation was highlighted with a "Kids' Iron Chef" event in Plainfield in March 2010. Assemblywoman Connie Wagner emceed this victorious event. The women of The Junior League focused on this issue for many years throughout the country with their seminal "Kids in the Kitchen" program. Click on the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) link at the bottom of this page for more information. Trying to reverse the epidemic of childhood obesity is a major focus for SPAC, and we work on any legislation that will increase our kids nutrition awareness and physical fitness levels. Foster Care Decades ago, SPAC was instrumental in getting the Child Placement Review Act 1978 passed. Since then former SPAC members and Junior League members have served thousands of hours on Child Placement Review Boards. These volunteer boards are so thorough and examine all sides of a child's case before recommending placement, that they have prevented kids falling through the cracks in the system and in many cases prevented abuse, even saved lives. We are working today to ensure our kids are still properly helped by these extraordinary boards of caring and dedicated volunteers. SPAC continues to monitor the effects of the reform of the Division of Youth & Family Services (DYFS) on the quality of foster care. Violence Against Women 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. |
POSITION PAPERS
Safe Playing Fields Human Trafficking Umblical Cord Blood Donations Childhood Nutrition and Fitness Foster Care Recess Survey
NJ Cord Blood Bank Advocates for Children of New Jersey Shaping NJ Child Placement Advisory Council Child Placement Spring Forum Summary Child Placement Fall Forum Summary LINKS ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING
NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking NJ Human Trafficking Task Force Polaris Project US State Dept. Trafficking Report ECPAT-USA The Tourism Child - Protection Code of Conduct Project Stay Gold Atlantic County Women's Center Congressman Chris Smith humantrafficking.org UN Toolkit to Combat Trafficking 
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Links to NJ Junior Leagues
Bergen County Elizabeth-Plainfield Greater Princeton Monmouth County Montclair-Newark Morristown Oranges & Short Hills Summit
AJLI - Association of Junior Leagues International
Junior Leagues of New Jersey - State Council (web link coming soon)
AJLI - Association of Junior Leagues International
Junior Leagues of New Jersey - State Council (web link coming soon)
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