California Black Media

California Legislature Passes Law to Protect Incarcerated Pregnant Women

The California Senate recently approved a package of bills that expand protections for pregnant women who are incarcerated. Those bills are now awaiting final approval in the Assembly before moving to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his consideration. Among the proposed bills, is Assembly Bill (AB) 2527 law that bans pregnant women and women up to 12 weeks postpartum from being placed in solitary confinement. However, the exception is if “there is a credible and imminent threat to the safety or security” of the woman.

Published

3 months ago

September 10, 2024

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Among the proposed bills, is Assembly Bill (AB) 2527 law that bans pregnant women and women up to 12 weeks postpartum from being placed in solitary confinement. However, the exception is if “there is a credible and imminent threat to the safety or security” of the woman. The legislation requires that pregnant women receive daily portions of clean bottled water and meals that meet nutrition guidelines under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Another bill requires pregnant women to be referred to a social worker within one week of entering prison to talk about options for parenting classes. Additionally, the bills would require postpartum mothers to stay at a medical facility as recommended by a medical provider.

State lawmakers also proposed a bill that would reduce the number of empty state prison beds by 2030. The bill was introduced as a cost-effective measure that aims to cut costs and save the state money during a tough budget year. The bill is pushing for the state to close down more prisons to push back on mass incarceration that disproportionately affects Black people.

Currently, the state has approximately 15,000 empty prison beds costing the state millions annually to maintain the beds. The proposed bills would gradually reduce the number to 2,500 beds in the next six years, paving the way to close state prisons in the future.

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Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024

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December 20, 2024

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Oakland Post: Week of December 11 – 17, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of December 11 – 17, 2024

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December 13, 2024

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California Takes Steps to Address Rising Homelessness Among Aging Adults

The lack of accessible and available housing, health-related behaviors, medical problems, social isolation, and limited resources are some of the root causes of homelessness and poverty among aging Californians. Speaking on own her behalf — not representing CCoA — Brown said more alternatives for affordable housing and services would provide a much-needed safety net for older adults in the state.

Published

2 weeks ago

December 8, 2024

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Shutterstock. Los Angeles, CA. USA: 2024 August 01: Homeless, unhoused people living in an encampment, temporary shelters and tents on the sidewalk.

By Antonio‌ ‌Ray‌ ‌Harvey‌, California‌ ‌Black‌ ‌Media‌

The California Commission on Aging (CCoA) has published a Housing Policy Brief that offers recommendations for reducing housing insecurity and homelessness among older adults in California.

The brief summarizes a more in-depth report titled “Housing Those Hardest Hit: Addressing Older Adult Homelessness.” It also includes seven actionable recommendations to mitigate older adult homelessness in three settings: permanent housing, independent housing, and assisted living.

“Expanding housing capacity across all settings in the older adult continuum of care is critical as our state confronts the pressing issues of housing insecurity and homelessness among older adults,” stated CCoA Executive Director Karol Swartzlander.

“The need is urgent, and the time to act is now,” she emphasized.

The CCoA serves as the principal advocating body for older Californians, and it administers programs that support and celebrate Californians as they age. In addition, the CCoA advises the Governor and Legislature, along with state, federal, and local agencies on programs and services that affect older adults in the state.

From 2017 to 2022, the number of adults aged 55-64 who accessed homelessness services across California increased by over 90%, while the number of adults over 65 in the state, overall, increased by over 166% – exceeding any other age group, according to the report.

According to CCoa, the commission blends housing solutions within a comprehensive continuum of care, presenting policymakers with targeted strategies that accommodate the diverse housing and supportive service needs of older adults.

Efforts to address homelessness is now one of CCoA’s top priorities, says Swartzlander.

“The need is urgent, and the time to act is now,” she added.

In 1990, 11% of the homeless population was over the age of 50 while in 2023 older adults represented nearly half of the state’s homeless population. Among this population, 41% first experienced homelessness after the age of 50.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s annual Point-in-Time Count, 38,028 adults aged 55 and older experienced homelessness in California in 2023. Furthermore, the report stated that 41% first experienced homelessness after the age of 50.

Former Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino), who just completed a six-year term as chairperson of the CCoA, said there must be policies in place to “remedy the problem” of older adults becoming homeless in the state.

“We need to go back to square one and come up with some policies that would help older adults have options,” Brown said. “It’s a tragedy that these people have paid into the system (taxes, social security), and did it the right way, and they still need these services.”

In the policy brief, the CCoA presents seven recommendations to mitigate aging adult homelessness. They are exploring a statewide subsidy for older adults at-risk of homelessness; developing a state homeshare program; expanding ministerial approval for smaller assisted living facilities; reforming housing laws; expanding assisted living waivers; and funding community care suggestions.

Editorial Note: California Black Media will follow up this article with more investigations into the lived experiences of older adults impacted by the of homelessness and housing insecurity crisis in the state.