Youth Issues / Public News Service

A new mentorship program for LGBTQ+ teens is part of AmeriCorps' Safe and Supportive Schools initiative. (Jirsak/Adobestock)

AmeriCorps’ First LGBTQ+ Mentoring Program Helps Central Valley Teens

FRESNO, Calif. -- AmeriCorps has teamed up with the nonprofit Equality California to offer a groundbreaking mentorship program for LGBTQ+ teens in …

In the first five months of 2021, five governors signed bills banning transgender individuals from sports in some capacity. (geralt/Pixabay)

TX Governor to Try Again to Ban Transgender Student Athletes

AUSTIN, Texas - As part of a special session called by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, legislators will try again next week to pass a bill requiring …

The American Psychological Association reports 81% of Gen Z teens (ages 13-17) have experienced more intense stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.(Adobe Stock)

ARP Funds Could Help WV Schools Address Mental-Health Needs

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Degrading mental health among the nation's K-12 students over the past year and a half has alarmed health professionals. Experts …

Minnesota has bolstered "lunch-shaming" protections for students. But advocates say the state still ranks the near the bottom in using federal funds that allow low-income districts to offer universal lunches. (Adobe Stock)

Focus on Universal Meals, Preventing 'Lunch Shaming' as MN Students Return

MINNEAPOLIS -- More Minnesota school districts are welcoming back students this week. Because of the pandemic, schools are receiving federal aid to …

Congress is providing more than $400 million to current and former foster youths through a pandemic aid program. (elizabeth lara/EyeEm/Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Aid Available for Former Foster Youth in WA

SEATTLE - Foster care alumni in Washington state have one month left to apply for pandemic aid. As part of a large relief package in Congress last …

Less than 15% of Michigan students had been tested for a sexually transmitted infection other than HIV in the last year, according to CDC surveys. (Adobe Stock)

MI Youth Groups Urge Inclusive Sex-Ed Curricula

LANSING, Mich. - Youth advocates for comprehensive sexual education are urging school districts to adopt curricula that use inclusive and …

A new report finds that very low-income households make up 18% of all student loan borrowers but are only 6% of participants in the income-dependent repayment plan. (mnirat/Adobe Stock)

Advocates Press for Reform Before Student Loan Repayment Deadline

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - In January, student loan borrowers will have to start paying off their loans again, as the pandemic-related pause on payment is …

Allowing teens to voice their opinions and have make decisions builds trust, experts say.. (AdobeStock)

Talking, Trusting Key to Easing Back-to-School Stress

COLUMBUS, Ohio - With new teachers, classmates and expectations, back to school is full of uncertainties and anxieties. Stressful transitions …

A new report that examines racial gaps between Black and white Virginians shows 60% of majority-Black neighborhoods in the state have eviction rates greater than 10%, quadruple the national average. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — A new report that examines racial gaps between Black and white Virginians shows 60% of majority-Black neighborhoods in the state have eviction rates greater than 10%, quadruple the national average. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Universities Offer New Cures for Closing Virginia’s Racial Gaps

RICHMOND, Va. - In response to last year's protests against racial injustice across the country, a new report shows cities such as Richmond are …

Research has found SNAP benefits cover 43% to 60% of what it costs to eat meals consistent with federal guidelines for what constitutes a healthy diet. (Adobe Stock)

SNAP Benefit Boost Could Help More TN Families Afford Healthy Diet

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Advocates say the USDA's recent 25% Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit increase, slated to go into effect …

In the 2019-2020 school year, Indiana schools reported more than 171,000 "safety and disciplinary incidents." Only 173 were referred to law enforcement. (Ron Alvey/Adobe Stock)

Community Advocates Urge End to Police Presence in IN Schools

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- As students across Indiana begin the new school year, some communities are reevaluating the need for police officers in schools…

Burnout among college students rose from 40% to 70% from August 2020 to April 2021, according to at study by The Ohio State University. (Engin-Akyurt/Pixabay)

Texas A&M Students Use Wearables to Track Stress, Mental Health

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - The pandemic upended normal college life causing mental-health challenges that are now being studied at Texas A&M University …

A Georgia study found masking in schools reduced COVID cases by 37%, and improving ventilation in schools reduced transmission 39%. (WaveBreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Doctors: Mask Up in Schools, Get Vaccine to Protect Hoosier Kids

INDIANAPOLIS -- Hospitals in Indiana are seeing an increase in children being admitted with complications due to the coronavirus, which they say is a …

Many parents kept kids out of pediatricians' offices during the pandemic as a precaution. Those doctors are now saying it's time to get kids back on track with their wellness visits. (Adobe Stock)

PA Group Encourages Well-Child Doctor Visits Ahead of School Year

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- As students gear up for getting back to school, Pennsylvania childrens' advocates are asking parents to ensure kids are up-to-date …

More than 64,000 North Dakotans are children younger than age 6. More than 70% have parents in the workforce. (Adobe Stock)

Report: ND Should Think of Child Care as Infrastructure

JAMESTOWN, N.D. -- A new report showed affordable and accessible child care remains an issue for North Dakota families. It is prompting calls for …

During the pandemic, more than 20% of U.S. parents with children ages 5-12 reported their children experienced worsened mental or emotional health, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation report. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — During the pandemic, more than 20% of U.S. parents with children ages 5-12 reported their children experienced worsened mental or emotional health, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation report. (Adobe Stock)

Mental Health in Spotlight as MD K-12 Schools Reopen

BALTIMORE, Md. -- As Maryland children prepare to return to school in the next few weeks, experts say ensuring their mental health is stable is a top …

The American Heart Association recommends schools avoid overly harsh discipline as kids and families readjust to the in-person school schedule during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — The American Heart Association recommends schools avoid overly harsh discipline as kids and families readjust to the in-person school schedule during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Protecting Kids' Mental Health Top Priority as VA Schools Reopen

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. -- With many Virginia schools starting up next week, experts say parents and teachers need to take extra steps to protect …

More than 25% of high school students in a recent Kaiser Family Foundation study reported worsening emotional and cognitive health. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Meeting Kids' Social, Emotional Needs This Fall

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The school year is fast approaching, and many North Carolina students will be headed back to the classroom for the first time in a …

Between 2015 and 2019, food insecurity declined 5% statewide, and groups are working to keep that going. (Kimberley Sprenger)

Summer Nutrition Program Includes Meals for Kids to Try On Their Own

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- More than 200,000 Missouri kids are facing food insecurity, according to the Missouri Kids Count 2021 Data Book. Today is the …

A new national study says today's students may earn $49,000 to $61,000 less over their lifetime because of the impact of the pandemic on their education. (Adobe Stock)

Research Indicates Kids Need Boost in Getting Caught Up for School Year

MINNEAPOLIS -- A new study shows American kids are returning to school an average of four to five months behind in their learning, and it's worse for …

About 95% of the population needs to be immune to measles for the population to reach herd immunity. (natara/Adobe Stock)

After Pandemic Dip, Pediatricians Encourage Families Back for Checkups

BOISE, Idaho -- For many Idaho families, the pandemic may have pushed wellness checkups off the calendar for their kids, including routine …

Recent Kaiser Family Foundation research shows more than 20% of parents with children ages 5 to 12 say their kids' emotional health has declined since March 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Youth Mental Health Emphasized as K-12 Schools Resume in NY

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. -- As New York schools gear up for the fall term, physical and mental well-being of kids in grades K-12 is in the forefront, …

Despite concerns of Utah parents that school-age children could be vulnerable to COVID-19 when they return to class, the state bars school districts from requiring face masks. (Rido/Adobe Stock)

Utah Officials Urged to Approve K-12 Mask Mandates

SALT LAKE CITY -- As the Delta variant drives a growing number COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in Utah, particularly among young adults and …

Students' identities can be easily obtained online from school postings on Facebook. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Students' identities can be easily obtained online from school postings on Facebook. (Adobe Stock)

School Posts on Facebook Could Threaten Student Privacy

By Joshua Rosenberg for The Conversation.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Tennessee News Service. Like many of us, schools in the United …

Pennsylvania has the widest funding gap between wealthy and poor school districts of any state in the country. (Adobe Stock)

Some Racial Evidence to Be Permitted in PA School Funding Lawsuit

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- With less than a month until a Pennsylvania public school funding lawsuit is set to begin, a Commonwealth Court judge recently …

The pandemic year of 2020 saw at least a 27% drop in kids' doctor visits, according to a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute. (Ben_Kerckx/Pixabay)

COVID, Lockdowns Cited as Cause for Reduced Childhood Vaccinations

AUSTIN, Texas -- Many of us lost track of days and months during the pandemic, and that may be why some parents skipped their kids' well-child visits …

St. Louis public-school students are encouraged to come to Gateway Middle School Saturday for information, health screenings, vaccines and school supplies ahead of the first day of school on Aug. 23. (Jenifoto/Adobe Stock)

Teachers Unions Inform MO Families About Safe Return to School

ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- St. Louis educators' unions are working to let families know what to expect at school this fall, and urging them to get ready…

According to the CDC, vaccine-preventable diseases have a costly impact, resulting in doctor's visits, hospitalizations and premature deaths, all of which could be avoided. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — According to the CDC, vaccine-preventable diseases have a costly impact, resulting in doctor's visits, hospitalizations and premature deaths, all of which could be avoided. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Missed Well Visits Put Kids at Risk for Communicable Diseases

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Parents should catch their kids up on missed doctor visits, and in some cases, vaccinations, to protect themselves and their …

Children enrolling in most Arizona public schools must receive several vaccines to protect themselves and their classmates from infectious diseases. (CSMedia/Adobe Stock)

Report: Annual Doctor Visit Should be High on 'Back-to-School' Checklist

TUCSON, Ariz. -- It is getting to be "back-to-school" time in Arizona, and pediatricians say a visit to the doctor is as important for kids as …

School supply drives are helping vulnerable Ohio families prepare for classes this fall. (Adobe Stock)

Easing Back-to-School Jitters for Vulnerable Students

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- School bells will soon ring, and Ohio county Children Services agencies are doing what they can to make the transition back to …

To address racial disparities in youth detention, The Sentencing Project report recommends state and local governments invest in community programs that address social inequities. (Adobe Stock)

PA Cuts Youth Justice Racial Disparities; Still Above U.S. Detention Average

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Despite youth incarceration rates falling nationwide in the last few years, major racial disparities remain for kids in …

Children enrolling is Utah public schools must show evidence of receiving six different vaccines to protect themselves, and their classmates, from infectious diseases. (IPC-PROD/Adobe Stock)

Doctors Urge Parents to Get Kids' 'Back-to-School' Exams, Shots

SALT LAKE CITY -- It is getting to be "back-to-school" time in Utah, and pediatricians say a visit to the doctor is as important as new pencils or …

Some 40% of mothers new to the 2020 Magnolia Mother's Trust program said they had money saved for emergencies. After receiving $1,000 a month for 12 months, that increased to more than 85%. (Wikimedia Commons)

Groups Urge Long-Term Solutions After States Cut Federal Unemployment

By Katie Fleischer for Ms. MagazineBroadcast version by Lily Böhlke for Tennessee News Service/Public News Service NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- After …

As schools prepare to kick off fall semester, there are many unknowns as new waves of COVID-19 outbreaks could emerge. (educadormarcossv/Pixabay)

NM Schools Resume In-Person Learning with Mask Protocols

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The youngest students, along with faculty and staff, will need to mask up in the Rio Rancho schools when classes begin next …

Juvenile justice has its origins in the adult criminal-justice system, and can create similar racial injustices. (yos.org)

Texas Juvenile-Justice Racial Gap Improves, But Slowly

AUSTIN, Texas -- When kids get in trouble with the law, it is far more likely they'll be incarcerated if they're Black or brown, and that has created …

A new report from Georgetown University and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a coordinated and far-reaching public health campaign about childhood vaccinations. (Adobe Stock)

Report Spotlights Low Child Vaccination Rates Ahead of New School Year

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Parents are gearing up for their children to return to the classroom for the first time in over a year, and public health …

Farmers' markets are starting to reopen, after some had to shut down when their venues were closed during the COVID lockdowns. (SEE LA)

Celebrating Progress in the Fight Against Hunger in CA

LOS ANGELES -- Hunger-fighting advocacy groups are speaking out in California, drawing attention to the continuing problem of food insecurity…

Routine Checkups Urged for TN Kids Before School Starts

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A new report by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute, urged parents to get …

For Kentuckians on Medicaid, between March and June 2020, immunization rates declined 46% for children ages 4-6 and 57% for adolescents compared to the same period in 2019, according to the Kentucky Dept. for Medicaid Services. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — For Kentuckians on Medicaid, between March and June 2020, immunization rates declined 46% for children ages 4-6 and 57% for adolescents compared to the same period in 2019, according to the Kentucky Dept. for Medicaid Services. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Wellness Visits More Urgent as Kids Head Back to School

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. -- A new report by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute, urged parents to get …

A new pilot program in Texas is teaching college students about the agriculture industry and career options they might not otherwise have considered. (ionlfox/Pixabay)

TX Farm Bureau Recruits College Students for Pilot Program

AMARILLO, Texas - The American Farm Bureau Federation hosts more than 100 college level chapters across 35 states, but this is the first time its …

During routine well-child visits, pediatricians track kids' growth and important developmental milestones. (Adobe Stock)

Kids Behind on Wellness Visits? The Doctor is In

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The pandemic paused many facets of life, and a new report says wellness checkups for children were among them. And with school …

The disparity between Black and white youths in juvenile facilitied dropped by 13% between 2015 and 2019. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Racial Gap Narrows for Incarcerated OR Youth, But Work Remains

SALEM, Ore. - Young people of color are locked up at disproportionately high rates compared with their white peers, despite recent signs the gap is …

In a survey of young people who have experienced foster care, nearly 20% reported they ran out of food. (Maya Kruchancova/Adobe Stock)

AR Youth in Foster Care Eligible for Pandemic Relief Payments

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Arkansans ages 16 to 26 who are or have been in the foster-care system now are eligible for one-time payments of at least $750…

Nevada is seeing multiple efforts to reduce racial disparities among kids who are arrested or incarcerated, and a new report says it's working. (Connie Mills/Youth Villages)

NV Makes Progress Reducing Racial Disparities for Youth Behind Bars

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Nevada is closing the racial gap among young people behind bars, according to a new report from The Sentencing Project. The …

Juvenile justice experts say the best response to common teenage misbehavior like smoking marijuana, petty theft or vandalism is counseling, not an arrest. (JDAI/AZ)

Racial Gap Among CA Youth Behind Bars Improves, But Remains High

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Despite decades of juvenile justice reforms, California is still incarcerating kids of color much more often than their white …

A new report says Black youths are more likely to be in custody than their white peers in every state but one: Hawaii. (Adobe Stock)

IA Sees Worsening Racial Gap in Youth Incarceration

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa has recently laid out recommendations to reduce overrepresentation of minorities in the juvenile justice system. The effort …

Maine is among the first states to pass a bill for free school meals for all students, regardless of household income. (WaveBreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Parents Urged: Complete School Meal Forms Even Though Lunches are Free

AUGUSTA, Maine -- School meals in Maine will be free for all students again this year and into the future, but parents are being urged to fill out …

It's estimated that more than 241,000 DACA-eligible students are enrolled in college, according to the Migration Policy Institute. (Adobe Stock)

After DACA Court Ruling, Advocates Call on Congress for Immigration Overhaul

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- In a recent ruling, a federal judge in Texas blocked new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program…

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