Children's Issues / Public News Service

Nearly 2,000 children in New Mexico's foster care system will be recipients of new EcoCare Kits to help them connect to nature and their court-appointed advocates. (3330852/Pixabay)

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

NM Nature Kits Connect Foster Children with Court Advocates

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The 800 children living in foster care near Albuquerque are some of the first to receive a new therapeutic kit designed to help …

The expensive costs of child care in New York create economic hardship for some families, according to a report from the Children's Agenda. (Adobe Stock)

Build Back Better Would Amplify New York's Child Care, Pre-K Investments

ALBANY, N.Y. -- The $1.7 trillion Build Back Better Act now moves to the Senate where it will face an uphill battle after passing the House Friday…

Nearly 1.5 million low-income children benefited from suppers through after-school nutrition programs in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 22, 2021

More CO Kids Received Supper During Pandemic School Closures

DENVER - Colorado was able to increase student participation in Afterschool Nutrition Programs in 2020, even during school closures, according to new …

Ivy Smith, who was part of the foster care system, recieved her undergraduate degree from Boise State University in 2020. (Ivy Smith)

Struggles of Aging-Out Foster Youth in Focus as Holidays Approach

BOISE, Idaho - The holidays can be a hard time for foster care youth, especially young people who have recently aged out of the system. Ivy Smith…

This is one the new homes in the Simply Smiles Children's Village on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. The specialized homes provide culturally specific foster care to Indigenous children. (Simply Smiles)

New SD Project Builds Foster Homes in Tribal Communities

LA PLANT, S.D. -- South Dakota has struggled to establish a network of foster parents in tribal communities, but solutions are in play, including a …

The child tax credit provides families $300 a month for children younger than age six and $250 for children ages 6 to 17. (vetre/Adobe Stock)

Build Back Better to Provide Boost to MT Families, Supporters Say

HELENA, Mont. -- Supporters of the Build Back Better Act are touting the benefits it will bring to families in Montana and across the country…

The United States is one of six countries in the world with no federal family paid-leave program. The Build Back Better Plan could change that. (Adobe Stock)

Paid Family Leave on Forefront as Build Back Better is Finalized

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Congress is finalizing the Build Back Better plan, and proponents of paid family leave are pushing for the provision to remain in the …

Black youths are disproportionately impacted by the lack of a minimum age for criminal responsibility in Illinois; 60% to 62% of kids age 10 to 13 who are arrested are Black. (md3d/Adobe Stock)

IL Experts Join World Congress on Justice with Children

CHICAGO -- At this week's World Congress on Justice with Children, Illinois experts and researchers shared ways the U.S. could work to get back in …

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits discrimination based on disability. (Adobe Stock)

All Eyes on New Douglas County School Board Over Masks

DENVER -- Students with disabilities in Douglas County won some time after a federal judge ruled last week a new county health department order making…

The Build Back Better Act could add 3,900 rental vouchers to Oregon that could house 8,000 people. (Aisyaqilumar/Adobe Stock)

Build Back Better Act Could Support Families, Affordable Housing in OR

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Supporters of the Build Back Better Act are touting the benefits it will bring to families in Oregon and across the country…

Dee Scales works with students in sixth through eighth grades at Dickson Preparatory STEAM Academy in Pittsburgh. (Photo courtesy Pennsylvania State Education Assn.)

American Education Week: Honoring PA's Support Professionals

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - They work with students in the classroom, in the school office or even in the cafeteria - and in celebration of American Education …

Social-emotional skills help kids learn, since they improve attendance and also decrease the need for disciplinary referrals. (Adobe Stock)

Schools Work to Give Ohio Kids a Safe Space to Learn

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio schools continue to adjust to the evolving impacts of COVID-19, which means addressing both the academic and mental-stress …

Students often face delays in getting their academic records transferred to their new school, which can lead to delays in re-enrollment. (Adobe Stock)

Bill Would Address Barriers to Graduation for Some PA Kids

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A bill making its way through the Pennsylvania General Assembly would help ensure a smooth transition to graduation for young …

Between two and four years after aging out of foster care, 46% of young people had not finished high school, 51% were unemployed and 84% became parents. (Adobe Stock)

Resources for Foster Youths During Holidays

OMAHA, Neb. -- Some 24,000 teenagers in foster care across the nation officially become adults each year; in Nebraska it happens on their 19th …

When schools were able to offer free meals to all kids regardless of their financial situation at home during the global pandemic, school nutrition departments saw an increase in participation. (Adobe Stock)

Children's Advocates Urge Congress to Pass Build Back Better Act

DENVER - This week the U.S. House is expected to finally put the Build Back Better Act up for a vote, and children's advocates in Colorado are …

A report from the group "Listen to Us" finds that abused children too often are traumatized further while in foster care. (Wallyir/Morguefile)

Advocates Call for Eliminating Group Homes for Foster Kids

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Group homes and large institutional foster-care settings should be phased out - that's the recommendation of a recent report …

A recent study from the group "Listen to Us" recommends states do more to place foster children with relatives and make sure to consider the child's preference on placement. (Altanaka/Adobestock)

Report: Group Homes for Foster Kids Should Be Phased Out

CARSON CITY, Nev. - More than 3,000 children in Nevada are in foster care - and a recent study recommends that much more be done to keep them in …

Philadelphia has over 100 Park Friends groups that act as stewards of public lands in the city. (Adobe Stock)

PA Lawmakers Consider Bills to Keep Parks Programming Afloat

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Bills making their way through the Pennsylvania General Assembly would provide more resources to people who keep parks and …

Nearly 100,000 children in Arkansas have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began, according to state Department of Health data. (Adobe Stock)

AR Leads Multistate Research on Kids' Long-Haul COVID Cases

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas will lead a 14-state study of the long-term effects of COVID-19 on children, with the hopes of finding effective …

The Build Back Better Act would fully fund universal pre-kindergarten in states for three years. (Inna/Adobe Stock)

Build Back Better Act Could Provide Universal Pre-K to ID

BOISE, Idaho -- The Build Back Better Act could provide universal pre-K to states, including those such as Idaho that currently don't fund school …

More than 40% of parents said they would take their kids to the first available place to get their vaccines, according to a survey by Seacoast and Strafford County Public Health Networks. (tilialucida/Adobe Stock)

Groups Work to Get Word Out About Vaccine Rollout for Younger Kids

CONCORD, N.H. -- With children ages 5-11 now approved to receive the Pfizer vaccine, groups in New Hampshire are working to get accurate information …

The number of children in foster care in Kentucky increased to more than 53,000 between 2018-2020, according to the 2021 Kids Count County Data Book released by Kentucky Youth Advocates. (Adobe Stock)

Report: How Racial Disparities Impact KY Kids’ Well-Being

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- A new analysis of county-level data sheds light on how systemic racial disparities are affecting the wellbeing of kids in the …

Advocates for extending pandemic-related universal free school meals say the program helps remove the stigma of so-called "poor kids meals." (Adobe Stock)

Congress Urged to Make Free School Meal Program Permanent

GOTHENBURG, Neb. -- During the COVID health emergency, the federal government made school meals available for free to all students, regardless of …

There are 28 million American kids between the ages of 5 and 11 now eligible for the pediatric version of the coronavirus vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.(didesign/Adobe Stock)

MO Health Centers Get Word Out on COVID Vaccines for Younger Kids

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Health officials are optimistic broad immunity against COVID-19 can be achieved for children, because the Centers for Disease …

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was found to be 90.7% effective in preventing the virus in kids 5 to 11 years old. (Adobe Stock)

COVID-19 Vaccinations, Resources Available for School-Age Kids in NY

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended a new version of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-1…

Statewide, Arkansas' vaccination rate in residents age 12 and older is 55%. (Adobe Stock)

AR Community Health Centers Breaking Down Barriers to COVID Vaccine

MARIANNA, Ark. -- With last week's announcement the Pfizer vaccine was approved for use in children ages 5-11, community health centers in Arkansas …

COVID Battle Enters New Phase With Childhood Vaccinations

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Health officials are optimistic that broad immunity against COVID-19 can be achieved for children, now that the Centers for …

More than 7,000 active DACA recipients currently live in Tennessee, according to the American Immigration Council. DACA has been granted to more than 9,000 people in the state over the past decade. (Adobe Stock)

Communities Give Input on Proposed DACA Changes as Deadline Looms

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The deadline for public comments on proposed rule changes to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) is Nov. 29…

Together, Medicaid, CHIP and the state insurance marketplace Pennie account for nearly 46% of children covered in Pennsylvania. (Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Kids' Health Coverage Increased During Pandemic

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Since the pandemic began, public health coverage for children has increased by 10% in Pennsylvania, and a new report underscored …

Unlike last year, a COVID-19 vaccine is widely available this holiday season. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

As Pandemic Lingers, Tips for Safe Holiday Travel

SEATTLE -- As vaccination rates go up, people are more likely to be traveling this holiday season than they did last year, and a physician in Seattle …

Nationally, only 22% of children are physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. (Adobe Stock)

School Counselor: Indiana Needs More Mental-Health Professionals

INDIANAPOLIS - More women and young people have faced behavioral-health challenges since before the pandemic, according to a new report. Nationwide…

About 7% of Texas children ages 3 to 17 reported anxiety problems even before the pandemic, according to a new study by the United Health Foundation. (marcisim/Pixabay)

Study: Concerning Stats for Women and Children's Health

AUSTIN, Texas -- Access to mental-health resources is not always available under insurance plans, but those with such services should take advantage …

Only 20% of kids nationwide are physically active for at least 60 minutes a day, according to a new United Health Foundation report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Mental-Health Needs Climb Among Women, Young Michiganders

LANSING, Mich. -- Women and young people have faced increased behavioral health challenges since before the pandemic, according to a new report…

A new survey shows only one in five American children get at least 60 minutes of physical exercise a day, putting them at risk for chronic health conditions later in life. (Jordan/Adobe Stock)

Health Report: AZ Children Less Active, More Anxious

PHOENIX, Ariz. - A new report ranks Arizona 48th in the nation for kids' lack of physical activity. And only 20% of kids nationwide are physically …

A mobile billboard is crisscrossing West Virginia to encourage Sen. Joe Manchin's support of President Joe Biden's "Build Back Better" plan. (David Zielonka)

'Build Back Better' Plan Gets Mobile Billboard in WV

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - You may spot a mobile billboard on your travels in West Virginia, and its creators hope the signage reminds people of how they …

Only about 20% of children with mental-health disorders receive care from a specialized mental-health care provider, according to the American Academy for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. (Adobe Stock)

Report Confirms Disparities in Getting Behavioral Health Support

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Women and young people have faced increased behavioral health challenges since before the pandemic, according to a new report…

A new report found child poverty decreased 26% between 2013 and 2019. (Endho/Pixabay)

Report: NV Struggling on Mental Health, Infant Mortality

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Infant mortality went up 18% in Nevada in the years immediately preceding the pandemic, one of the topline findings of a new …

Only 20% of kids nationwide are physically active for at least 60 minutes a day, according to a new United Health Foundation report. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Nebraska Women, Children Report More Anxiety, Mental Distress

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Women and young people have been facing increased behavioral-health challenges since before the pandemic, according to a new report …

According to the Urban Institute, extending the Child Tax Credit expansion through 2025 would reduce child poverty by 40%. (Adobe Stock)

Clock's Ticking to Get Advanced Child Tax Credit Payments

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The clock is ticking for Ohio families to ensure they get the benefits of Child Tax Credit payments for 2021. The American Rescue …

Close to one million New York City residents smoke tobacco, according to Public Health Solutions. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY a National Leader in Increasing Smoke-Free Households

NEW YORK -- Although New York and the country as a whole saw some progress surrounding the health of children and women, a new report showed there is …

Colorado students are learning science, reading, history and more as they participate in Farm to School programs. (Adobe Stock)

Farm to School Programs on Rebound After COVID Closures

DENVER -- Farm to School programs are beginning to bounce back after last year's COVID closures, and more than half the state's 178 school districts …

A new report recommends that schools do a better job of connecting the dots, from early childhood through K-12 education, to college and careers. (Prostock studio/Adobe Stock)

Report Calls for "One-System" Approach to Link Education, Careers

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The U.S. does a poor job of steering students toward good jobs, according to a new study from the Georgetown University Center …

The school-funding lawsuit will be heard in the Pennsylvania Judicial Center in Harrisburg and is expected to run through December. (Wikimedia Commons)

PA Education Advocates Rally at Capitol Ahead of School Funding Trial

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- With nearly two weeks to go until the Commonwealth Court hears arguments about whether Pennsylvania's school funding system is …

A majority of Ohio's housing stock was built prior to the prohibition of lead-based paint. (AdobeStock). <br /> — A majority of Ohio's housing stock was built prior to the prohibition of lead-based paint. (AdobeStock).

"There's No Safe Level of Lead in Kids"

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- There is a heightened effort this week to inform Ohio families about the dangers of a silent poison. Because lead is invisible and …

Nearly 63% of 12- to 15-year-olds in Connecticut are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

CT Health Providers Preparing COVID Vaccine Rollout for Kids 5 to 11

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- During an interview with ABC on Sunday, Dr. Anthony Fauci said it's likely the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be available for kids …

Studies have shown that pesticide exposure in childhood can affect neurological and behavioral development. (Adobe Stock)

Wrongful Pesticide Use on OR School Grounds Worries Public-Health Advocates

HILLSBORO, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Agriculture recently completed an investigation into a suburban Portland school for the misuse of toxic …

School social workers and educators face a dual dilemma this fall, trying to help students cope during the pandemic, while also serving as a sympathetic ear for fellow staff. (Adobe Stock)

MN School Staff Feeling Weight of Pandemic

MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota students are back in class today after a mid-October break for annual teacher workshops. Not only are there lingering …

Child-care advocates say if North Dakota doesn't boost funding for the system, more families might pull out of the workforce because of access issues. (Adobe Stock)

ND Leaders Urged to Think Big on Child-Care Spending

BISMARCK, N.D. - A portion of American Rescue Plan funding sent to North Dakota has yet to be divvied up. Groups that want to improve the child-care …

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