Youth Issues / Public News Service

Paige Bethmann and Ku Stevens speak in between interviews at his house on the Yerington Paiute Reservation in Nevada. (Zack Kiszka)

Friday, November 26, 2021

NY Filmmaker Reflects on Upcoming Indian Boarding Schools Documentary

NEW YORK -- A team of New York-based filmmakers is producing a documentary about reclaiming Indigenous heritage, told through the experiences of an 18…

On a new national report card, Maryland receives a failing grade for not doing enough to help child victims of sex trafficking. Florida, Texas and Mississippi were the top three, respectively, although no state was given an 'A' or 'B' grade. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

MD Gets Failing Grade for Supporting Child Sex Victims

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- A new report ranks Maryland as one of the worst states in providing support for young victims of sex trafficking. While Maryland …

Advocates say states extending foster care-related supports to young adults beyond age 18 is one step toward improving outcomes for those who've experienced the foster-care system. (mizinra/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Support Needed for Young People Aging Out of Foster Care

INDIANAPOLIS -- As the holiday season draws near, groups are spotlighting ways to support young people transitioning to adulthood after spending time …

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 …

Research suggests that the earlier in life teens use alcohol, the more likely they are to abuse it. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Talking with Teens about Good Choices During the Holidays

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The holiday season has officially started, and one group is encouraging Ohio parents to make a special effort to check in with their …

Advocates for eliminating group-home settings for foster care say they are more expensive per child than in-home placements with families, and lead to worse outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Report Urges Family Foster Homes, Not Group Homes

CHICAGO -- Group homes and large institutional foster-care settings should be phased out, according to the latest survey of kids in the system…

A new report says among responding districts, only 8% of North Dakota schools have LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

ND Report Illustrates School-Related Issues for LGBTQ Youth

FARGO, N.D. -- A new report details how North Dakota students who identify as LGBTQ+ often struggle with the environment within their schools…

In the United States, more than 4 million youths and young adults experience some form of homelessness each year. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

New App Part of Effort to End Youth Homelessness in MN

BEMIDJI, Minn. -- November is National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month. Compared with other Midwestern states, Minnesota has some of the …

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

Monday, November 22, 2021

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…

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…

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 …

Since 2017, North Dakota has had around 1,500 children younger than 18 living in foster care annually. (Adobe Stock)

New ND Group Fills Void in Helping Kids Avoid Foster Care System

DICKINSON, N.D. -- Efforts continue in North Dakota to carry out programs put in limbo by this year's closing of Lutheran Social Services (LSS)…

Between 2010 and 2019, felony arrests of people younger than 18 were down 53%, according to The Sentencing Project. (Adobe Stock)

Youthful-Offender Status Reform Gives New Yorkers a Chance at a Clean Slate

NEW YORK -- This month, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill into law advocates said gives young people who were caught up in the criminal-…

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 …

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 …

Human service providers say even after a foster contract has been fulfilled, maintaining connections with kids who have aged out of the system can provide much-needed stability as they move into adulthood. (Adobe Stock)

Holiday Season Tough on Foster Kids Transitioning to Adulthood

DES MOINES, Iowa - With the holidays near, foster families in Iowa are encouraged to maintain close connections with older teens no longer receiving …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

On Nov. 10, Dawn Blagrove of Emancipate NC presented oral arguments to North Carolina Supreme Court Justices about the racial justice consequences of life-without-parole sentencing in juvenile cases. (Supreme Court of North Carolina)

NC Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Juvenile Life-without-Parole

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The North Carolina Supreme Court heard oral arguments this week on the racial disparities involved in sentencing kids under 18 to …

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 …

Modesto Junior College has waived tuition and fees for students for this semester. Future funding levels will determine if the program will continue going forward. (MJC)

Community Colleges Lure Students Back with Financial Incentives

MODESTO, Calif. -- Community colleges across California are using COVID-19 relief funds to lower costs for students and lure them back to campus…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

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…

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 …

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 …

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…

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 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 …

Connecticut's Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services says the state is closing Hartford's 10-bed mental-health treatment center because the building's lease was not renewed. (Adobe Stock)

CT Closing Mental Health, Addiction Facility for Young Adults

HARTFORD, Conn. - Connecticut plans to close a transitional living facility in Hartford next month for people ages 18 to 25, which means fewer …

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 …

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Youth

NY Filmmaker Reflects on Upcoming Indian Boarding Schools Documentary

MD Gets Failing Grade for Supporting Child Sex Victims

Support Needed for Young People Aging Out of Foster Care

NM Nature Kits Connect Foster Children with Court Advocates

Talking with Teens about Good Choices During the Holidays

Report Urges Family Foster Homes, Not Group Homes

ND Report Illustrates School-Related Issues for LGBTQ Youth

New App Part of Effort to End Youth Homelessness in MN

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

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

New SD Project Builds Foster Homes in Tribal Communities

New ND Group Fills Void in Helping Kids Avoid Foster Care System

Youthful-Offender Status Reform Gives New Yorkers a Chance at a Clean Slate

Paid Family Leave on Forefront as Build Back Better is Finalized

IL Experts Join World Congress on Justice with Children

American Education Week: Honoring PA's Support Professionals

Holiday Season Tough on Foster Kids Transitioning to Adulthood

Schools Work to Give Ohio Kids a Safe Space to Learn

Resources for Foster Youths During Holidays

Bill Would Address Barriers to Graduation for Some PA Kids

Advocates Call for Eliminating Group Homes for Foster Kids

Report: Group Homes for Foster Kids Should Be Phased Out

NC Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Juvenile Life-without-Parole

PA Lawmakers Consider Bills to Keep Parks Programming Afloat

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

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

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

Community Colleges Lure Students Back with Financial Incentives

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

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

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

AR Community Health Centers Breaking Down Barriers to COVID Vaccine

Communities Give Input on Proposed DACA Changes as Deadline Looms

Report: PA Kids' Health Coverage Increased During Pandemic

School Counselor: Indiana Needs More Mental-Health Professionals

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

Study: Concerning Stats for Women and Children's Health

Health Report: AZ Children Less Active, More Anxious

Report Confirms Disparities in Getting Behavioral Health Support

Farm to School Programs on Rebound After COVID Closures

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

PA Education Advocates Rally at Capitol Ahead of School Funding Trial

Report: NV Struggling on Mental Health, Infant Mortality

Nebraska Women, Children Report More Anxiety, Mental Distress

Clock's Ticking to Get Advanced Child Tax Credit Payments

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

CT Closing Mental Health, Addiction Facility for Young Adults

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