State Advisory Council Meeting

Building Bright Futures State Advisory Council meetings serve as a critical convening of public and private partners working to improve the well-being of children and families in Vermont by using evidence to inform policy and decision-making, discussing critical challenges, and problem-solving. State Advisory Council (SAC) meetings are virtual and open to the public.

At our July 27 meeting, we will hold a public forum where you can share challenges facing children and families. Members of the public interested in sharing will have up to 2 minutes to provide comments or anecdotes based on their work with Vermont families or in the early childhood system. Information shared will help inform BBF’s role as advisors to improve the well-being of children and families. Questions for consideration:

• What is one thing working well for children and families right now that you want to see sustained?
• Vermont’s 2026 legislative session brought potential changes/implications across the early childhood system. How are those changes landing in your work or for the families you serve?
• Federal funding and eligibility rules are continuing to change. Where are you seeing the effects now, and what do you anticipate over the coming year?
• What is one action—by the state, a funder, or a group of partners—that would help you sustain what is working or address what is at risk?

We will also work in small groups to advance issues raised at the May 18 Vermont’s Early Childhood Strategic Plan Summit, with the following areas of focus:

• Supporting parents and caregivers navigating mental health issues and isolation, especially after the birth of a child
• Recruiting and retaining a robust health, mental health, and specialty provider workforce 
• Strengthening transportation systems for families to access health care and education 
• Service navigation for families

Each group will identify one next step worth carrying forward over the next six months and determine who could help lead it or needs to be at the table.