Children's Issues / Public News Service

As schools prepare to kick off fall semester, there are many unknowns as new waves of COVID-19 outbreaks could emerge. (educadormarcossv/Pixabay)

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

NM Schools Resume In-Person Learning with Mask Protocols

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The youngest students, along with faculty and staff, will need to mask up in the Rio Rancho schools when classes begin next …

School supply drives are helping vulnerable Ohio families prepare for classes this fall. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Easing Back-to-School Jitters for Vulnerable Students

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- School bells will soon ring, and Ohio county Children Services agencies are doing what they can to make the transition back to …

Some 40% of mothers new to the 2020 Magnolia Mother's Trust program said they had money saved for emergencies. After receiving $1,000 a month for 12 months, that increased to more than 85%. (Wikimedia Commons)

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Groups Urge Long-Term Solutions After States Cut Federal Unemployment

By Katie Fleischer for Ms. MagazineBroadcast version by Lily Böhlke for Tennessee News Service/Public News Service NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- After …

To address racial disparities in youth detention, The Sentencing Project report recommends state and local governments invest in community programs that address social inequities. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

PA Cuts Youth Justice Racial Disparities; Still Above U.S. Detention Average

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Despite youth incarceration rates falling nationwide in the last few years, major racial disparities remain for kids in …

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families is also asking the Arkansas Legislature to reconsider Act 977, which bans state and local officials from mandating COVID-19 vaccinations. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Groups Ask AR Lawmakers to Lift Mask-Mandate Ban in Schools

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- COVID-19 has given a whole new meaning to the term "Extraordinary Session," as state lawmakers are in Little Rock again today to …

Children enrolling is Utah public schools must show evidence of receiving six different vaccines to protect themselves, and their classmates, from infectious diseases. (IPC-PROD/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Doctors Urge Parents to Get Kids' 'Back-to-School' Exams, Shots

SALT LAKE CITY -- It is getting to be "back-to-school" time in Utah, and pediatricians say a visit to the doctor is as important as new pencils or …

A new report from Georgetown University and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a coordinated and far-reaching public health campaign about childhood vaccinations. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Report Spotlights Low Child Vaccination Rates Ahead of New School Year

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Parents are gearing up for their children to return to the classroom for the first time in over a year, and public health …

Farmers' markets are starting to reopen, after some had to shut down when their venues were closed during the COVID lockdowns. (SEE LA)

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Celebrating Progress in the Fight Against Hunger in CA

LOS ANGELES -- Hunger-fighting advocacy groups are speaking out in California, drawing attention to the continuing problem of food insecurity…

According to the CDC, vaccine-preventable diseases have a costly impact, resulting in doctor's visits, hospitalizations and premature deaths, all of which could be avoided. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Routine Checkups Urged for TN Kids Before School Starts

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A new report by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute, urged parents to get …

For Kentuckians on Medicaid, between March and June 2020, immunization rates declined 46% for children ages 4-6 and 57% for adolescents compared to the same period in 2019, according to the Kentucky Dept. for Medicaid Services. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — For Kentuckians on Medicaid, between March and June 2020, immunization rates declined 46% for children ages 4-6 and 57% for adolescents compared to the same period in 2019, according to the Kentucky Dept. for Medicaid Services. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Experts: Wellness Visits More Urgent as Kids Head Back to School

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. -- A new report by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute, urged parents to get …

Statewide, about 40% of people eligible for a Medi-Cal waiver fail to request one; but that number rises to 70% in Merced, San Francisco and Ventura counties. (Pixabay)

Monday, August 2, 2021

State Waives Medi-Cal Premiums During Pandemic: Many Recipients Unaware

SACRAMENTO, Calif - Hundreds of thousands of Medi-Cal recipients who experienced financial hardship during the pandemic are paying monthly premiums …

In a CDC survey, 57% of pediatricians said loss of health insurance has been at least "a minor barrier" to providing routine childhood checkups and vaccinations during the pandemic. (BGStock72/Adobe Stock)

Monday, August 2, 2021

Report: Families Urged to Catch Up on Kids' Doctor Visits

ST. LOUIS - The pandemic paused many facets of life, and a new report says wellness checkups for children were among them. With school resuming this …

New Mexico Voices for Children says, as in many states, families of color in New Mexico were hit hard by the pandemic, in terms of school closures and job losses. (nappy.co)

Monday, August 2, 2021

NM Families Start School Year with Extra Money for Child Care

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Pandemic fallout still has U.S. states clawing their way back to normalcy, and New Mexico believes its decision to provide more …

The National School Lunch Program is designed to meet nutrition standards and promote healthy eating. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, August 2, 2021

Childrens' Advocates Press Congress to Extend Free School Meal Program

DENVER-During the COVID health emergency, the federal government made school meals available for free to all students, regardless of their financial …

During routine well-child visits, pediatricians track kids' growth and important developmental milestones. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, August 2, 2021

Kids Behind on Wellness Visits? The Doctor is In

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The pandemic paused many facets of life, and a new report says wellness checkups for children were among them. And with school …

In addition to recommending teachers, students and school staff member mask up indoors this fall, new CDC guidelines recommend even vaccinated people wear masks in areas with high COVID case numbers. (Vasyl/Adobe Stock)

MA Educators Welcome CDC Guidance to 'Mask Up' in School

BOSTON - Educators' unions are calling on the state to support their efforts to ensure in-person learning in the fall keeps students, teachers…

Identifying such health factors as autism spectrum disorder or cerebral palsy at a young age can help kids when they start school. (StaCheck Photography/Adobe Stock)

MT Effort Helps Identify Developmental Delays Before Kids Start School

HELENA, Mont. - A Montana campaign is renewing its efforts to help identify developmental delays in young children. The Centers for Disease Control …

A new report says the onset of the pandemic saw a drop of nearly 60% in children's visits to U.S. pediatricians. (Adobe Stock)

Pediatricians: Families Should Dust Off Their Wellness Visit Calendars

APPLETON, Wis. - The pandemic paused many facets of life, and a new report says wellness checkups for children were among them. With school resuming …

In a survey of young people who have experienced foster care, nearly 20% reported they ran out of food. (Maya Kruchancova/Adobe Stock)

AR Youth in Foster Care Eligible for Pandemic Relief Payments

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Arkansans ages 16 to 26 who are or have been in the foster-care system now are eligible for one-time payments of at least $750…

Maine is among the first states to pass a bill for free school meals for all students, regardless of household income. (WaveBreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Parents Urged: Complete School Meal Forms Even Though Lunches are Free

AUGUSTA, Maine -- School meals in Maine will be free for all students again this year and into the future, but parents are being urged to fill out …

Federal food assistance programs, including SNAP and Nebraska's Farmers Market Nutrition Program for seniors and families with children, ensure that farmers get fair market prices for their goods. (Adobe Stock)

Double Up Food Bucks Program Boosts Farmer’s Markets

LINCOLN, Neb. -- After a new state law expanded eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the program formerly known as …

Before this week, families with children got a deduction on their income tax return for the Child Tax Credit. Under a new law, money from the tax credit will instead be deposited directly into families' bank accounts. (methaphum/Adobe Stock)

Groups Push Congress to Make Child Tax Credit Permanent

PHOENIX -- Starting this week, most Arizona families with children are seeing extra money in their bank accounts, and more than 1.5 million Arizona …

On average, Black minors in the United States were five times more likely to be incarcerated than their white counterparts in 2015. The rate had fallen to 4.4 times by 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Racial Disparities in CT Juvenile Facilities Higher than US Trends

HARTFORD, Conn. -- While there has been a decline in youth incarceration overall, a report on data gathered just before the pandemic shows …

The 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit is set to benefit 89% of Colorado's children younger than 18. (nareekarn/Adobe Stock)

CO Families Already Benefiting from Advance Child Tax Credit Payments

DENVER -- Parents are now receiving fully refundable monthly 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit payments, and advocates for children and families have …

Investments in federal programs that help the bottom 60 to 80 percent of families is projected to narrow a widening racial wealth gap. (Adobe Stock)

Tax Reform Seen as Key for Equitable COVID Recovery

DENVER - As Congress struggles to pass legislation to boost recovery from the pandemic's economic fallout, tax experts are urging lawmakers to invest …

Nearly 300,000 Maine kids will benefit from the expanded Advance Child Tax Credit. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

ME Parents, Advocates: Make Expanded Child Tax Credit Permanent

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Parents are now receiving fully refundable monthly 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit payments, and advocates for children and families …

87% of New Hampshire kids are set to benefit from the expanded Child Tax Credit. (Adobe Stock)

Child Tax Credit Could Bring Thousands of NH Kids Out of Poverty

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Parents are now receiving fully refundable monthly 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit payments, and advocates for children and families …

Tens of millions of families have been sent the first payment of the expanded child tax credit. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Tens of millions of families have been sent the first payment of the expanded child tax credit. (Adobe Stock)

Child Tax Credit Helping WV Families Pay for Transportation, Food

WHEELING, W.Va. -- An estimated 346,000 West Virginia children, 93% of all kids in the state, live in households that likely received their first …

The expanded Child Tax Credit gives families $250 to $300 every month per child and can be used for anything the family needs, such as groceries, rent or utilities. (Adobe stock)

Child Tax Credit Expansion Seen as Major Boost for Virginia Families

LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. -- Beginning last week, thousands of Virginia families with children saw more money in their bank accounts as the federal …

The expanded Child Tax Credit will give families an advance on half the sum through monthly payments through December. The rest can be claimed when taxes are filed next spring. (Adobe Stock)

Budget Stabilizer: Child Tax Credit Payments Arrive for WI Families

MADISON, Wis. -- The federal government today begins issuing monthly payments under the expanded Child Tax Credit. Advocates for working families in …

Researchers say expanding cash payments, such as the ones seen in the Child Tax Credit, to families in need sets children up for a healthier life, as well as better test scores. (Adobe Stock)

Better Health, Education Outcomes Linked to Child Tax Credit Payments

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Supporters of the expanded Child Tax Credit are highlighting the arrival of monthly payments for eligible families. In South …

Married couples with children under 18 who make up to $150,000 per year will qualify for the new, extended federal Child Tax Credit. (Jessica Shamout)

First Federal Child Tax Credit Funds Go Out Today

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- The first payments from the extended Child Tax Credit will hit most families' bank accounts today, providing much-needed relief …

Between 2009 and 2017, when 'raise the age' laws were implemented, Connecticut saw an 85% decrease in the number of minors housed at its Mason Youth Correctional Institute. (Adobe Stock)

With Fewer CT Youths in Jail, Advocates See Path for More Reforms

HARTFORD, Conn. -- A new report shows Connecticut has been able to decrease the number of young people in its juvenile-justice system since …

Minnesota officials say 41% of women who give birth while incarcerated reach their release<br />date within 90 days of the child being born. (Adobe Stock) — Minnesota officials say 41% of women who give birth while incarcerated reach their release
date within 90 days of the child being born. (Adobe Stock)

MN First State to Ban Infant Separation in Prisons

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- In a few weeks, Minnesota will become the first state to end the practice of separating newborns from mothers held in prison…

A new Sentencing Project report finds 6% of arrests for minors are for serious or violent offenses that might pose a threat to public safety, while 56% account for property crimes, drug crimes and violations of probation. (Adobe Stock)

‘Raise the Age’ Reforms Lead to No More Youths in NY Adult Prisons

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Rates of youth incarceration in adult jails and prison are down to zero since New York raised the age of criminal responsibility to 18…

The Child Tax Credit for 2021 increased from $2,000 to $3,000 for children 6-17. (geralt/Pixabay)<br /> — The Child Tax Credit for 2021 increased from $2,000 to $3,000 for children 6-17. (geralt/Pixabay)

More Money to Make Ends Meet for Ohio Families

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Many Ohio families will soon get extra cash to keep up with the cost of raising their kids. The 2021 Child Tax Credit expansion …

Among other recommendations, child-care advocates want to see Pennsylvania expand its Infant/Toddler Contracted Slots Program to provide free child care to 3,000 to 4,000 more kids from eligible families. (Adobe Stock)

PA Child-Care Providers: State Budget Falls Short for Youngest Learners

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Gov. Tom Wolf signed the new state budget last week, which includes a historic $416 million increase in public-education funding…

The Institute for Women's Policy Research ranked New York 8th among states in 2019 for the number of women entering managerial and professional occupations. (Adobe Stock)

Pre-COVID Snapshot Puts NY in Top 5 for Women’s Economic Standing

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Before the pandemic, more women were in the workforce than ever before, and new research ranks New York state fifth in the country …

About 1,000 children drown every year in the U.S., according to the Zac Foundation, and 7,000 more end up in emergency rooms because of a drowning scare. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — About 1,000 children drown every year in the U.S., according to the Zac Foundation, and 7,000 more end up in emergency rooms because of a drowning scare. (Adobe Stock)

A Reminder from CT Kids' Safety Expert about Summer Dangers

HARTFORD, Conn. -- COVID-19 remains a threat to many, including kids under 12 who can't get a vaccination, but a Connecticut children's safety …

The Pandemic EBT program offers about $375 in food benefits per eligible child over the summer months to replace school meals. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Report: Permanent Summer Food Program Would Benefit ID Kids

BOISE, Idaho -- Summer usually coincides with a troubling spike in childhood hunger while kids are out of school, but a program set up during the …

A new report gives Idaho a 'D' for its civics education standards. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

Report: ID Civics, US History Education Leaves 'A Lot to Be Desired'

BOISE, Idaho - Civics and history education are lacking in Idaho, according to a new report. The Thomas B. Fordham Institute rated every state's …

The expanded child tax credit is expected to send $1.8 billion to Kentucky families. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — The expanded child tax credit is expected to send $1.8 billion to Kentucky families. (Adobe Stock)

Experts Call Child Tax Credit a Game Changer for KY Families

FRANKFORT, KY. - Starting July 15, nearly a million Kentucky kids and their families could get extra income support through the federal child tax …

Help to fill out a FAFSA form for federal student aid is one example of now Missouri community partnerships support young people pursuing education and careers as they age out of the foster care system. (Bill Doss/Adobe Stock)

Groups Connect MO Youth in Foster Care with Life, Work Skills

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Community partnerships in Missouri are working to help young people, either in or aging out of foster care, connect with …

An average of 1.7 million WIC participants receive Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits each year. (Adobe Stock)

WIC Families Can Now Get Vouchers for Farmers Market Purchases

DENVER -- Participants in WIC, the federal nutrition assistance program for women, infants, and children, can now get vouchers to buy food at farmers …

North Carolina ranks 34th among states for children's well-being in the 2021 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, although the state improved on many individual measures in the report. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic-Relief Measures Can Help More NC Kids

RALEIGH, N.C. -- New survey data offer a clear picture of how North Carolina kids and families are faring, both before and after the pandemic…

Advocates are calling on state lawmakers to adopt a weighted school funding formula, so more equitable funding goes to needier communities. (ProStock/Adobestock)

Report: MI in Middle of the Pack for Kids' Care

LANSING, Mich. - Michigan ranked 28th in the country for overall child well-being and 41st in education as of 2019, according to a new report…

A new report shows Arizona's investments in its children's health, education and overall family economic stability are among the lowest in the 50 states. (cerva/Adobe Stock)<br /><br /> — A new report shows Arizona's investments in its children's health, education and overall family economic stability are among the lowest in the 50 states. (cerva/Adobe Stock)

Report: AZ Under-Invests in Children's Health, Education, Well-Being

PHOENIX -- A decade-long look at how Arizona is taking care of its children finds the state is failing to provide the social, educational and …

According to the 2021 Kids Count Data Book, the number of Connecticut children ages 3 and 4 not enrolled in preschool has dropped in the last decade, from 38% in 2009-2011 to 34% in 2017-2019. (Adobe Stock)

Report Suggests More CT Families Backslid Financially in Pandemic

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut ranks in the top 10 states for children's education and health, but its families rank lower in terms of economic well-…

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Children's

NM Schools Resume In-Person Learning with Mask Protocols

Easing Back-to-School Jitters for Vulnerable Students

Groups Urge Long-Term Solutions After States Cut Federal Unemployment

PA Cuts Youth Justice Racial Disparities; Still Above U.S. Detention Average

Groups Ask AR Lawmakers to Lift Mask-Mandate Ban in Schools

Doctors Urge Parents to Get Kids' 'Back-to-School' Exams, Shots

Report Spotlights Low Child Vaccination Rates Ahead of New School Year

Celebrating Progress in the Fight Against Hunger in CA

Routine Checkups Urged for TN Kids Before School Starts

Experts: Wellness Visits More Urgent as Kids Head Back to School

State Waives Medi-Cal Premiums During Pandemic: Many Recipients Unaware

Report: Families Urged to Catch Up on Kids' Doctor Visits

NM Families Start School Year with Extra Money for Child Care

Childrens' Advocates Press Congress to Extend Free School Meal Program

Kids Behind on Wellness Visits? The Doctor is In

MA Educators Welcome CDC Guidance to 'Mask Up' in School

MT Effort Helps Identify Developmental Delays Before Kids Start School

Pediatricians: Families Should Dust Off Their Wellness Visit Calendars

AR Youth in Foster Care Eligible for Pandemic Relief Payments

Parents Urged: Complete School Meal Forms Even Though Lunches are Free

Double Up Food Bucks Program Boosts Farmer’s Markets

Groups Push Congress to Make Child Tax Credit Permanent

Racial Disparities in CT Juvenile Facilities Higher than US Trends

CO Families Already Benefiting from Advance Child Tax Credit Payments

Tax Reform Seen as Key for Equitable COVID Recovery

ME Parents, Advocates: Make Expanded Child Tax Credit Permanent

Child Tax Credit Could Bring Thousands of NH Kids Out of Poverty

Child Tax Credit Helping WV Families Pay for Transportation, Food

Child Tax Credit Expansion Seen as Major Boost for Virginia Families

Budget Stabilizer: Child Tax Credit Payments Arrive for WI Families

Better Health, Education Outcomes Linked to Child Tax Credit Payments

First Federal Child Tax Credit Funds Go Out Today

With Fewer CT Youths in Jail, Advocates See Path for More Reforms

MN First State to Ban Infant Separation in Prisons

‘Raise the Age’ Reforms Lead to No More Youths in NY Adult Prisons

More Money to Make Ends Meet for Ohio Families

PA Child-Care Providers: State Budget Falls Short for Youngest Learners

Pre-COVID Snapshot Puts NY in Top 5 for Women’s Economic Standing

A Reminder from CT Kids' Safety Expert about Summer Dangers

Report: Permanent Summer Food Program Would Benefit ID Kids

Report: ID Civics, US History Education Leaves 'A Lot to Be Desired'

Experts Call Child Tax Credit a Game Changer for KY Families

Groups Connect MO Youth in Foster Care with Life, Work Skills

WIC Families Can Now Get Vouchers for Farmers Market Purchases

Pandemic-Relief Measures Can Help More NC Kids

Report: MI in Middle of the Pack for Kids' Care

Report: AZ Under-Invests in Children's Health, Education, Well-Being

Report Suggests More CT Families Backslid Financially in Pandemic