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Tuesday, December 24, 2024

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Bill Clinton is hospitalized for observation and testing after developing a fever; Biden commutes most federal death sentences before Trump takes office; Proposed post office 'slowdown' threatens rural Americans; Report: Tax credits shrink poverty for NM kids, families; Tiny plastic pieces enter the body in ways you'd never think of.

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Biden commutes the sentences of most federal death row inmates, the House Ethics Committee says former Rep. Gaetz may have committed statutory rape, and the national archivist won't certify the ERA without congressional approval.

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Rural folks could soon be shut out of loans for natural disasters if Project 2025 has its way, Taos, New Mexico weighs options for its housing shortage, and the top states providing America's Christmas trees revealed.

Report: LA kids rank near bottom for poverty, health, family life

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Tuesday, June 11, 2024   

A report on the condition of America's children ranks Louisiana near the bottom of the 50 states for economic well-being, health and family, but advocates say the numbers contain some bright spots.

The annual Annie E. Casey Kids Count report found that Louisiana fourth-graders made gains in reading proficiency and in high school students graduating on time.

Teresa Falgoust, director of data and research for New Orleans-based Agenda for Children, said how children do in school is often affected by their home environment.

"Child poverty is such a predictor of outcomes for children. When they don't have their basic needs met, children are more likely to experience negative health outcomes, to do worse in school, and all of the other things that we know can really harm children's outcomes in life," she said.

The report ranks Louisiana 48th overall, with ratings of 42nd in education, 49th in economic well-being, 49th in health, an 48th in family and community. The Annie E. Casey Foundation study did find that fewer Louisiana kids are living in poverty, and fewer children are living in single parent families.

Falgoust said statistics show it's important that children have a strong and supportive family life in order for them to thrive and grow into productive adults.

"One of the key things that Louisiana can do to improve child well-being is to really focus on improving family well-being and economic security. We know that when children have all of their basic needs met, they're really put on the pathway to success," she continued.

Leslie Bossiere, vice president of external affairs with the Casey Foundation, said a substantial number of children have had one or more adverse childhood experiences, which can negatively impact their development and ability to cope with challenges.

"Ensuring that these adverse childhood experiences are addressed, that they have the resources that they need within the school and within the community so that they can heal is significantly important to the well-being of children," she said.

The report is published annually by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Rank­ings are based on 16 indi­ca­tors in four areas: economic well-being, edu­ca­tion, health and com­mu­ni­ty and fam­i­ly.

Disclosure: Annie E Casey Foundation contributes to our fund for reporting on Children's Issues, Education, Juvenile Justice, Welfare Reform. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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