Low-income students who drop out—or are pushed out—of school without a high school diploma face long odds in their search for a path to a successful and stable adult life. In Birmingham, Ala., a former public school teacher is waging a fierce campaign to give such students a second chance. Gin Phillips reports on the World of Opportunity School.

Early detection can be the key to quick and effective treatment of many common eye problems—but often, low-income children don't have vision screening until kindergarten. In Alabama, FocusFirst has organized a statewide corps of volunteer college students to catch vision problems early. Gin Phillips explains how it works.

For kids in foster care, moving from home to home often results in lost medical records and a patchwork of health care providers. At Alabama's Family Place Pediatric Practice, Dr. Alisa Hoffman is working hard to change that.

The mission of the Exchange Club Family Center is to strengthen families and prevent child abuse through parent training, education and support.

To ensure a decent childhood for every Alabama child.

To accomplish this mission, VOICES for Alabama's Children:

Researches the conditions of children in our state
Communicates those conditions to those who can work for change
Advocates for public policy and private programs that will improve the lives of children and families

As VOICES gears up for the '09 Legislative Session, we invite you to join us for our annual UnitedVOICES meetings, co-hosted with the River Region United Way.

This year the location and time have changed, but the goal remains the same-- bringing together champions for children and families to discuss legislative strategies!

Join Us: February 2nd, 2009
February 23rd, 2009
March 9th, 2009

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: Business Council of Alabama
2 North Jackson Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
*First floor auditorium

As of year 2004, eight states and two large cities had at least 95 percent of children younger than age six enrolled in fully operational, population-based immunization registries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools has the full story.

The steady decline of manufacturing and farm jobs has had a devastating effect on small town economies and placed increasing stress on the fabric of rural family life, as described by families in three states. This Annie E. Casey report also has policy recommendations and strategies to help build rural family economic success.

The public officials we vote into office make crucial decisions affecting the health, education, safety and financial security of America's children. Our Kids and Politics section provides the information you need to politically take action with kids in mind.