About The Black

Children's Institute

MISSION: To make children’s problems and needs the subject of intense thought, debate, and action by all policy and decision makers, the news media, and the public and to influence public policies and budget decisions to improve the quality of life for Tennessee’s vulnerable children and their families.

BCI was created on June 12, 1989 -- as the only statewide African American child advocacy organization in the United States. The organization serves as an advocate for children of color, and for children who are poor and vulnerable. BCI advises and consults with the legislature, public and private youth serving agencies, engages in public information, awareness activities, developing and assessing programs and program standards for children and monitoring for compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations that impact the lives of children.

Goal: To provide leadership, technical assistance, information and direct advocacy support to governmental agencies, community based organizations, parents and individuals on issues that support and improve the quality of life for Tennessee’s vulnerable children and their families.

Objective: To reduce the disproportionate number of children of color, poor and vulnerable children in the juvenile justice system, in foster care or out of home placement and those that fall between the cracks of our educational, employment, health and mental health system. .

Priority Commitment: To work for a state-wide public and political Children and Family Agenda that:

• Values children and their families by developing policies, legislation and funding resources that support building strong, healthy, productive united families.

• is equal and just in providing treatment and resources to all children and families regardless of race, social or economic status.

• does not allow a disproportionate number of children of color to fall between the cracks, be removed from their homes, families, community or institutionalized when community base services and in-home services are appropriate, necessary and in the best interest of the child.

BCI'S Vision: Every Child has the right to:

• receive appropriate and adequate health care.

• have the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment.

• be protected and loved within a family and community that builds character, responsibility and positive self images in its children.

• receive a quality education that provides the skills and training to become independent and self sufficient.

• have access to information about their religion, culture and heritage.

• have access to resources that help them grow into healthy, caring, productive and responsible individuals.

• live in a country and community that values and support the survival and unity of their family.

• be represented by a government which truly values children and families, by supporting legislation, policies and funding that build strong families and produce healthy, law abiding and productive children.

"A vision of greatness is about what we give to others. It is an act of service. The greatness of a vision will inspire commitment because it is worth pursuing for its own sake."

Board of Directors: The Board of Directors is made up of representatives from the three grand divisions of the state. BCI committees and advisors are made up of volunteers across the state that have expertise and interest in areas that assist BCI in achieving the organizations mission.

BCI is a non-profit organization: The Institute is supported by public and private donations, in-kind support and volunteers.

Member Organizations: BCI is a full member of Community Shares of Tennessee and The National Association of Child Advocates

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Email : voicesfortnchildren@bcitn.org

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