LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The task force being created under Arkansas' new "Erin's Law" is expected to be assembled soon and convene for the first time this summer. State Rep. John Baine, D-El Dorado, said the panel will look at the best ways to teach children who are being sexually abused that they need ...Read More

RICHMOND, Va. - As a U.S. Senate committee prepares to vote this week on a sweeping immigration reform bill, advocates for children say it contains critical provisions for protecting and helping immigrant youth. It includes a pathway to citizenship, and other provisions to keep families together. ...Read More

MINNEAPOLIS – The Children's Defense Fund of Minnesota tonight is honoring four young women who have overcome extreme adversity to pursue their dreams. The winners of the Beat the Odds awards are all high school seniors who, despite challenges, have done well in school and are planning to at ...Read More

LANSING, Mich. – Recent studies have shown that infants' brains are reacting to external stresses, even while babies sleep. Things such as domestic conflicts, violence and other traumatic events can influence people's behavior later in life – even if they don't have any conscious memo ...Read More

RICHMOND, Va. – As Gov. Bob McDonnell launches an initiative today to increase adoptions of foster children in Virginia, grassroots groups say the state is still leaving out too many prospective parents. Even though single people can adopt, Virginia does not allow two people to adopt the sam ...Read More

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Today, Gov. Jay Inslee celebrates Older Americans Month by walking with seniors around the State Capitol campus. However, inside the Capitol, the legislature's inability to agree on a budget poses a threat to many programs and services that help older Washingtonians. Ingrid McDonal ...Read More

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota will be the 12th state in the union to legalize same-sex marriage. Governor Mark Dayton is expected to sign the law at a ceremony this afternoon at the State Capitol, after the Senate approved it by a vote of 37 to 30 on Monday. The sponsor was Senator Scott Dibble, who ...Read More

SEATTLE - It's National Prevention Week, for raising public awareness of mental health and substance-abuse issues. A documentary made in Washington calls attention to the mental health needs of refugees. In "Starting Again: Stories of Refugee Youth," young people describe their struggles and succes ...Read More