Public News Service

The Indiana Department of Health 2022 Pregnancy Termination Report showed March as the month when the most abortions were performed. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Advocates: Ease of access to contraception could lower accidental pregnancies

Vending machines commonly found in workplace break rooms generally contain soft drinks or snacks but one machine in Indianapolis dispenses unconventio…

Completing FAFSA is necessary to determine if a student qualifies for state and federal financial aid with $400 million in state aid available to students. (Adobe Stock)

FAFSA rollout leaves IN students in limbo

Indiana's high school seniors are caught in a bureaucratic snarl as glitches in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid rollout hinder aid proces…

There is a more than 22-point gap in literacy proficiency between white students and their Black, Latino and Native American peers, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress.<br />(Adobe Stock)

Educators hope National Reading Month will raise lN literacy scores

March is National Reading Month, and educators say most schoolchildren in Indiana and across the country are reading at or below a basic level for …

In the midst of personal stories of dedication and sacrifice, the fate of family caregiving services now rests on the outcome of a critical public comment period, as Indiana parents strive to secure continued support for the unique needs of their children. (Adobe Stock)

Lt. Gov: Pause funding cuts for 'most vulnerable' Hoosiers

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch asked the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Monday to pause budget cuts that could punish Indiana's "most …

Laws similar to Indiana Senate Bill 50 recently passed in Ohio and Texas. (Adobe Stock)

IN Republicans push law to put chaplains in schools

Indiana Republicans appear to be toeing the party line in a push to put chaplains in public and charter schools, including an option to hire clergy…

A 2021 AARP report estimates the hourly economic value of unpaid family caregiving in Indiana at $14.61, and those hours add up to $10.8 million per year. (Adobe Stock)

IN family caregivers need more support

About 790,000 Hoosiers are family caregivers for relatives in declining physical or mental health. But Indiana ranks fairly low in support for family …

Indiana requires all prospective adoptive parents successfully complete tests, including aspects of their psychological and physical health, parenting values and beliefs, relationship and coping mechanisms and financial stability. (Adobe Stock)

November spotlights successful adoptions, Indiana kids still waiting

November is National Adoption Month, a time to boost awareness of the need for adoption and the number of children in foster care seeking permanent …

In the 2018-2019 academic year, the Indiana Dept. of Education identified 16,380 unhoused students enrolled in Indiana schools, or about 1.5% of the total student population. (Adobe Stock)

A New Resource for Indiana Youth Facing Homelessness

The number of homeless adults in Indiana was at a troubling level even before the pandemic, and today, another demographic is facing the same …

Late-stage Alzheimer's patients generally need around-the-clock assistance with daily living tasks like eating and bathing. An estimated 6.7 million older Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. (Adobe Stock)

Alzheimer's Diagnoses Expected to Rise as IN Population Ages

Stress and normal aging often are blamed for a misplaced cell phone, car keys or the words to a familiar song. But these also could be the warning …

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that 140,000 jobs were lost in December, and all those jobs were held by women. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Could Worsen Educational Inequity for Indiana Women

INDIANAPOLIS - The pandemic may have long-term consequences on women's ability to earn degrees and make inroads in the workforce, and higher-…

Un nuevo reporte sobre presupuestos de alto nivel sugiere que los estados se ahorren lor programas de capacitaci�n de la fuerza laboral. (auremar/Adobe Stock)

Reporte enciende alarma sobre consecuencias de recortar presupuestos educativos más altos

INDIANAPOLIS -- Un reporte reciente insta a los estados a no cometer los errores de la más reciente recesión recortando los presupuestos de …

Una encuesta encontr� que 43% de los negocios de Indiana planean utilizar empleados el a�o pr�ximo para desempe�ar funciones adicionales del trabajo. (AdobeStock)

Pronóstico: La Fuerza Laboral de Indiana necesitará “Destrezas Humanas”

INDIANÁPOLIS -- Un experto con base en Indianápolis dice que únicamente los rasgos y las capacidades netamente humanas serán m…

Estudio: Los Alumnos “Regresadores” a “College” de Indiana, una Valiosa Inversión

Indianapolis, IN - Para casi uno de cada cinco adultos que se inscriben a "college", no es su primer rodeo. Un reporte reciente echa un vistazo a c…

Child welfare experts say family placement is the best option for kids who must be removed from their parents' care. (amymarie.carpenter/Twenty20)

Indiana Prioritizes Keeping Kids in Families

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana is making great progress in placing foster children in family settings and kinship care, according to a new report…

Foster youth transitioning into adulthood may have trouble obtaining education, employment and housing. (ohurtsov/Pixabay)

Data Reveals an Unstable Road for Indiana Foster Youth

INDIANAPOLIS — New research uncovers the instability faced by Indiana youth in foster care, and the resulting negative outcomes experienced …

In Indiana 67 percent of children with young adult parents live in low-income households. (faustlawmarketing/Flickr)

Report: Jobs, Education Among Barriers for Indiana's Young Parents

INDIANAPOLIS – The sleepless nights and increased costs that come with parenthood are a rude awakening for anyone, but the challenge often is …

According to a new report on Indiana's working families, the state ranks last among the 12 Midwest states for the percentage of adults with a post-secondary degree or credential. (Pixabay)

Report: Indiana Workers Fall Behind Midwest Neighbors

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – At the turn of the century, Indiana ranked average or better than the Midwest as a whole in terms of family incomes…

Indiana does not have a family leave system, nor does it require companies to offer paid sick time off. (Indiana Institute for Working Families)

Documentary Tours Indiana to Promote Paid Family Leave

INDIANAPOLIS — Free screenings of a new documentary on the need for paid family leave start today in Indianapolis. The film, "Zero Weeks," …

Men's Health Week encourages men to take steps toward longer and healthier lives - for themselves and their families.<br />(thetimms/Flickr)

Giving the Gift of Good Health This Father's Day

INDIANAPOLIS — While many men will be receiving gifts this Father's Day weekend, doctors are suggesting men give the gift of good health to …

Lower-income families often are faced with paying utility bills or buying food. (Juan Esteban Zapata)

Many Hungry Hoosiers Can't Qualify for Federal Help

INDIANAPOLIS – About a third of Hoosiers are often at risk of going hungry, but they aren't eligible for federal food assistance. According …

Allen and Marion counties have the state's highest number of child fatalities by abuse or neglect. (in.gov)

Effort to End Abuse Continues Past April

INDIANAPOLIS — One abused child is one too many, and one month of the year focused on child abuse awareness just isn't enough for groups in …

Many babies die in Indiana because they're born pre-term or because of unsafe sleeping practices. (Carrie Cain)

Infant Mortality Rate More Than Just a Health Issue

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana's infant mortality rate is dismal, and advocates hope a new law signed by the governor will be a step towards lowering …

Last January, the official point-in-time count of homeless people totaled about 5,500 in Indiana (V. Carter)

Cruel Winter for Those Living on Streets

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Cold weather continues to grip much of the Midwest, and thousands of people don't have a warm place to stay on a regular …

The federal budget plan would reduce money to the main food-assistance program in the country. (usda.gov)

Need Continues After the Holidays

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Many of us ate too much, spent more than we should have and ended up with gifts we don't even need this holiday season…

Indiana has the nation's sixth highest wage gap between men and women. (in.gov)

Report: Pay Gap Widens in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS – The wage gap between men and women in Indiana has grown again, and that gap in the Hoosier State is now sixth highest in the …

Hoosier schools are becoming more educationally and culturally diverse. (Juan Esteban Zapata)

Engaging Spanish Speaking Parents

INDIANAPOLIS – As schools in Indiana become more educationally and culturally diverse, educators say there's a growing need to reach out to …

Of the 1.5 million children living in the Hoosier State, thousands are in need of foster or adoptive homes. (cdc.gov)

Conference to Tackle Foster-Care Issues

INDIANAPOLIS — As the number of children in foster care in Indiana continues to increase, the 2017 Because Kids Count conference in downtown …

More than 300,000 Indiana children live in households considered food insecure. (V. Carter)

New Census Figures Pinpoint Indiana Hunger, Poverty

INDIANAPOLIS – While the number of people applying for federal nutrition assistance has dropped slightly in Indiana, more than 14 percent of …

On Labor Day, union membes and low-wage workers in Indiana and across the country rallied for a better deal. (SEIU)

Report Cites Weaker Voice, Less Pay for Working Hoosiers

INDIANAPOLIS – The nation just celebrated working people in America on Labor Day, but advocacy groups say workers themselves aren't appreciated …

It's important to listen to and respond to your child's questions about the upcoming school year, says one expert. (V. Carter)

Back-to-School Time Can Be Stressful to Kids

INDIANAPOLIS - The start of another school year, just a couple weeks away, can trigger some anxiety among younger students, but there are things you …

Kids learn more if they're engaged in reading, according to a new study. (genome.gov)

Kids Get a Boost From Interactive Reading

INDIANAPOLIS – Experts have long recommended children be introduced to reading as early as possible - and now, new researchcan help parents …

A majority of those receiving SNAP benefits in Indiana are seniors and children. (Virginia Carter)

Hoosiers at Risk of Hunger Under Trump Budget

INDIANAPOLIS – Advocates are hoping to convince lawmakers that there's a real need for food-assistance programs in this country. President …

Indiana ranks 14th in the nation among states for education, according to a new report. (Valerie Black)

Report: Indiana's Child Death Rate Rises

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana has made a few strides in the overall well-being of its children, but there are some areas that need attention - most …

Safety experts say parents can set an example for kids when it comes to wearing a helmet. (nih.gov)

Using Your Head – and Helmet – on National Bike to School Day

INDIANAPOLIS - Today is National Bike to School Day, and before millions of kids across the country rush out the door, safety advocates are …

A new report says 38 Indiana counties have food insecurity rates among children at or above 20 percent. (USDA)

Report: One in Seven Hoosiers is Hungry

INDIANAPOLIS – More than 300,000 children in Indiana don't know where their next meal is coming from. Feeding America's 2017 Map the Meal Gap …

This summer, a study will get under way on the potential effects of a paid family leave policy for Indiana. (Kimberlyn Thresher)

Legislative Session Mixed for Indiana Working Families

INDIANAPOLIS - Advocates for Indiana's working families say this legislative year was both good and bad. Lawmakers approved a plan to expand a pre-…

Children whose parents are in prison aren't succeeding very well, according to a new report. (bop.gov)

Report Highlights Link Between Racial Achievement Gap and Incarceration

INDIANAPOLIS -- Mass incarceration of African Americans has contributed significantly to the racial achievement gap in the nation's schools, …

Indiana's food banks provide meals to more than 1 million people each year. (feedingindianashungry.org)

Hoosier Lawmakers Could Remove SNAP Ban

INDIANAPOLIS – Lawmakers are considering several bills this legislative session dealing with hunger issues in Indiana. Thursday, the Senate …

Many women in Indiana go back to work early because they can't afford to stay home after a baby is born. (Sierra Neely)

Will Indiana Put Paid Family Leave on the Front Burner?

INDIANAPOLIS – One in three Hoosiers struggles to afford the basic necessities, and those also are the workers least likely to have access to …

Experts suggest finding a nice balance when it comes to giving children what they want for the holidays. (V. Carter)

How Much is Too Much for the Holidays?

INDIANAPOLIS – The National Retail Federation says American consumers plan to spend an average of $935.58 during the 2016 holiday shopping seaso…

Research shows victims of human trafficking don't always look the way Hollywood portrays them, which makes it harder to spot this crime or its perpetrators. (Michael Carter)<br /><br /><br /><br />

Indiana Group Plans More Training to Prevent Human Trafficking

INDIANAPOLIS – As its first year draws to an end, the Indiana Trafficking Victim Assistance Program is crunching numbers to determine what …

Singer and songwriter Jimmy Wayne, on stage in Indianapolis, spreads the message about the thousands of children in foster care, and what others can do to help them. (Jimmy Wayne)

Former Foster Child, Now Country Star, Has Message

INDIANAPOLIS – Country singer Jimmy Wayne has a message he's sharing across the country – thousands of children need help, and he was one …

Thanksgiving is a time for large family gatherings and political discussions could easily<br />get heated. (cdc.gov)

Tips to Avoid Arguments at the Dinner Table

"We respectfully agree to disagree" may be the mantra heard at office parties, family events and faith-based celebrations across the country this …

One in six Indiana residents is considered food insecure, and the statistics are even higher for families with children. (US Dept. of Agriculture)

New Leaders Urged to Make Hunger a Priority

INDIANAPOLIS – While many of us attend holiday parties that center around food this time of the year, and maybe worry about eating too much R…

A new report highlights the connection foster parents have with the children they taken in and how they can help reunite them with their families. (Lorie Gelwick Tuter)

Report: Foster Parents Need a Voice

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana has around 15,000 children in foster care, and a new report highlights the connection between foster families and …

More than 200,000 children in Indiana will cast ballots in a mock election on Election Day. (inbar.org)

Mock Elections, Debates Spark Interest in Children

INDIANAPOLIS – Thousands of Hoosiers will be casting ballots next week, but their votes won't count. It's a civics lesson for students ages …

Indiana's numbers have improved, but the state still has work to do when it comes to making sure all children have health insurance, according to a new report. (Lorie Gelwick Tuter)

Report Indicates Indiana Needs to Improve Health Coverage for Children

INDIANAPOLIS – The United States has reached a milestone when it comes to making sure that all children have health insurance, according to a …

A new report says juvenile prisons are ineffective and all of them should be closed. (ct.gov)

Report: Close Youth Prisons, Switch to Alternative Treatment

INDIANAPOLIS – Kids should not be kept behind bars - that's the message of a new report examining the ineffectiveness of youth prisons in Indian…

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IN: Family/Father Issues