protecting the fetus and the child
from environmental hazards

a healthy environment
for all children

[ home ] [ resource guide ] [ training manual ] [ get involved ] [ publications ] [ index ] [ about CEHN ]

California Actions

At the informal and regional meetings, key leaders in Californiasuggested various strategies to address the above mentioned topic-based concerns. The proposed actions fall into the following five categories:

More Child-Protective Governmental Policies

Agencies, organizations, and institutions suggested creating more environmental policies that are protective of children's health. Leaders also explained that some existing national policies, state laws, and regulations that protect children lack oversight to monitor proper implementation. They further advocated for a system to ensure the proper implementation of these regulations. In addition, several leaders recommended reviewing and revamping existing regulatory standards to specifically incorporate principles which address children's unique qualities and vulnerabilities. Finally, interviewees stated a need to create a venue for a diverse constituency base to vet and produce policies collectively. This venue would include perspectives from all the disciplines that contribute to a child's safe environment. To effectively reach that goal, many experts suggested building the capacity of multidisciplinary groups (communities, scientists, environmentalists, child advocates, public health officials) to help play a more active role in crafting and implementing legislation.

Awareness Raising/Education for Potential Leadership

Leaders stated that in order to spark a statewide movement, groups must learn more about children's environmental health. Experts suggested teaching diverse disciplines and communities about this issue to better understand how their professional, political, and community-based efforts impact children's environmental health. Ultimately, this would assist groups to make the necessary changes in their professions and communities to fully protect children.

Relevant Research

Specialists highlighted the need for more research to further inform the field of children's environmental health. They recommended identifying the links between environmental exposures and health impacts, as well as investigating non-polluting alternatives to technology, agriculture, and transportation. Community groups and researchers alike suggested conducting community-driven health assessments, as well as having communities collaborate with researchers to set research agendas. Some recommended conducting a statewide inventory to map trends regarding diseases and environmental pollution by using geographical information systems. Several sectors described a need for sound research conducted by neutral institutions, organizations, and agencies, so as not to impair the credibility of the findings. Many leaders suggested relying on this credible science to help set the political agenda as well as determine community-driven advocacy efforts. And finally, groups urged translating research into lay language and making it available to professionals and the public.

Collaborative Support/Networking

Several organizations already address aspects of children's environmental health in their work. They design projects and make decisions that are protective of children's vulnerabilities and incorporate this issue as a part of their organization's overall goals. To build a cohesive movement, experts stated that multidisciplinary groups must have more opportunities to support each other in their advocacy efforts and to collaborate whenever possible--especially those who do not traditionally work together. If diverse entities begin a dialogue, share resources, and further coordinate their efforts, they can help make a safer place for California's children.

Centralized Resources

Throughout this process, Network staff heard about a need for a centralized location to provide credible resources and expertise on children's environmental health. Individuals recommended creating a repository of reports, research findings, brochures, pamphlets, and fact sheets. This would make research and facts available to diverse experts. Some people suggested having a hotline to answer specific questions, along with a website to share this information in written form. Finally, specialists described the need for leaders to provide testimonies to policymakers, as well as give technical assistance to communities and schools.

Back to California Interim Findings Main Document