Youth Issues / Public News Service

Environments which are violent, lack accessible and effective community resources and are disproportionately affected by poverty or unemployment are variables contributing to child abuse<br />and neglect, according to PCA Georgia. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Georgia groups empower parents to safeguard children's well-being

As communities across Georgia come together to raise awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month, local groups are taking steps to equip parents …

Meat-processing facilities have become a flashpoint in the debate over rolling back child labor laws in various states. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Even with WI veto, some fear further weakening of child labor laws

Despite a recent policy victory, Wisconsin labor leaders still express concern about the current environment for shielding young teens from unsafe …

Among teens using social media, 54% said it would be at least somewhat hard to give up, while 46% said it would be somewhat easy, according to the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Expert wants oversight of social media giants amid declining teen mental health

Earlier this year, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford took legal action against five of the biggest social media platforms, claiming they have no …

Approximately one child in 36 in the United States has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, with one in six children having at least one developmental or intellectual disorder. (Photographee.eu/Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

NE rolls out new disability support for 850 families

As the country observes Autism Acceptance Month, Nebraska families raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder are among those learning they will …

Restorative justice programs have increased the justice system's capacity to meet the needs of those harmed by adolescent misbehavior. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Report: Diverting youth away from the justice system is working

Efforts to keep young people out of the criminal justice system are working, according to a new Sentencing Project report. Elie Zwiebel, attorney …

Expanding the Child Tax Credit could lift as many as 16 million kids in the U.S out of poverty, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. But the measure awaiting action in the U.S. Senate does not have broad public support. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Child Tax Credit would benefit 46,000 MT kids

Advocates of the Child Tax Credit are calling on Washington lawmakers to expand it as they return to the Capitol this week. It's estimated an …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported one in 36 children around the U.S. has autism spectrum disorder. (Adobe Stock)

Creating a supportive classroom for students with ASD

April is Autism Acceptance Month and as rates grow, support organizations in South Dakota hope more children on the spectrum get the tools they need …

A new walk-in program provides immediate, in-person support for urgent mental health and substance use needs for anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, whether or not they are an existing client, or speak English. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Mental health urgent-care facility now available in northeast Boulder

Boulder and Broomfield County residents can now access mental health services the same way they can access urgent medical care. Dr. Nadia Haddad…

Across the country, states and counties are advancing reforms to expand and improve youth diversion programs, according to a report from The Sentencing Project. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Youth detention on the decline in Kentucky

A new report showed a decade after being passed, Kentucky's juvenile justice reform law is getting results. It found 60% of juvenile cases were …

Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group Student advocates say the Hunger-Free Campus Initiative has already helped to grow cultural food options at Middlesex Community College, enroll eligible students for SNAP benefits at UMass Boston and provide meals for homeless students during breaks at Salem State University. (MASSPIRG)

MA students urge lawmakers to fund campus anti-hunger efforts

A coalition of college students and administrators is asking state lawmakers to help fight food insecurity on campus. The group is asking for $2 …

Students at High Tech High in San Diego were asked to surrender their cellphones each day at school last session, and were surveyed on the changes they noticed throughout the year. (Edrick Macalaguim/High Tech High)

Banning cellphones at school brings positive changes for students

Separating high school students from their cellphones might be seen as a daunting task but one California school said having students stash them durin…

Completing FAFSA is necessary to determine if a student qualifies for state and federal financial aid with $400 million in state aid available to students. (Adobe Stock)

FAFSA rollout leaves IN students in limbo

Indiana's high school seniors are caught in a bureaucratic snarl as glitches in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid rollout hinder aid proces…

A new report says as a result of budget appropriation increases, within a few years, North Carolina taxpayers will be spending more than $520 million per year on private-school tuition. (Adobe Stock)

Report reveals inequities in NC school voucher system

School vouchers in North Carolina were intended to expand educational options for low-income families. However, the report "NC School Vouchers: Using …

White youths are put in juvenile crime diversion programs at far higher rates than comparable Black, Latino and Tribal youth, according to a new report by The Sentencing Project. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa focuses on 'restorative justice' for young offenders

A new report by national researchers says Iowa is making progress in reforming its juvenile justice system, and finding ways to steer kids away from …

Youth diverted from incarceration have shown a smaller likelihood of re-arrest. (Delphotostock/Adobe Stock)

Report: WA, other states expand diversion of youth from incarceration

A new report found states are making progress in diverting more youth from incarceration, including in Washington state. However, The Sentencing …

One in five children in the Magnolia State faces hunger, according to the nonprofit Feeding America. <br />(Adobe Stock)

Mississippi kids will miss out on Summer EBT food program

As summer approaches, thousands of children in Mississippi could go without enough nutritious food when school is out, as the state has opted out of …

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Missourians anxious over future birth control access

Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…

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Missouri's 'Taylor Swift Act' targets AI image threats

Missouri lawmakers are concerned with protecting people from the potential risks of the increasing accessibility of AI-generated images and videos…

The Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, formed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and led by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, took a comprehensive look at the state's system and released its report in July 2022 with 32 recommendations for improving Michigan's juvenile justice system. (Oleg Kozlovskiy/Adobe Stock)

Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees

Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

According to Thrivent, FAFSA delays are expected to affect more than 17 million students trying to make plans for the 2024-2025 academic year. (Adobe Stock)

NC's college-bound students face FAFSA delays

The revamp of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid - or FAFSA - was supposed to streamline the process for college hopefuls this fall…

California's Family Urgent Response System's mandate is to be available to send an emergency care team to any California foster family within one hour. (DimaBerlin/Adobestock)

CA foster care advocates ask lawmakers to fund in-person response teams

Advocates for foster families are pressing lawmakers to save the Family Urgent Response System from the budget ax. California faces a $37.9 billion …

As of Oct. 2023, the average teacher salary was $68,000 a year, which is 8% less than the average for U.S. workers overall. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

University of Texas El Paso targets teacher shortage

It's estimated that nearly half of all schools in the country don't have enough teachers. To help change that, the University of Texas in El Paso …

Access to screenings is supported through insurance coverage and assistance programs for the uninsured or underinsured. (Adobe stock)

Young Hoosiers urged to get cancer screening

The recent health diagnosis for Catherine, Princess of Wales, is shining a spotlight on the importance for Hoosiers younger than 50 to be screened …

Pandemic-era federal funding sustained about 2,000 child-care providers since 2020, according to the Kentucky Center on Economic Policy. (Adobe Stock)

KY parents say reliable, affordable child-care linked to better mental health

More parents in Kentucky are switching jobs, delaying major purchases, cutting back on essential needs, and going into debt in order to afford child …

According to the Brookings Institution, one major barrier to higher education is affordability, as college prices and student debt levels have risen. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama Possible forges pathways to education equity with annual event

Alabama's goal of adding 500,000 more college-educated people to the workforce by 2025 is quickly approaching. One group is dedicated to breaking …

MyPlate.gov says toddlers should sit upright for meals and snacks and not wander while eating items such as hot dogs, candy, nuts and seeds, raw carrots, grapes or popcorn, which may cause choking. (Adobe Stock)

University in IL studies link between toddler food access and development

Parents wanting to ensure their children have nutritious meals can serve as their best example, according to new data. Research from the University …

As of 2020, roughly 29 million eligible voters did not have a non-expired driver's license and more than 7 million lacked any other form of non-expired, government-issued photo identification, according to the nonpartisan group VoteRiders. (Adobe Stock)

NH House passes strict voter ID bill allowing registration challenges

The New Hampshire House passed a bill to eliminate any exceptions to the state's voter ID law and requires documented proof of citizenship in order to…

Out-of-school suspensions contribute to Ohio's high chronic absenteeism rates, according to a new report from the Children's Defense Fund of Ohio. (Adobe Stock)

Suspensions, expulsions on rise in Ohio schools, report finds

Ohio's Black students are more likely to face excessively harsh discipline practices such as expulsion and suspension, according to a recently …

A new bill would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to carry out a new grant program, to fund a 24/7 helpline for parents and youths. (Raushan_films/Adobestock)

Bill would fund National Parent & Youth Helpline

The new National Parent & Youth Helpline has already taken 6,700 calls, texts and live chats since its inception in January, and now the U.S…

Indigenous people will be discussing tribal identity on and off Montana reservations and learn what it means to be

Indigenous conference to address cultural identity

Billings-based Western Native Voice is holding its annual membership conference in Great Falls starting tomorrow, and members are discussing …

A Kentucky bill to ban Broad Based Categorical Eligibility for the federal SNAP program would result in at least 21,400 children losing SNAP statewide and would threaten funding for meals at schools and child care centers, according to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY School districts say SNAP Cuts legislation could worsen student hunger

Kentucky school districts say a proposed bill to tighten restrictions on SNAP participation will lead to an uptick in student hunger. House Bill 367 …

Iowa families can apply for up to $7,600 a year for private school costs. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa lawmakers dismiss private school voucher ethics complaint

An ethics committee in the Republican-led Iowa House has dismissed a complaint filed by a group of community activists against a state lawmaker for hi…

American teachers in training trek through Tijuana on their way to visit a school as part of a trip to foster cross-border understanding. (Rick Froehbrodt/SDSU)

Aspiring bilingual teachers cross the border to gain insight

Immigration is a hot-button issue these days, but people studying to become bilingual teachers at one California university are making an effort to …

The American Federation of Teachers in Amesbury is calling on the School Committee to support an 8.04% increase to ensure level services for students and retain staff and reject an initial 3.16% proposal, which they say would be

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Proposed Amesbury school budget cuts rally parents, educators

The Amesbury School Committee will hear from educators and parents tonight as they rally to prevent more than $2 million in proposed cuts to their sch…

A new report from Connecticut Voices for Children suggested one of the best ways to improve Connecticut's tax system would be by providing increased tax transparency for residents. (Adobe Stock)

Report: State tax system leaves CT residents struggling

A new report brands Connecticut's tax system as "regressive" for low- to middle-income residents and uses a report from the state to make its point…

Corporate partners sign contracts to offer a graduate assistantship and pay the students. In turn, MSU pays the graduate assistant's tuition, fees and salary, so the assistantship is directly tied to the academic experience. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

MSU 'assistantships' give grad students an employment edge

By Victoria Lim for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Missouri News Service reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Service Col…

There is a more than 22-point gap in literacy proficiency between white students and their Black, Latino and Native American peers, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress.<br />(Adobe Stock)

Educators hope National Reading Month will raise lN literacy scores

March is National Reading Month, and educators say most schoolchildren in Indiana and across the country are reading at or below a basic level for …

Dalton (left) and Dawson, together after being adopted in 2017. (Dave Thomas Foundation)

A Florida family's inspiring adoption journey

As siblings in foster care, the fear of being separated is daunting. But thanks to a loving family in Jacksonville, Fla., for two brothers in Ohio…

As of June 2023, the World Resources Institute estimates there are 2,277 electric school buses on order, delivered, and operating in the U.S. (Adobe Stock

VA school districts, parents working to get electric school buses

By Elizabeth McGowan for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for Virginia News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

Although food insecurity can be faced by anyone, Black and Latino children are twice as likely to face hunger because of discrimination based on race. And in 2022, 33% of single-parent families experienced food insecurity. (Piman Khrutmuang/Adobe Stock)

Michigan students get a boost to summer food access

Michigan is planning ahead to make sure kids from lower-income families have enough to eat this summer. The state has opted into a federal food …

The starting salary of a new teacher in New Hampshire is $40,478, much less than the $56,727 average annual cost of living in the state, according to a state legislative committee examining teacher recruitment incentives. (Adobe Stock)<br />

NH lawmakers push for uncertified teachers in classrooms

New Hampshire lawmakers are considering legislation to allow part-time, uncertified teachers in the classroom. The bill would eliminate New …

Organizations helping underserved youth get outdoors can receive up to $150,000 in grant funding from Washington state. (Brocreative/Adobe Stock)

WA grant program ensures 'No Child Left Inside'

A program in Washington state is helping kids get out and enjoy nature. The No Child Left Inside program funds grants for organizations to ensure …

Religion is an important part of Black LGBTQ+ youth's lives, with 77% being raised with religious values. But the report notes most respondents said their religion was

Report finds Black LGBTQ+ youth hardships easing a bit

A new report said Black LGBTQ+ youth are seeing more equality, in Connecticut and the U.S. but it does not always mean greater opportunity. The …

Although food insecurity can be faced by anyone, Black and Latino children are twice as likely to face hunger. And in 2022, 33% of single-parent families experienced food insecurity. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe Stock)

MO gears up for participation in kids' summer food program

Missouri is planning ahead to make sure kids from lower-income families have enough to eat this summer. The state has opted into a federal food …

Aaryn's husband Ken, Samantha, Aaryn and Amy, a Wendy's Wonderful Kids recruiter. (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)

Ohio mom finds reward in raising adopted daughter with special needs

This month is National Disability Awareness Month, and in Ohio, parents who've adopted kids with special needs say living with a disability isn't …

San Diego State University is one of 23 California State University campuses. A new grant will simplify the admissions process. (SDSU)

Cal State system wins $750K in Great Admissions Redesign challenge

In the next few years, big changes are coming to the Cal State University admissions process, thanks to a $750-thousand grant from Lumina …

Federal policies, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are ushering in a wave of public works projects across the country. That's prompting more demand for jobs within the building and design trades, and industry leaders hope more young people take notice. (Adobe Stock)

Galvanizing efforts to prepare more builders and designers in MN

Representatives from the building and design trades will gather this weekend to showcase their professions to Minnesota youth. Organizers want to …

According to the Kentucky Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 15% of Kentucky high school students reported having seriously considered suicide within a 12-month period. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY bill would strengthen trauma-informed resources in schools

Suicide rates among young Kentuckians are rising and proposed legislation would strengthen trauma-informed care in schools and boost youth suicide pre…

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Youth

Georgia groups empower parents to safeguard children's well-being

Even with WI veto, some fear further weakening of child labor laws

Expert wants oversight of social media giants amid declining teen mental health

NE rolls out new disability support for 850 families

Report: Diverting youth away from the justice system is working

Child Tax Credit would benefit 46,000 MT kids

Creating a supportive classroom for students with ASD

Mental health urgent-care facility now available in northeast Boulder

Youth detention on the decline in Kentucky

MA students urge lawmakers to fund campus anti-hunger efforts

Banning cellphones at school brings positive changes for students

FAFSA rollout leaves IN students in limbo

Report reveals inequities in NC school voucher system

Iowa focuses on 'restorative justice' for young offenders

Report: WA, other states expand diversion of youth from incarceration

Mississippi kids will miss out on Summer EBT food program

Survey: Missourians anxious over future birth control access

Missouri's 'Taylor Swift Act' targets AI image threats

Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees

NC's college-bound students face FAFSA delays

CA foster care advocates ask lawmakers to fund in-person response teams

University of Texas El Paso targets teacher shortage

Young Hoosiers urged to get cancer screening

KY parents say reliable, affordable child-care linked to better mental health

Alabama Possible forges pathways to education equity with annual event

University in IL studies link between toddler food access and development

NH House passes strict voter ID bill allowing registration challenges

Suspensions, expulsions on rise in Ohio schools, report finds

Bill would fund National Parent & Youth Helpline

Indigenous conference to address cultural identity

KY School districts say SNAP Cuts legislation could worsen student hunger

Iowa lawmakers dismiss private school voucher ethics complaint

Aspiring bilingual teachers cross the border to gain insight

Proposed Amesbury school budget cuts rally parents, educators

Report: State tax system leaves CT residents struggling

MSU 'assistantships' give grad students an employment edge

Educators hope National Reading Month will raise lN literacy scores

A Florida family's inspiring adoption journey

VA school districts, parents working to get electric school buses

Michigan students get a boost to summer food access

NH lawmakers push for uncertified teachers in classrooms

WA grant program ensures 'No Child Left Inside'

Report finds Black LGBTQ+ youth hardships easing a bit

MO gears up for participation in kids' summer food program

Ohio mom finds reward in raising adopted daughter with special needs

Cal State system wins $750K in Great Admissions Redesign challenge

Galvanizing efforts to prepare more builders and designers in MN

KY bill would strengthen trauma-informed resources in schools