Welcome to the Coalition
The National Crittenton Foundation has joined forces with the Oregon Coalition of Advocates for Equal Access for Girls. Both groups have pledged to work together to advocate for vulnerable girls and young women across the country.
The Portland, Oregon-based statewide Coalition was established in 1992 by a group of concerned advocates and service providers. It was instrumental in passing the groundbreaking 1993 Equal Access legislation that requires all Oregon state agencies serving children under 18 to ensure that girls and young women have access to appropriate gender-responsive services, treatment and facilities. Oregon is first state to pass and enact such a sweeping law. The partnership between the Coalition and The Foundation is designed to advance the replication of similar coalitions and policies to other states and the federal government.
To enable this effort to better succeed, the Coalition will be co-located with The Foundation at its headquarters in Portland, Oregon.
Founded in 1883, The National Crittenton Foundation supports the work of over 27 Crittenton agencies in 24 states. Clients of agencies in the Crittenton family face obstacles including violence, unhealthy relationships, sexual abuse and drug and alcohol addictions. Many are involved in multiple systems of care, including the foster care system and the juvenile justice systems. The Foundation’s goal is to support the empowerment of girls and young women so they can achieve their unique potential as healthy, contributing members of society.
In recent years, researchers have gained a better understanding of the risk factors experienced by girls and how to bolster protective factors and resiliency with gender- responsive services. Girls and boys experience different social pressures and exposure to challenges as they grow to adulthood. Oregon’s model legislation and coalition recognizes these gender differences and works to create the services and remove the barriers that allows girls and young women to have the opportunities to fulfill the promise of their unique strengths and abilities.
How exciting to have this combined effort, and how great to have it piloted here in Portland for national replication!
We certainly have challenges here in Oregon including the highschool drop-out rate, diverse cultures, and geographic, economic, and social barriers.
Congratulations on your foresight.