In November 1998, California voters passed a statewide ballot initiative, Proposition 10 that added a 50-cent sales tax to tobacco products sold in the state. The resulting revenues are directed to fund new and expanded early education, health and child development programs, from the prenatal stage to age five.
The State Commission, or First 5 California, receives 20 percent of Proposition 10 funds for statewide programs and public outreach. The remaining 80 percent of funds are allocated to commissions in each of California's 58 counties by birth rate.
In 1999, the Orange County Board of Supervisors established the Children and Families Commission and appointed nine commissioners to allocate funds to programs that promote health and early education for children in our community. The Commissioners are drawn from the ranks of public and private-sector leaders in the areas of pediatric health and education.
The Commission began with a series of public meetings throughout the county to receive input from organizations that serve children and families, and special-need populations. Based on what was learned, the Commission adopted its first Strategic Plan. The first tobacco tax revenues were allocated in February 2000.
The Children and Families Commission of Orange County continues to allocate millions of dollars to fund programs and services for young children and families. The programs include pediatric hospitals, community health clinics, school districts, family shelters, and local community groups and service organizations to ensure every child in Orange County grows up great.
Goals
The following four goals further refine and delineate the Commission’s desired results.
Healthy Children:
Ensure the overall physical, social, emotional and intellectual health of children during the prenatal period through age five.
Early Learning:
Provide early care and education opportunities for young children to maximize their potential to succeed in school.
Strong Families:
Support and strengthen families in ways that promote good parenting for the optimal development of young children.
Capacity Building:
Ensure an effective delivery system for child and family services through quality staff, efficient operations, and continual performance measurement.