Health equity is key to a just society. Children's health is a crucial foundation for everything else – school performance, future workforce participation and contribution to community. But some of our most vulnerable kids can't get the health care they need:

• Youth who are under 18 and at substantial risk of HIV infection cannot receive PrEP, a medication that can prevent the transmission of HIV, without a parent's permission. They can only access treatment without a parent's permission after they have contracted and been diagnosed with HIV.
• Thousands of undocumented kids are uninsured and cannot afford health care. They cannot see a doctor unless they become so ill that they are taken to an emergency room. 

CCA is leading the drive in Connecticut to ensure that all children, regardless of who they are, have access to health care. Working with partners in the legislature, CCA has proposed two pieces of important legislation:

• Allow youth to access PrEP
• Expand HUSKY insurance to cover low-income undocumented children

These reforms will increase health equity in Connecticut and help all of our kids reach their full potential.

Read Hartford Courant article about health care eligibility for undocumented children
Read Yale School of Public Health report on expanding health care eligibility
SEE CCA's fact sheet on PrEP - preventing HIV infection in youth under 18

Tanya was 16 years old when the violence and threats in her home escalated to the point where she was unsafe. Tanya left and began couch surfing from friend's house to friend's house. 

Because of the trauma she experienced and her homelessness, she had mental health needs and desperately needed mental health services. But mental health providers would not see her without a parent or guardian's permission. 

DCF was aware of the situation, but did not intervene. CCA represented Tanya, advocating with DCF for specific supports and educating the mental health provider about the law allowing minors to receive mental health care without parental consent.

As a result of CCA's legal services, Tanya was able to begin counseling at a local mental health agency. DCF provided Tanya with transportation to health care appointments and helped her locate a stable home with a friend's parents. She is attending school and her attendance has improved dramatically. 

Congratulations to CCA attorney Bonnie Roswig, who was awarded the Connecticut Law Tribune's 2019 "Giant Slayer" award for her nationwide success advocating for children with diabetes.

CCA is thrilled to welcome new staff:

• Attorney Samuel Rivera, leading CCA's Racial Justice Project.
• Community Organizer Lourdes Fonseca, bringing expertise to CCA's new project helping Hartford youth organize and advocate collectively for systemic change to reduce youth homelessness.
• Paralegal Tiffany Minakhom, supporting CCA's expanded reentry legal advocacy that removes barriers for Hartford and New Britain youth returning to the community from juvenile or criminal justice confinement.

Upcoming Events and Presentations

Second Annual MLP Statewide Summit
April 11, 12:30 - 4:30 pm at VA Medical Center, Errera Community Care Center, West Haven.
Learn about the power of Medical-Legal partnerships. Keynote speaker Paul Dworkin, MD.

Homelessness, Immigrant Youth, and Connecticut Law
April 25, 1 - 3 pm. Webinar broadcast. Learn about youth homelessness and how we can help Connecticut's vulnerable immigrant youth.

Utility Clinics for Low Income Families - Keep the Power On
Hartford April 23, 1:30 - 4:00 pm at Connecticut Children's Medical Center
New Britain April 29, 1 - 4 pm at New Britain YWCA
New Haven May 3, 9 am - 1 pm at Yale New Haven Hospital

Spring for Kids!
Center for Children's Advocacy Champion of Children Awards
May 7, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Infinity Hall, Hartford

Center for Children's Advocacy