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The 2023 Annie E. Casey Foundation Data Book ranked Arkansas 37th in the nation for education, and said 56% of young children were not in preschool programs to help get them ready for school. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, April 19, 2024

Program gives AR early education workers 'Career Pathways'

The need for child care and early learning is critical, especially in rural Arkansas. One nonprofit is working to fill those gaps by giving providers …

Black children in immigrant families are more than twice as likely to live in two-parent families <br />than Black children in U.S.-born families (69% vs. 33%, respectively). (Adobe Stock)

Report: Black births more likely to be premature in AR

Arkansas ranks near the bottom among states in the latest Annie E. Casey Foundation report on children's well-being. "Race for Results" focuses on …

The Kids Count Data Book reports in 2020-21, 15% of children from birth to age 5 in Arkansas lived in families in which someone quit, changed, or refused a job because of problems finding or affording child care. (ShunTerra/Adobe Stock)

Report: Arkansas Ranks 43rd in Child Well-Being

A new report found Arkansas consistently ranks toward the lowest 10 states for child well-being. The annual Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E…

At the end of 2022, there were 4,524 Arkansas children in foster care, a decrease of 7% from the previous year, according to the State of Arkansas House of Representatives.<br />(Valerii Honcharuk/Adobe Stock)

Helping Arkansas Foster Youth Succeed as Adults

May is National Foster Care Month and in Arkansas, the number of foster youths near adulthood has dropped slightly, according to a new report…

In recognition of Women's History Month, AARP celebrates Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. Her passion for working with retirees grew into her becoming the founder of AARP in 1958. (Robert Kneschke/AdobeStock)

AARP Provides Resources for Caregivers During Women's History Month

In celebration of Women's History Month, AARP Arkansas is sharing resources and information affecting women ages 50 and up, specifically women who …

It's estimated 19 million children under 17 who do not receive the full Child Tax Credit are disproportionately Black, Latino and American Indian or Alaska Native, due to their families' incomes being too low, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

AR Group Urges Congress to Reinstate Expanded Child Tax Credit

An Arkansas nonprofit is adding its voice to the calls for Congress to bring back the expanded Child Tax Credit for families in place during the pande…

In Arkansas, foster parents and adoptive parents must be at least 21 years of age. In adoptions, an age difference of no more than 45 years between the child and adoptive applicant is preferred.(Gajus/Adobe Stock)

'Project Zero' Aims to Get More Arkansas Foster Kids Adopted

National Adoption Month comes to an end today, but in Arkansas, almost 300 children are waiting to be adopted. Project Zero is a nonprofit …

Among working families with children younger than age 5 that pay for child care, average child-care spending amounts to nearly 10% of the average family income, or 40% higher than the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' definition of affordability. (Adobe Stock)

Child-Care Wages Called Key to Boosting Early-Education Access

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Early-childhood educators in the state say they support President Joe Biden's American Families Plan, which would include an …

Congress created Temporary Protected Status in the Immigration Act of 1990 to help people fleeing ongoing armed conflicts and environmental disasters. (Adobe Stock)

Trump Administration Tightens Temporary Protected Status Program

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- A new federal immigration policy change prevents immigrants from becoming eligible for a green card if they travel abroad and …

Scientists have determined that around 90% of a child's brain is developed by age 5. (Adobe Stock)

AR Lawmakers Focus on State's Youngest Children

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- A group of lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle agree Arkansas needs to invest more in its youngest residents…

Pediatrician Dr. Crystal Little examines an inquisitive patient at one of Mainline Health Systems' 17 centers in southeast Arkansas. (MainlineHealth)<br /><br />

AR Rural Health Centers Seek Stable Funding from Congress

DERMOTT, Ark. – This is National Rural Health Day, and rural health centers in Arkansas and across the country are requesting that Congress …

A new report says more children who are put in foster care are being placed with families rather than in group homes or institutions. (@nina_p_v/Twenty20)

More Arkansas Foster Kids Being Placed with Families

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The lives of foster children are improving in Arkansas and other states, according to a new report from the Annie E…

If the Trump administration ends the Flores Amendment, undocumented immigrants in Arkansas will have less protections, at a time when many are threatened with detainment and deportation. (Twenty20)

Executive Order Threatens ‘Flores’ Protections for Undocumented Children

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — At least three immigrant detention sites are operating in Arkansas, although it is not known how many immigrants are being …

A recent report says 31 percent of Arkansas children live in homes where their parents lack secure employment, and 24 percent of Arkansas children live in poverty. (401(K)20Twenty)

Workers' Advocates: Ark. Budget Surplus Leaves Out Low-Wage Earners

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The State of Arkansas is ending this fiscal year with almost $42 million more in its coffers than previously projected…

If Arkansas is granted a Medicaid waiver, all able-bodied recipients ages 18-49 will be required to work at least 20 hours a week to keep their benefits. (Mason/GettyImages)

Arkansas Seeks Work Requirement for Medicaid Recipients

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A request by Arkansas officials to waive Medicaid rules is being met with skepticism by health-care advocates, who say it …

Advocates say children with a parent in jail can lose touch with them when they only get to visit with them monthly or less often. (Wikimedia Commons)

Advocates Seek Help, Support for AR Children of Jailed Parents

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A group of children's advocates has begun talking with legislators to find ways to keep Arkansas families together when a …

A new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation encourages public policies designed to keep immigrant families together. (GettyImages)

Report: Economic, Educational Gaps in Arkansas for Children of Color

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A new report finds significant disparities in public policies for children of color and those in immigrant families …

A new report says Arkansas children continue to face serious problems with health care, poverty and family life. (Tama/Getty Images)

Report: Arkansas Ranks Near Bottom in Children’s Well-Being

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas is a tough place to grow up, according to an annual report on children's well-being. For the second consecutive …

Health care for children in Arkansas is ranked 44th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia in a new WalletHub survey. (Getty Images)

Survey: Arkansas 8th-Worst State for Children's Health

LITTLE ROCK, Ark -- This week, April 24-28, is Every Kid Healthy Week, and a new survey shows that Arkansas ranks near the bottom for the health of …

A report shows 7.5 million children would be uninsured if the ACA is repealed. (GUCCF)

ACA Repeal Would Reverse Historic Health Care Gains in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A new report shows attempts to quash the Affordable Care Act could reverse the tremendous gains Arkansas has made in …

Family members provide hundreds of thousands of unpaid hours of care each year for parents and other relatives. (shoyhet/iStockphoto)

2015 Caregiver Act Helps Arkansans Assist Loved Ones

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Family caregivers are the first line of defense in preventing elderly patients from returning to the hospital, and an …

Arkansas now ranks sixth in the country for adult obesity rates, down from first place last year. (iStockimages)

Arkansas Obesity Rates Slim Down in Annual Survey

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas health officials are calling the state's slide to sixth place in the national adult obesity ranking a significant step …

Two recent reports say crime rates could drop if people just earned more money. (fightfor15.org)

Report: Crime Will Drop If People Make More Money

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Over the weekend, workers calling for a $15 hourly minimum wage held a national march and rally in Virginia – and …

In Arkansas, African Americans' median incomes are 42 percent lower than whites'. (Brandis Griffith Friedman)

Big Strides Needed to Even the Wealth Divide

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - If current trends continue, a new study says it would take the average African-American family 228 years to accumulate the amount …

Advocates say a family leave policy is crucial to the well being of Arkansas' children. (Sierra Neely)

Advocates: Arkansas Needs Family Leave Policy

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A state-by-state analysis by the National Partnership for Women and Families gives Arkansas a C-minus for workplace …

Most Americans need a little help managing money. (Veronica Carter)

Americans Need a Little Financial Know-How

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Only about one in three Americans is financially literate - with a basic understanding of financial concepts such as …

Free workshops are being offered in Arkansas next month to help people learn the ins and outs of smartphones, tablets and computers. (AARP)

Workshops: Keeping Up with Technology

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - We live in a digital world, but there still are many who haven't mastered all of the new devices that are available. AARP is …

Legislation to help families buy diapers is pending in Congress. (Brad Robinson)

Low-Income Families Could Get Help Buying Diapers

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Federal lawmakers are considering legislation that would fund pilot programs in states such as Arkansas to help low-income …

A new report says increasing the amount of SNAP benefits people receive by just $30 a month would help them eat healthier. (usda.gov)

Report: Higher SNAP Benefits Would Mean Healthier Diets

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – New research commissioned by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities shows giving low-income families in Arkansas a …

Mobile apps for people with asthma are especially helpful for kids and parents, but doctors say they aren't all as accurate as they could be. (Virginia Carter)

Doctors say Asthma Apps for Children Can Save Lives

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A team of doctors has developed the first mobile 'app' designed to help children and teens with asthma that is supported by a …

Arkansas approved Medicaid expansion in 2014 and has seen the number of unisured patients in emergency rooms drop by about 10 percent. (Catherine Hope)

Arkansas Seeing Benefits of Medicaid Expansion

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A health care system in Arkansas and Missouri is an example of the difference between states that have expanded Medicaid and …

Eight in 10 children who get free lunch at school don't participate in summer meal programs, according to Hunger Free America. (Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance)

Many Children Not Getting Enough Food During Summer Months

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Eighty percent of the children who get free lunch at school don't participate in summer meal programs, mostly because their …

Arkansas' death rate from stroke is the highest in the U.S., and doctors say getting blood pressure under control will reduce those numbers. (Virginia Carter)

Stroke Death Rate Highest in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The Arkansas Department of Health calls it "a state tragedy" as more people die from strokes in Arkansas than any other state…

Experts say kids need to spend less time in front of a screen, and warn too much of it could hurt their communication skills. (Victoria Jordan)

Less Screen Time, More Conversation for Kids

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Smartphones and tablets make communicating easy in some ways and yet, experts warn there may be consequences for youngsters…

Washing your vehicle at home uses more than 100 gallons of water on average. (Virginia Carter)

Clean Car, Clean Conscience

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - How many times have you driven through your neighborhood and noticed people out washing their cars in the driveway? The …

Civil rights and environmental groups want to encourage more visits to state parks by minorities. (Virginia Carter)

Involving a More Diverse Community in Arkansas National Parks

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - As the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service nears, a coalition of civil rights and conservation groups is calling for …

Arkansas is doing better than some other states, with almost half of pre-school age children enrolled in classes. (Sierra Black)

Parents Struggle to Understand Child Care Programs

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Wading through the paperwork involved in getting government help to pay for child care can be overwhelming to already overworked …

Thousands of children are waiting to be adopted in Arkansas, including many siblings who don't want to be separated. (Arkansas DCFS)

Thousands of Arkansas Children Waiting for "Forever Home"

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - This is National Foster Care Month, and advocates hope to bring awareness to the issue so more children can find a permanent home…

A new report tracks a movement by mothers to end mass incarceration of juveniles. (georgia.gov)

Mothers At Prison's Gate

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - While many mothers across Arkansas are enjoying breakfast in bed or being gifted with flowers and chocolates for Mother's Day…

Health officials want parents to try behavior therapy for kids with ADHD, instead of giving them medications. (cdc.gov)

ADHD Preschoolers May be Taking Too Many Meds

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging parents of preschoolers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity …

The idea behind Screen-Free Week is to get kids to play without using electronic devices. (Christine Fletcher)

Put Down the Electronics, It's Screen-Free Week

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - With all the smartphones, tablets, computers and video games around, it's easy to forget there is life beyond a screen. It's …

Americans Need to Drink More Water

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has followed up on a study that was done about a decade ago that looks at whether …

About 61,000 children in Arkansas have or have had a parent behind bars, and a new report highlights the impact that is having on their well being. (Montian Noowong)

Parent Incarcerated: Children Feel the Pain

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - About 61,000 Arkansas children currently have or have had a parent in jail or prison. A new report by the Annie E. Casey …

Arkansas' skin cancer rate is relatively high, but new research may mean better sunscreens are on the way. (Veronica Carter)

Better Sunscreens on the Way?

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Warmer weather means more time in the sun for Arkansas residents, and new research underscores the importance of using sunscreen …

Researchers say there's health benefits to getting outdoors, both mentally and physically. (Mike Baca)

Want to be Healthier? Get Outdoors!

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - As the weather warms up, birds chirp and flowers bloom, don't forget to take some time to enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer…

Kids may need to get a pet and spend more time playing outdoors to protect themselves against allergies. (Mike Baca)

The Dirty Secret About Allergies

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - All the runny noses and itchy eyes tell us it's allergy season in Arkansas. From April to June, grass pollen causes problems …

More of us are using our smartphones to buy things, but there's a warning with that: take time to know what information is being shared when making a purchase. (Veronica Carter)

Paying by Smartphone? Be Careful

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Mobile payments for goods and services are becoming increasingly common. The Arkansas Attorney General's office says financial …

Workers without sick-leave benefits, including families with children, are twice as likely to delay health-care treatment. (Virginia Carter)

Report: Employees without Paid Sick Days May Be a Hazard to All

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - It's a dilemma faced by working families in Arkansas and across the nation – what to do about work when someone is sick …

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AR: Family/Father Issues