T484 – Child Life Policy and Advocacy
Public policy sets the parameters for every aspect of the CL system, yet practitioners primarily engage policy at the level of implementation and compliance. Furthermore, there are limited opportunities for CL leaders to access policy tables, inform decision making, and influence policy levers. This course is designed to enrich the perspective and enhance the capacity of diverse child advocates who want to ensure CL policy leads to improved quality, access and equity for young children and their families. The course will introduce practitioners to the CL system, tools for assessing public policy levers, and practical applications for influencing CL policy from the ground-up through a thoughtful balance between theory and practice. Special attention will be given to navigating systems and cultivating a critical lens with respect to advocacy for children.