Advocacy for Children

We are advocates for ALL of Washington’s children and champion policies that advance equity and improve child health and well-being. There are many ways to be an advocate:

  1. Respond to action alerts that we send out during the legislative session.
  2. Join our legislative committee. We meet via Zoom – weekly during the legislative session and monthly outside of session. To learn more, contact Sarah Nau.
  3. Participate in our annual Advocacy Day – on February 12, 2024. We are planning a full day of education and action in Olympia!

Advocate With Us

2023 Accomplishments

  • Increased funding for Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children & Teens and the First Approach Skills Training (FAST) program.
  • 15% increase in Medicaid reimbursement for behavioral health counseling.
  • $10m in loan repayment funds for the Washington Health Corps and $10m in loan repayment funding dedicated to behavioral health professionals.
  • Multisystem crisis response teams to meet the needs of youth who are stuck in hospitals for behavioral needs.
  • Free school meals for all kids in buildings with at least 30% of students on free and reduced lunch.
  • Assault weapons ban, plus a 10-day waiting period and mandated safety training for all firearm purchases.

Recent Accomplishments

  • Improved access to care by increasing Medicaid rates to parity with Medicare for pediatric care.
  • Extended postpartum Medicaid coverage to 1 year.
  • Passage of a working families tax credit.
  • Elimination of personal/philosophical exemptions for MMR vaccine for school entry.
  • Increased age to purchase tobacco and nicotine products to 21.

The WCAAP employs a lobbyist in Olympia to advocate for an equity-focused, child-friendly legislative agenda in our state, and Chapter members frequently testify in Olympia and meet with legislators.