Committee On Early Childhood Development Meets To Hear Expert Testimony

A committee of state lawmakers charged with drafting policy recommendations to improve the early brain development of Wisconsin’s infants and young children met on Thursday.

Three experts in child development testified at the hearing of the Steering Committee for the Symposia Series on Supporting Healthy Early Brain Development. They shared information on scientific and social research, areas for improvement in some of Wisconsin’s current social programs, and laws and programs Wisconsin may want to borrow from other states.

“I’m hoping that we can take a close look at Wisconsin, what we’re investing in currently, look at the comparison to some of these other states (and) what their programs are, and turn this into a policy that we can immediately work on,” said Rep. Joan Ballweg, the committee’s chairwoman.

Ballweg said the changes suggested at the hearing may be adopted by state departments, but that it’s possible new legislation may be drafted to make some changes, too.

One of the panelists, Amelia Franck Meyer, is the CEO of Anu Family Services, a child welfare agency that focuses on foster care. Because the state has county-run foster care systems, Franck Meyer wants the state to encourage idea-sharing between innovative counties and those with fewer resources. She’s optimistic about that, and other changes, being implemented.

“They are ones that must happen, that just have to happen based on what we know — the science, the research and what we know works with kids,” she said. “I think it’s a really good sign that we’re talking about it today, and in the end I know it’s where we’ll end up.”

The committee will meet to hear expert testimony a few more times before drafting its recommendations.