Family/Father Issues / Public News Service

Ohio Department of Children & Youth reports more than 15,000 children are in foster care in Ohio - and nearly a quarter have complex needs that make finding the right placement especially challenging. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Hope and healing in Ohio's foster system

As Ohio approaches National Foster Care Month in May, one family's journey highlights how therapeutic foster care can change lives. A 12-year-old …

Of the more than 5 million families with young children who pay for child care each year, on average 2.2 million, or about 43%, pay unaffordable rates, according to a Center for American Progress report. (Adobe Stock)<br />

WV child care crisis expected to worsen as lawmakers fail to take action

West Virginia lawmakers continue their inaction on improving access to child care. House Bill 2026 would have allocated $32 million toward child …

In 2022, 40%, or just over 1 million Indiana households, earned incomes below the

Financial Literacy Awareness Month: Time for a budget reset?

April is Financial Literary Awareness Month and Hoosiers who are worried about inflation or watching their retirement account on the stock-market roll…

Family caregivers face higher risks of heart attack, stroke and mental health issues, but research shows having just four hours of respite each month can significantly improve their health and well-being. (zinkevych/Adobe Stock)

Proposed Medicaid cuts threaten lifeline for TN caregivers

A Tennessee nonprofit is warning that potential Medicaid cuts could threaten crucial support for the state's nearly 1 million family caregivers…

Nearly 33% of adults with intellectual disabilities have experienced sexual violence, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. (Adobe Stock)

IN sexual assault victims often suffer in silence, urged to seek help

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Crimes against men and women ranging from grabbing and fondling to rape to criminally deviant conduct are …

The current Housing First program was instituted by President George W. Bush in 2004. (Aevan/Adobe Stock AI generated)

AR advocates concerned by cuts to programs for unhoused

It is estimated more than 2,600 people live on the streets across Arkansas. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has proposed a "treatment …

King County reported more than 16,000 people experiencing homelessness last year, which is more than half the state's unhoused population. (Mallivan/Adobe Stock)

Unique approach to helping WA homeless youth 'highly effective'

A unique approach to preventing youth homelessness in Washington is proving highly effective, with more than 93% of participants still housed one …

Social Security is among a host of entitlement programs being considered for administrative reorganization by the Trump administration. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Iowa pushes back on Social Security changes

The Social Security Administration is standing down on implementing a plan which would have dramatically affected how recipients can access critical b…

Nearly 75% of all jobs in Colorado, and 95% of top-earning jobs, require a credential or degree beyond high school. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado colleges tap NYC program to get homegrown talent into good jobs

Colorado educators are hoping that a successful accelerated degree program known as ASAP, grown at City University of New York, will take root in two …

LGBTQ+ youths are nearly four times more likely to be victimized, and are particularly vulnerable to experiencing unwanted sexual advances online. (Adobe Stock)

Research: One in seven Utah children is a victim of sexual abuse

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and new research at Utah State University finds one in seven Utah children experiences sexual abuse --…

The Indiana Department of Child Services evaluates child abuse or neglect reports if the alleged victim is under age 18 and the alleged perpetrator is the victim's parent, guardian or custodian. (Adobe Stock)

IN child abuse cases rise, leave mental, physical scars

More than 7,500 Indiana children were removed from their homes last year because of abuse and neglect. According to The Indiana Youth Institute's 2024…

A 2023 CDC study found 72% of transgender students and 69% of questioning students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's new law: What it means for educators, LGBTQ+ students

By Vanessa Davidson / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Ohio’s House …

Kyan Higgins Jr, a 10-year-old boy and victim of child abuse who lived in Louisville, Ky. Animal Control officers visited his home 24 times in the 18 months leading up to his death. (Kentucky Youth Advocates)<br />

KY bill would equip animal control officers to spot signs of child abuse

A proposed Kentucky law would require animal control officers statewide to undergo training on identifying and reporting child abuse. Kyan's Law is …

Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed budget includes a new investment of $20 million through the PENNCARE appropriation, which will enable the Area Agencies on Aging to better meet the needs of older adults. (Adobe Stock)

Pennsylvania faces in-home care crisis amid severe workforce shortages

A lack of access to in-home care in Pennsylvania has reached a crisis point, according to professionals in the field, leaving thousands of residents …

More than 57% of Black women of reproductive age live in states with abortion bans or impending bans, according to polling by In Our Own Voice. (Adobe Stock)

Reproductive justice takes more than passing laws in Ohio, U.S.

By Jade Prévost-Manuel for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News …

The first International Transgender Day of Visibility was held on March 31, 2009. (Elena/Adobe Stock)

Trans Texans call for recognition on Trans Day of Visibility

Today is Transgender Day of Visibility, a day set aside to recognize the contributions of transgender people and raise awareness of discrimination …

Cuts to Medicaid are one way Congress could pay for extending tax cuts passed in 2017. It is estimated two-thirds of the benefits of the extension would go to the wealthiest 20% of Americans. (Adobe Stock)

Cuts to Medicaid would affect one in five Coloradans

To pay for the priorities of President Donald Trump's administration, like mass deportations and tax cuts, Republicans in Congress are considering …

Research shows students' sense of belonging improves academic outcomes, increases continuing enrollment in school and is protective for mental health. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Immigrant children face increased cases of bullying across TX

As the immigration debate continues, many children of immigrants in Texas who are American citizens are caught in the middle. An elementary school …

Family caregivers spend on average more than $7,200 annually - 26% of their income - on out-of-pocket expenses. (Adobe Stock)

Doubling down on care: Ohio’s push for caregiver tax relief

In a significant development for family caregivers across America, AARP is spearheading initiatives at both federal and state levels to provide tax …

Immigrants in Ohio pay $7 billion a year in taxes and have a spending power of $20 billion contributing significantly to the state's economy. (Adobe Stock)

Research shows economic impact of deportation in Ohio, U.S.

As nationwide deportation efforts continue, new research examined how past policies have shaped the economy and what could happen if the Trump …

In past deportation programs, for every half-million people the government deported, 44,000 U.S.-born workers lost their jobs. (Adobe Stock)

High moral stakes of proposed cuts to federal programs

A new report commissioned by faith leaders outlines the high moral stakes at play as the Trump administration pushes to cut federal programs to pay fo…

Tennessee has made progress in child care availability but as of 2024, 37 counties are still considered child care

Report: Investing in child care would help TN families, economy

Many Tennessee families cannot afford child care and providers cannot afford to pay their staff fair wages, according to a new report. The …

The Center for American Progress lists Minnesota as among the more expensive states when it comes to child care costs. (Adobe Stock)

MN child care stakeholders: 'Broken' system needs more than minor fixes

Some 45 day care centers in Minnesota temporary closed their doors early this week to highlight the ongoing child care crisis. Advocates said the …

A 2021 U.S. Government Accountability Office study estimated there are 7,000 to 8,000 ailments recognized as rare diseases that affect around 30 million people in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

IN groups advocate for more research, diagnoses for rare illnesses

Today is Rare Disease Day, an annual observance to raise awareness about uncommon and often misdiagnosed medical disorders. Support for families and …

Transportation is the most common expense Connecticut family caregivers incur, with 88% noting it has happened to them. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT supports tax credit for unpaid family caregivers

New research found most Connecticut residents support creating a family caregiver tax credit. The state has 420,000 family caregivers, providing a …

Gov. Josh Shapiro's Pennsylvania state budget proposal includes $10 million to continue universal free breakfast in schools, to help support children's academic success through better nutrition. (Oksana Kuzmina)

PA budget proposal boosts early childhood education funding

A Pennsylvania nonprofit is praising Gov. Josh Shapiro's new budget proposal, which includes a funding increase for early childhood education…

Many community health centers offer mental health services to help children cope with stress related to immigration enforcement. (Oksana/Adobe Stock)

CA children’s advocates speak out against impending immigration raids

California is bracing for large-scale immigration raids - and groups that advocate for children are speaking out against the climate of fear…

According to a 2024 report, 74% of Montana families who received one form of income-based public assistance between 2016 and 2022 were single, aging or disabled adults with kids. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Most Montanans receiving public assistance are caregivers

Today is National Caregivers Day, recognizing those who help friends or family members who are living with an illness, injury or disability. A 2024 …

Columbus police reported more than 800 felony domestic-violence incidents in the city last year. (Pascal Huot/Adobe Stock)

Ohio's domestic-violence advocates struggle amid DeWine's proposed budget

Gov. Mike DeWine's recently released biennial budget keeps funding for domestic violence services at $20 million, maintaining the same level as the …

According to state data, as of February 2025 there were 8,262 children in Kentucky's foster care system. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Kentucky foster kids with nowhere to go are sleeping in DCBS offices

Foster children with nowhere to go are spending up to a week or more in Kentucky office buildings, according to a preliminary report from the state…

According to the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services, rural children under age 5 make up 24% of children eligible for child care services in the country, yet 55% of them live in areas considered to be child care deserts. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Rural steering committees help to close WV learning gaps

Appalachian counties are expanding efforts to help ensure children are off to the right start in their education. Research shows attending a high-…

Supporters say the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act, now in the Arkansas Legislature, would improve pregnancy outcomes by empowering community health workers and ensuring Medicaid coverage for expectant mothers. (yavdat/Adobe Stock)

Bill to improve maternal care for AR families

A new bill before Arkansas lawmakers is designed to improve maternal care for low-income families. If passed the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act …

More than 11,500 scholars were served in CDF Freedom Schools over 36 states and nearly 200 program sites during 2023. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month

As Black History Month continues, advocacy groups in Ohio are pushing for policies that benefit children from all backgrounds. They emphasize the …

The Texas Department of Agriculture hopes to reach children in rural areas who haven't previously participated in Summer Meal Programs because of transportation barriers. Eligible sponsors in those areas can apply to distribute meals outside of the required group settings and meal service times. (chomplearn_2001/Adobe Stock)

Sponsors needed for TX Dept. of Ag summer feeding programs

The Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting sponsor applications for its 2025 Summer Meal Programs. The Summer Food Service Program and the …

If passed, Senate Bill 1 would prohibit public universities from requiring diversity, equity and inclusion training for students, faculty and staff. Event photo credit Ohio Student Association.

Students protest as Ohio Senate weighs higher-ed overhaul

Ohio Senate Bill 1 is drawing strong reactions across the state, particularly from students in higher education. The bill, which its supporters say …

Prospective foster parents must be at least 21 years old and undergo extensive background checks, including criminal and child abuse clearances for all household members, age 14 and older. (Motortion/Adobe Stock)

Easing tough transitions: PA organizations help teens exit foster care

Pennsylvania nonprofits are working with teens in foster care to ensure they have the resources they will need to navigate life once they are out of t…

Attorneys representing an undocumented father in Lubbock said he faces deportation proceedings after a traffic stop by police. (Thanyalak/Adobe Stock)

Northwest TX father faces deportation

A northwest Texas family is waiting to hear from agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement after a recent traffic stop. Jose is in the country …

Family caregivers on average are spending 26% of their income on caregiving activities, according to a 2021 AARP survey. (Adobe Stock)

WY AARP hosts tele-townhall on expected caregivers tax credit

Advocates for family caregivers are expecting federal lawmakers to propose a tax credit for the group, after President Donald Trump said on the …

Adrian and Shane Potter adopted siblings Isaiah, Jordan and Sophia in 2021. (Photo courtesy of The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)

Collaboration helps TX foster kids find forever homes

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services are working together to find homes for foster-care childre…

Community action agencies in Massachusetts are requesting continued funding for programs such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, which helps return millions of dollars to Massachusetts families and their local economies. (Adobe Stock)

MA community action agencies aim to restore antipoverty funds

Community action agencies in Massachusetts are asking state lawmakers to boost antipoverty programs as federal aid remains in limbo. Gov. Maura …

Cincinnati Public Schools serves approximately 35,000 students, with more than one in 10 being English learners who do not speak it as their first language. (Sundry Photography/Adobe Stock)

Educators, Ohio leaders react to new ICE rules

A new federal policy allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents into public schools has sparked concerns nationwide, including here in Ohio…

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service, Mississippi has the highest rates of food insecurity in the nation. (Katerina Holmes/Pexels)

MS families face hardship as state rejects federal summer food aid again

Mississippi families struggling with food insecurity are bracing for another difficult summer after state officials declined millions in federal fundi…

Florida's recently passed TRUMP Act allocates $500 million to enhance state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement but Gov. Ron DeSantis opposes the bill, arguing it undermines his executive authority by shifting oversight to the agriculture commissioner. (Pixabay)

Educators sound alarm over immigration policy affecting FL schools

Immigration policy changes under the Trump administration are instilling fear in Florida schools, as educators and advocates warned of their effects …

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, nearly 48 million Americans provide care to an adult family member or friend, with 61% also holding jobs. (ChayTee/Adobe Stock)

Push for caregiver tax relief gains momentum in Ohio, nationally

During his campaign, President Donald Trump promised tax credits for family caregivers. With Trump now in office, advocates in Ohio and across the …

Studies show that mental-health literacy and life skills decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety and help children succeed. (Valerii Honcharuk/Adobe Stock)

Mental health access critical for MI students

Some 125,000 children in Michigan struggle with major depression, which can hinder learning, behavior and relationships, according to a recent survey…

In 2020, nearly every victim service provider in Ohio experienced a 37% cut in their Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding, significantly impacting their ability to support survivors. (ozerkina/Adobe Stock)

Federal funding instability challenges Ohio's crisis support services

Service providers and advocacy groups in Ohio and across the country are facing uncertainty following recent executive orders that have thrown federal…

In 2022, Ohio's WIC program served an average of 160,145 participants per month, including 38,097 women, 40,358 infants and 81,690 children. (Adobe Stock)

WIC benefits in Ohio unaffected, but federal spending review sparks concern

The White House has rescinded a directive that froze federal grants and loans after a federal judge ruled it unlawful. While the freeze was lifted…

An estimated one in five parents of children under 18 in the U.S. experienced mental illness in the past year. (grooveriderz/Adobe Stock)

New parenting skills app helps rural OR families

Researchers at the University of Oregon say a new online parenting skills program has helped improve mental health for rural Oregon families…

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