2025 Policy Priorities
Georgia Appleseed’s 2025 Policy Priorities outline actionable solutions to improve housing stability and educational outcomes for Georgia’s children.
Each year, over 41,000 students in Georgia experience homelessness, and more than 21,000 high school students drop out before graduation, disproportionately affecting Black and Brown children, youth with disabilities, and those living in poverty. This resource highlights our four key priorities, detailed policy recommendations, and guiding principles, providing a roadmap for legislators, community leaders, funders, and advocates to work together to create safe, stable, and supportive environments for children across Georgia.
Harsh, zero-tolerance policies disproportionately harm vulnerable students by removing them from classrooms for minor infractions, increasing dropout risks and family stress. We advocate for expanding Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), eliminating corporal punishment, and replacing punitive measures with fair, preventive interventions to keep students in school and reduce housing instability.
2. School-Based Mental Health Supports
By increasing funding for behavioral health programs, enhancing telehealth, and expanding the mental health workforce, we address gaps in care that impact students’ ability to succeed academically and avoid family crises.
3. Housing Stability for Children & Families
To combat housing instability, we recommend stronger tenant protections, expanded low-income housing, and local code enforcement to ensure safe living conditions that support children’s education.
4. Foster Care Improvements
Our focus includes leveraging housing vouchers, improving DFCS staffing, and establishing a foster child “bill of rights” to ensure stability, prevent removals, and improve educational outcomes for youth in care.2025
2025 Key Policy Priorities
1. School Safety & Discipline ReformHarsh, zero-tolerance policies disproportionately harm vulnerable students by removing them from classrooms for minor infractions, increasing dropout risks and family stress. We advocate for expanding Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), eliminating corporal punishment, and replacing punitive measures with fair, preventive interventions to keep students in school and reduce housing instability.
2. School-Based Mental Health Supports
By increasing funding for behavioral health programs, enhancing telehealth, and expanding the mental health workforce, we address gaps in care that impact students’ ability to succeed academically and avoid family crises.
3. Housing Stability for Children & Families
To combat housing instability, we recommend stronger tenant protections, expanded low-income housing, and local code enforcement to ensure safe living conditions that support children’s education.
4. Foster Care Improvements
Our focus includes leveraging housing vouchers, improving DFCS staffing, and establishing a foster child “bill of rights” to ensure stability, prevent removals, and improve educational outcomes for youth in care.2025
