Youth Issues / Public News Service

Parental separation, drug abuse in the home and physical abuse were some of the most common Adverse Childhood Experiences cited by people imprisoned as children. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

MD ranks among worst states for long-term incarceration

Maryland has one of the highest percentages in the nation of people in prison who began serving time when they were juveniles. A new report from …

There are 574 federally-recognized Indian tribes, bands, nations, rancherias, communities and Native villages in the United States, according to the University of Nevada-Reno. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Research finds 'Indigenous' grows in popularity among Native youth

A new survey of Native American teens and young adults highlights a growing preference for the term "Indigenous" rather than being referred to as "Ame…

Research on the effects of a school voucher program in Louisiana show academic performance decreased among kids who use vouchers to attend private schools. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Gov. sets aside 2026 SD funds for new education savings accounts

In this week's 2026 budget address, Gov. Kristi Noem proposed establishing education savings accounts for K-12 students in South Dakota. Opponents …

According to the Center for Native American Youth, in each Native community, culture transfer is a multifaceted process influenced by tribal histories, traumas, resilience, cultural preservation and revitalization efforts. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 2, 2024

VA's Native youths call for representation, support amid systemic challenges

In Virginia, Native youths often encounter systemic barriers, including a lack of representation in school curricula. A recent report by the Center …

Only 6% of Native young people living in cities feel represented by state and national decisionmakers, according to the Center for Native American Youth, compared to 18% of those living on reservations. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 2, 2024

Survey: The term 'Indigenous' grows in popularity among Native youth

A new survey of Native American teens and young adults highlights a growing preference for the term "Indigenous" rather than being referred to as "Ame…

Balancing college expenses, and going through the student aid application process, is often viewed as a daunting task for most households. Backers of Minnesota's new free tuition program hope it removes a lot of stress for eligible households. (Freepik)

Monday, December 2, 2024

MN's free college tuition program gets early assessment

The first semester for Minnesota college students is winding down. Supporters of the state's new free tuition program - which assists low-income …

The Children's Movement, the largest and most diverse children's advocacy network in the country, is gearing up to push California policymakers to prioritize kids in next year's state budget. (Spass/Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 2, 2024

1,000+ organizations demand CA governor prioritize kids in budget

More than 1,000 organizations sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom asking for California's children's programs to be shielded from cuts in the 2025-26 …

Rural young people returning to their communities from out-of-home placements may face unique barriers to successful reentry, and rural reentry service providers may face challenges in meeting their needs, according to the National Reentry Resource Center. (Adobe Stock)

In New Year, Medicaid will cover WV youths transitioning out of incarceration

Changes in federal law will permit West Virginia and other states to use Medicaid dollars to pay for health care services for incarcerated youths begi…

Some 65% of Native youth report access to college readiness programs, yet many say they lack adequate funding to support their transition to higher education, according to the Center for Native American Youth. (Adobe Stock)

Native youth survey reveals shift toward 'Indigenous' over 'American Indian'

A new survey of Native American teens and young adults highlights a growing preference for the term "Indigenous" rather than being referred to as "Ame…

Some 75% of LGBTQ+ youth in South Dakota in 2022 reported experiencing anxiety, according to The Trevor Project. (Adobe Stock)

Calls to LGBTQ+ helpline surge following Election Day

Members of the LGBTQ+ community in South Dakota are concerned about what a second Trump presidency could mean for their safety, rights and …

Pennsylvania's uninsured rate rose from 4.3% to 5.3% for Black children, from 4.9% to 6% for Hispanic/Latino children, and from 6% to 9.4% for those identifying as some other race, according to a new report from Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Report: Number of PA uninsured children stable, but no progress

Tens of thousands of children in Pennsylvania are still missing out on essential health care coverage, according to a new report. The "State of …

A new report from the Aspen Institute looked at Native American youth attitudes toward culture, resource access, mental health and civic engagement. (Center for Native American Youth)<br />

New survey shows a shift toward 'Indigenous' over 'American Indian'

A new survey of Native American teens and young adults highlights a growing preference for the term "Indigenous" rather than being referred to as "Ame…

The U.S. Supreme Court hears on average 80 cases per session, out of the thousands of requests it receives. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. Supreme Court ponders review of WI gender-identity case

The U.S. Supreme Court is deciding whether to review a Wisconsin case over the issue of gender identity at school. The case Parents Protecting Our …

According to a National Survey of Children's Health, one in four Hoosier kids aged six to 17 aren't involved in extracurricular activities.

Winter after-school programs foster skills for Hoosier kids

As winter sets in, advocates are spotlighting the need for after-school programs to provide Indiana youth with safe spaces to build skills, stay …

Whooping cough is a common, contagious respiratory illness with frequent outbreaks in various settings such as schools, hospitals and large geographic areas, peaking every few years. (Louis-Photo/Adobe Stock)

Whooping cough cases rise in Tennessee, nationwide

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is making a comeback and a Tennessee medical expert stressed the preventable, highly contagious bacterial infection …

Ava Bruneau plays Ginebig: The Snake Game, a game of chance. Players roll or toss

Game time: Reviving the Ojibwe way with dice, cards

By Amy Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Greater Dakota News Service reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Servic…

Valdosta State University is one of the 26 higher education institutions that make up the University System of Georgia. (Adobe Stock)

Georgia Match program hailed as college enrollment rises in GA

Georgia higher education officials are crediting a program assisting high school students with a wave of new enrollment in the state's colleges and un…

In August, the Colorado Department of Education updated guidelines reflecting evidence-based best practices on how returning to school and exercise can improve recovery. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for helping kids recover from concussions

By Kate Ruder for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service…

According to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, more than 3,000 youth in Michigan are waiting to be adopted. (motortion/Adobe/Stock)

MI couple opens their heart and home, transforming teen's life

It is National Adoption Month and according to the Dave Thomas Foundation of Adoption, Michigan has about 10,000 children in foster care. Two years …

Research shows kids tend to get along with School Resource Officers regardless of the student's ethnic background, according to Iowa State University's Monic Behnken. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa researcher: 'Hardening' schools doesn't stop classroom violence

Researchers say increasing the police presence in schools isn't the best way to address classroom violence. One expert in Iowa says educators would …

Glitches last winter with federal student aid forms, known as the FAFSA, led the feds to temporarily relax document verification standards - creating fertile ground for bad actors seeking to defraud California colleges. (Piter2121/Adobe Stock)

CA community colleges lose millions to financial aid fraud

State data first reported by EdSource show that fraudsters have stolen more than $7.5 million in student financial aid from California community colle…

About 90% of LGBTQ+ young people reported that their wellbeing was negatively impacted due to recent politics, according to The Trevor Project.(Adobe Stock)

LGBTQ+ folks in Nevada, nationwide concerned about next Trump presidency

Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Nevada and around the country are concerned about what a second Trump presidency could mean for their safety…

New research says enrollment at U.S. colleges and universities is down 10% over the past 10 years. (Adobe Stock)

Report: It’s getting easier to get into college

By Jon Marcus for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Zamone Perez for Maryland News Connection reporting for The Hechinger Report-Public News S…

In Massachusetts, teachers of color make up nearly 10% of the state's 80,000 K-12 teachers - up from 7% in 2012, according to MassINC. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MA boosts educator diversity to improve student outcomes

Massachusetts lawmakers are hoping a new teacher certification process will draw more diverse candidates to the classroom. The state recently passed …

The holidays can be hard for Texans dealing with loss or depression

The holiday season is not merry and bright for everyone. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, lost your job or if you're going through a …

Only about one in four high school students gets the recommended one hour a day of physical activity, according to the American Heart Association. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Obesity rates skyrocket among KY kids

More than one in three children is now overweight or obese, according to new research published in the Lancet medical journal. The study found while …

The 2024 Kids Count County Data Book focuses on the disproportionate impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Kentucky kids. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Many KY kids lead fragmented and traumatic lives

Nearly one in four Kentucky kids has experienced at least two Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, including abuse, neglect or household …

Gay teenager is set to become Utah's youngest elected official

Jackson Lewis, 19, is ready and eager to sit on the nonpartisan Canyons School Board in the south end of Salt Lake Valley. Lewis, who is gay…

Changes could be coming to Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act as President-elect Donald Trump builds his administration. (I Viewfinder/Adobe Stock)

2nd Trump term to affect health coverage for Arkansans

Low-income Arkansas families could be in for some big cuts to health care under a second Trump administration, according to health experts. Policy …

The Wyoming Family Alliance Action's 2024 school board candidate questionnaire asked candidates how much they agree with this statement:

Some WY school board elections echoed national politics

School boards are nonpartisan, but a recent trend in Wyoming shows far-right candidates are bringing national politics to local elections. Public …

An Advocates for Children of New York report finds students living in shelters are three times more likely to drop out of high school than permanently housed students. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: NYC must help homeless student population

A new annual report shows New York City has more than 146,000 homeless students. The Advocates for Children of New York report finds this is an …

The Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida serves 175,000 students across 200 sites statewide, while the Association of Private Colleges and Universities of Puerto Rico represents Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) with a combined enrollment of more than 80,000 students. (Adobe Stock)

New Florida-Puerto Rico partnership poised to transform higher-ed landscape

In an unprecedented collaboration, the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida have partnered with the Association of Private Colleges and …

Despite a 70% approval rate of all school referendums this year, the state saw a 10% decrease from 2022, making it the lowest passage rate in a midterm or presidential election year in the last decade. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsinites passed record measures for public school funding

Wisconsinites overwhelmingly voted 'yes' on a record number of school funding measures, according to a new Wisconsin Policy Forum study. The appeals …

Ohio's inadequate family leave policies and systemic gaps contribute to high rates of infant mortality (7.06 per 1,000 births) and maternal mortality (18.8 per 100,000 births) both above the U.S. average). (Best/Adobe Stock)

Report: Paid family leave and what it could mean for Ohio

Ohio is among the many states where a majority of workers lack access to paid family leave. A new report by Groundwork Ohio finds three in four …

Feeding Texas is advancing policy solutions to both prevent hunger and tackle its causes and consequences. (Daniel Vincek/Adobe Stock)

Feeding Texas Network prepares for legislative session

The nonprofit Feeding Texas Network has announced its priorities for the upcoming legislative session. The food insecurity rate continues to rise in …

The proposed Education Freedom Scholarship Act in Tennessee aims to give parents the power to choose the best education for their child and a say in how their taxpayer dollars are used. (BalanceFormCreative/Adobe Stock)

Project 2025's education overhaul could have potential fallout for TN schools

A Tennessee education advocacy group is voicing concerns about Project 2025, which aims to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and transfer …

After immigrating to the U.S. many immigrants and their families encounter challenges, including low-paying jobs, language barriers and navigating complex systems. (artiom.photo/Adobe Stock)

Immigrant families in northwest AR struggle to make ends meet

By Antoinette Grajeda for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop…

Just under 14% of South Dakota kids are American Indian or Alaska Native, but make up more than 62% of children in the state's foster care system, according to the National Indian Child Welfare Association. (Adobe Stock)

Remembering older kids in foster care on National Adoption Day

This coming Saturday is National Adoption Day and it is a good time to think about children who are older or have special needs and face more difficul…

West Virginia communities rely on more than 600 elementary and secondary schools statewide, according to the state's Department of Education. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Survey: WV voters support investing in local public schools, teachers

A new postelection survey found voters across the political spectrum said they support investing in public schools and teachers. The findings from …

More than 1,500 schools in Washington are offering free school meals in the 2024-25 school year. (vectorfusionart/Adobe Stock)

Free school meals on agenda for 2025 session in WA

Washington lawmakers will consider providing free school meals to all students in the state. Thanks to legislation passed in previous sessions…

The group BIPOC Adoptee Voices sponsors panel presentations, where adoptees can discuss issues like separation, race, identity, loss and reunification. (Talia Mdlungu/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Oregon nonprofit makes space for BIPOC adoptees

November is National Adoption Month and one Oregon nonprofit is making space for Black and Indigenous adoptees to share their stories. Although most …

Older kids have fewer options to find adoptive families

This coming Saturday is National Adoption Day, but kids who are older or have special needs face more difficulty in finding adoptive parents…

In 17% of Colorado households with children, the children are not eating enough because the family did not earn enough to purchase enough food, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Adobe Stock)

Hunger Free Colorado celebrates 15th birthday

Colorado's leading advocate for people experiencing hunger turns 15 this year and a new report outlined key advances and persistent challenges facing …

Studies show nature-based outdoor learning has measurable socio-emotional, academic and physical health benefits for students. (Adobe Stock)<br />

ME counters learning loss with expanded outdoor programs

Maine educators are expanding outdoor learning opportunities to help build the next generation of environmental stewards. The state has unveiled a …

A child's public education costs $19,000 annually in Connecticut, but it can cost $274,000 to imprison a child. (Adobe Stock)

Youth justice reforms a top 2025 priority for Connecticut group

As it advocates for changes to the youth justice system in 2025, a Connecticut group says the state needs to do more to examine and address the root …

According to the 2023 Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, the average length of detention stay for a juvenile offender is nearly six months. (Adobe Stock)

Legislation on IL juvenile offenders awaits Senate decision

Pending legislation could change the age of Illinois' juvenile offenders' detention time before their trial date. Currently, juveniles as young as 10…

More than 2 million votes were cast for the Democratic ticket in Ohio, although more than 55% of Ohio voters supported the Republican ticket. (Wikimedia Commons)

Middletown looks to JD Vance to help improve local economy

Ohio Republicans will soon have stronger representation in Washington, D.C., as Buckeye State native and Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance is set to …

Finding shelter for young people who are set to be released from detention can be difficult and take much time. (sakhorn38/Adobe Stock)

WA youth with nowhere to go can spend longer behind bars

Incarcerated young people in Washington state can spend a longer time in detention if they do not have a place to go upon release. Some of the …

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Youth

MD ranks among worst states for long-term incarceration

Research finds 'Indigenous' grows in popularity among Native youth

Gov. sets aside 2026 SD funds for new education savings accounts

VA's Native youths call for representation, support amid systemic challenges

Survey: The term 'Indigenous' grows in popularity among Native youth

MN's free college tuition program gets early assessment

1,000+ organizations demand CA governor prioritize kids in budget

In New Year, Medicaid will cover WV youths transitioning out of incarceration

Native youth survey reveals shift toward 'Indigenous' over 'American Indian'

Calls to LGBTQ+ helpline surge following Election Day

Report: Number of PA uninsured children stable, but no progress

New survey shows a shift toward 'Indigenous' over 'American Indian'

U.S. Supreme Court ponders review of WI gender-identity case

Winter after-school programs foster skills for Hoosier kids

Whooping cough cases rise in Tennessee, nationwide

Game time: Reviving the Ojibwe way with dice, cards

Georgia Match program hailed as college enrollment rises in GA

Tips for helping kids recover from concussions

MI couple opens their heart and home, transforming teen's life

Iowa researcher: 'Hardening' schools doesn't stop classroom violence

CA community colleges lose millions to financial aid fraud

LGBTQ+ folks in Nevada, nationwide concerned about next Trump presidency

Report: It’s getting easier to get into college

MA boosts educator diversity to improve student outcomes

The holidays can be hard for Texans dealing with loss or depression

Study: Obesity rates skyrocket among KY kids

Report: Many KY kids lead fragmented and traumatic lives

Gay teenager is set to become Utah's youngest elected official

2nd Trump term to affect health coverage for Arkansans

Some WY school board elections echoed national politics

Advocates: NYC must help homeless student population

New Florida-Puerto Rico partnership poised to transform higher-ed landscape

Wisconsinites passed record measures for public school funding

Report: Paid family leave and what it could mean for Ohio

Feeding Texas Network prepares for legislative session

Project 2025's education overhaul could have potential fallout for TN schools

Immigrant families in northwest AR struggle to make ends meet

Remembering older kids in foster care on National Adoption Day

Survey: WV voters support investing in local public schools, teachers

Free school meals on agenda for 2025 session in WA

Oregon nonprofit makes space for BIPOC adoptees

Older kids have fewer options to find adoptive families

Hunger Free Colorado celebrates 15th birthday

ME counters learning loss with expanded outdoor programs

Youth justice reforms a top 2025 priority for Connecticut group

Legislation on IL juvenile offenders awaits Senate decision

Middletown looks to JD Vance to help improve local economy

WA youth with nowhere to go can spend longer behind bars