A refund of close to $5,000 could be especially timely for Pennsylvania families during this recession. That's the upper end of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low- to moderate-income working families - and a report released today by the Children's Defense Fund shows Keystone State families eligible for the refund are being targeted by tax preparation companies and those selling refund anticipation loans and checks.

Ed Shelleby, spokesman with CDF says those services cost Pennsylvania EITC families about 98 million dollars.

"What is often hidden is that there's a lot of fees attached to these, and you can lose a significant portion of what your refund will actually be."

Shelleby says selling services to EITC families is a profitable business – but one he says steals money from families who need every dollar, especially this year.

"Even before this recession, these tax preparation centers took over three billion dollars from low-income families – money that needs to be in the pockets of these families."

Companies offering the loans and EITC filing say they provide valuable services for families needing access to money quickly, and for those who feel overwhelmed by tax paperwork. Shelleby points out that there is true free filing available, along with direct deposit of refunds, through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program – with locations around the state. CDF is also calling for federal laws to protect families from predatory services, and an expansion of free tax preparation offerings.

A listing of free tax preparation locations is available by toll-free telephone at 1-800-829-1040.

The full CDF report, "Avoiding the Pitfalls of Refund Anticipation Loans," is available online at
www.childensdefense.org



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Despite a recent policy victory, Wisconsin labor leaders still express concern about the current environment for shielding young teens from unsafe work environments.

Gov. Tony Evers this month vetoed a bill which would have expanded the elimination of required work permits for those younger than 18. The bill's language applied to 14- and 15-year-olds, several years after the state did away with parental permission for 16- and 17-year-olds.

Stephanie Bloomingdale, president of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO, said the recent debates are policy fights advocates thought they won decades ago when minors often worked in dangerous conditions. She cautioned there is a strong push to chip away at protections.

"We are seeing a growing movement from different, unscrupulous employers that want to put kids back in the workplace, and not have the kind of oversight that is needed," Bloomingdale contended.

The Economic Policy Institute said rollbacks have been approved in a dozen states in the past few years. While current efforts are thwarted in Wisconsin, Bloomingdale worries about similar debates in future sessions.

Meanwhile, violations are trending upward, with the U.S. Labor Department reporting an 83% increase in financial penalties. Backers of the Wisconsin bill said the goal was to reduce red tape for families.

Bloomingdale countered taking away another layer of protection does more to trample on the rights of parents and guardians. And with higher consumer prices placing more pressure on household budgets, she added some kids might feel the need to bring in additional income.

She emphasized the current law helps the whole family make an informed decision.

"It's important for kids to get a good work ethic," Bloomingdale acknowledged. "But at the same time, these kids need to make sure that they are getting enough sleep, that they are able to participate in their school, and really making sure that balance is there."

The Economic Policy Institute report showed amid the push in many states to weaken laws, several other states have advanced bills to strengthen protections. There have been bipartisan bills in Congress which, among other things, would crack down on violators.


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As communities across Georgia come together to raise awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month, local groups are taking steps to equip parents with the resources and support to prevent adverse childhood experiences year-round.

The Gwinnett Coalition, in partnership with the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, is launching a series of parenting courses as a part of Resilient Gwinnett.

Sandy Chavarria, Hispanic outreach prevention coordinator at the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, said the goal is to give parents more resources and tools to foster resilience and safeguard children's well-being.

"Our offerings are centered around learning how we can better protect our children from child abuse, child maltreatment -- well, more specifically, child sexual abuse," Chavarria explained. "We've also been focusing on providing education on childhood adversity."

Chavarria pointed out they are hosting two classes to address these topics. The first class, called the Positive Parenting Program, will be held May 16. She said it covers key points for creating an encouraging environment through expectations, discipline and self-care for parents.

The second class, titled "Becoming a More Resilient Parent," takes a deeper dive into addressing trauma. It will be held Sept. 17.

Kamesha Walker, community health program manager for the Gwinnett Coalition, believes resilient parenting classes are essential for helping parents cope with the challenges of parenthood and teaching them to recover their strength, ultimately enabling them to support their children's adaptability. Walker emphasized the importance of self-care, mindfulness and self-compassion in fortifying parents and children alike.

"Being a parent, there's no book," Walker emphasized. "These parents in classes would provide just some kind of structure, some kinds of guidelines to help those who may want assistance. So when they're able to be more resilient, then they are able to have their children be resilient."

Walker and Chavarria said they hope the classes help foster safe and stable environments leading to fewer adverse childhood experiences and building on the positive ones. In 2023, nearly 55,000 caseworkers investigated reports of abuse and neglect involving more than 106,000 children.

The shrinking supply of child-care workers continues to impact Kentucky, and advocates say helping more people receive a Child Development Associate degree could fill critical gaps in child care and early learning - especially in rural regions.

Jennifer Roe is an early-childhood coordinator with Save the Children's Early Steps Program who's currently enrolled in a CDA program at Eastern Kentucky University.

She said it hasn't been easy working full time while in school, but says Save the Children's Career Pathways Program has helped with tuition and other resources, putting her on track on track to graduate next spring.

"When I walk across that stage with that diploma in my hand, it's going to be one of the most rewarding things I've ever done," said Roe. "And not only for myself, but for the families that I serve and for my community."

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average, more than 153,000 openings for child-care workers are projected over the next decade - largely driven by the need to replace workers who have left the field or retired.

Save the Children's Career in Education Workforce Development Managing Director Karen Harrison said the program aims to reduce barriers to obtaining a credential or higher-education degree.

"We either pay all or partial of their tuition," said Harrison. "We pay stipends for books, supplies and materials. And we also give barrier-reduction stipends; we know that child care for participants themselves can be an issue."

Roe added that a CDA degree opens the door to immediate job opportunities working in day-care centers, opening a child-care business, or teaching preschool.

"We can't wait 'til they get to kindergarten and expect them to know their ABCs and such," said Roe. "They've got to know when they get there because, if they don't, they're already behind."

Meanwhile, Kentucky child-care providers say the state's industry is on the verge of collapse when federal pandemic funds expire this fall.

In a recent letter, hundreds of providers across the state asked lawmakers to pass a supplemental funding bill to help centers stay afloat.