Joyce H. Sidney is a native of New Orleans, La. She is a Learning Advocate with the Children’s Defense Fund-Louisiana, where she performs numerous and varied activities advocating for the rights and welfare of children and their families. Specific responsibilities include the New Orleans Early Education Support Initiative and Healthcare Outreach. Prior to joining CDF, she served as Regional Manager for the Office of Family Support, Louisiana Department of Social Services where she was responsible for the administration of public assistance benefit programs including Food Stamps, FITAP (cash benefits) and Child Care. She also had responsibility for policy development and training. Ms. Sidney has a B. A. in Social Work from Southern University in Baton Rouge, La.