Youth Issues / Public News Service

The disparity between Black and white youths in juvenile facilitied dropped by 13% between 2015 and 2019. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Racial Gap Narrows for Incarcerated OR Youth, But Work Remains

SALEM, Ore. - Young people of color are locked up at disproportionately high rates compared with their white peers, despite recent signs the gap is …

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

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

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)

Monday, July 26, 2021

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 …

It's estimated that more than 241,000 DACA-eligible students are enrolled in college, according to the Migration Policy Institute. (Adobe Stock)

After DACA Court Ruling, Advocates Call on Congress for Immigration Overhaul

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- In a recent ruling, a federal judge in Texas blocked new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program…

Nevada is seeing multiple efforts to reduce racial disparities among kids who are arrested or incarcerated, and a new report says it's working. (Connie Mills/Youth Villages)

Monday, July 26, 2021

NV Makes Progress Reducing Racial Disparities for Youth Behind Bars

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Nevada is closing the racial gap among young people behind bars, according to a new report from The Sentencing Project. The …

Juvenile justice experts say the best response to common teenage misbehavior like smoking marijuana, petty theft or vandalism is counseling, not an arrest. (JDAI/AZ)

Racial Gap Among CA Youth Behind Bars Improves, But Remains High

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Despite decades of juvenile justice reforms, California is still incarcerating kids of color much more often than their white …

A new report says Black youths are more likely to be in custody than their white peers in every state but one: Hawaii. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 26, 2021

IA Sees Worsening Racial Gap in Youth Incarceration

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa has recently laid out recommendations to reduce overrepresentation of minorities in the juvenile justice system. The effort …

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 …

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 …

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 …

About 41% of youths in juvenile facilities are Black, according to a new report, despite being only 15% of the youth population in America. (Adobe stock)

Report: Racial Disparities in MD Youth Incarceration Persist

BALTIMORE, Md. -- Although incarceration disparities for Black and white youths fell over the past decade, a new report shows young people of color …

Tillamook County on Oregon's coast is one of two counties in the state hosting an American Connection Corps fellow. (xiao/Adobe Stock)

Bridging the Digital Divide in OR

TILLAMOOK, Ore. -- Like other infrastructure needs, the widening gap in internet access is affecting people across the country. In the spirit of New …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Missouri lawmakers passed "raise the age" legislation in 2018, and it went into effect this year. (K Stocker/Adobe Stock)

17-Year-Olds in MO Now Will Be Treated as Juveniles, Not Adults

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- In Missouri's courts, 17-year-olds will now be automatically treated as juveniles rather than adults if they're taken into …

Since 2007, 11 states raised the age of criminal responsibility to age 18, a nationwide reform initiative referred to as "raise the age." (Adobe Stock)

Report: NC’s ‘Raise the Age’ Law Led to Fewer Youths Charged as Adults

RALEIGH, N.C. -- In 2019, North Carolina stopped charging most 16- and 17-year-olds as adults, and a new report looks at the law's effects on the …

A new report says with more states raising the minimum age for criminal responsibility, there's been a 60% reduction in teens going through the adult justice system. (Adobe Stock)

Report Prompts New Calls for WI to 'Raise the Age' for Criminal Responsibility

MADISON, Wis. -- In Wisconsin, if a 17-year-old is arrested, they're automatically treated as an adult defendant. There's been a push to "Raise the …

Florida currently allows minors to expunge first-time misdemeanors if they complete a diversion program. (Pxabay)

Advocates See DeSantis Veto of Juvenile Records Bill as Missed Opportunity

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Republicans and Democrats alike are stunned by Gov. Ron DeSantis' veto of a bill they passed unanimously. It would've expanded …

Research has shown that youths in the adult criminal justice system are 34% more likely to be arrested again than those convicted of similar offenses in juvenile court. (nicolagiordano/Pixabay)

Push Continues in Texas to "Raise the Age" for Juvenile Offenders

AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas is one of only three states to automatically treat 17-year-olds as adults when they are arrested, and the Texas Criminal …

Massachusetts raised the age of criminal responsibility from 17 to 18 in 2013, the fourth state to do so. (Flickr)

Report: 'Raise the Age' Law in MA Reduced Youth Detention

BOSTON - The number of kids and teens detained in Massachusetts has decreased since the state started treating arrested 17-year-olds as juveniles rath…

During his visit to McHenry County Community College, President Joe Biden talked to 200 students and teachers about the importance of investing in child care and education among other things. (Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

Biden Visit to IL Highlights Investments in Community Colleges

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. - President Joe Biden visited McHenry County Community College in Crystal Lake yesterday to promote his economic proposals - for …

Illinois raised the age for charging juveniles as adults in misdemeanor cases in 2009, and for felony cases in 2013. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Fewer IL Youth in Prison Since Raising Criminal-Responsibility Age

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The number of kids and teens behind bars has decreased since Illinois raised the age of criminal responsibility from 17 to 18…

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 …

There are about 50,000 college students in Montana. (Jitze Couperus/Flickr)

How MT's New Student ID Voting Law Could Affect Turnout

HELENA, Mont. -- Voting-rights groups are concerned a new Montana law could depress student turnout in elections. This session, state lawmakers …

Almost one-third of Colorado's electricity was generated from renewable sources in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Energy Chief's Visit Spotlights Colorado Clean-Energy Advances

DENVER -- U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm was in Denver Thursday to promote President Joe Biden's plans to transition the nation's energy …

Approximately 4 million students enrolled in higher education are struggling with internet access, according to the New American Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Pell Recipients Can Get Help Toward Internet Bills

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - College students receiving Pell Grants are eligible for a temporary federal program that provides $50 per month, or $75 in Tribal …

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 …

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 …

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…

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about one-in-six teens who start using marijuana become addicted to the drug. (fontonize/AdobeStock)

Marijuana, Mood Disorder and Self-Harm: A Troubling Connection

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Substance misuse prevention experts in Ohio are raising the alarm about the dangers associated with marijuana use among teens with …

The newest edition of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book explores how America's child population fared during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Poverty Continues to Stall Progress on WV Kids' Well-Being

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- New survey data offer a clear picture of how West Virginia kids and families are faring. The Mountain State ranks 44th in the …

The number of Maryland fourth graders who were not proficient in reading increased to 65% in 2019, according to a new report. (Adobe stock)

Report: MD Lawmakers Need to Keep Spotlight on Child Well-Being

BALTIMORE -- Advocates said Maryland lawmakers need to focus more than ever on helping children, as a new report shows the state dropped from 21st in …

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-…

New York state ranks 16th in the nation for education. The 2021 Kids Count Data Book shows from 2017-2019, 41% of New York children ages 3 and 4 weren't enrolled in preschool, compared to the 52% U.S. average. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Federal Support Vital to NY Families’ Economic Recovery

ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York is among the top 10 U.S. states for health among children, and the bottom ten for families' overall economic wellbeing…

Prior to the pandemic, nearly 120,000 Indiana families with children lacked health insurance. That reflected progress in reducing the overall rate, but a new report says the pandemic has reversed it. (Adobe Stock)

Child Well-Being Report: More IN Families without Health Insurance

INDIANAPOLIS -- Like many other states, Indiana saw progress in improving children's lives before the pandemic, but an annual report said the crisis …

In a recent Census Bureau survey, more than 40% of Massachusetts households where at least one member planned to pursue higher education canceled or reduced their course load during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Disparities Persist in MA Despite Top Rank for Child Well-Being

BOSTON -- A new report ranks Massachusetts 'Number One' nationally among states for overall child well-being, but advocates for children and families …

New data show Nevada cut its teen birth rate almost in half between 2010 and 2019. However, key indicators on poverty and education got worse. (Wordley Calvo Stock/Adobe Stock)

Report: NV Among Hardest Hit in Pandemic

CARSON CITY, Nev. - A new report finds Nevada's children suffered more during the pandemic than those in many other states - and that small gains in …

A new report says during the pandemic, Iowa's Black, Latino and multiracial households with children were three times as likely as white households to worry about making their next rent or mortgage payment. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Ranking, Pandemic Clouds IA's Child Well-being Outlook

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa gets some high marks in the latest 50-state report on children's wellbeing, but the annual findings show the pandemic is …

The outlook for children's well-being in Utah is good, but a new report says 173,000 kids live in households where parents don't have stable employment. (diego serva/Adobe Stock)

Report: Utah Among Top 5 States for Children's Well-Being

SALT LAKE CITY -- Families with children in Utah and other states remained mostly steady over the past year in an annual report on children's wellbein…

About 16% of Latino families with children in Virginia were uninsured in March 2021, compared with 8% of all households in the state, according to the Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Virginia Must Improve Child Health Coverage for Latino Families

RICHMOND, Va. -- Children in Virginia are better off than in most states, but a new report said the Commonwealth needs to improve health outcomes…

One in ten Missouri teens didn't graduate high school on time in 2019, down from 19% in 2010 - though last fall, more than 40% of Missourians planning to pursue higher education either cancelled or reduced course loads. (Tom Wang/Adobe Stock)

Report: MO Children, Families to Benefit from Child Tax Credit Expansion

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri is ranked 30th among states for overall child wellbeing in a new report, and advocates for kids and families say the …

In 2019, 24% of New Hampshire children lived in households with high housing-cost burdens, down from 39% in 2010. (zilvergolf/Adobe Stock)

NH Ranks High in Child Well-Being, But Pandemic May Disrupt Gains

CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire ranks in the top 10 for overall child wellbeing, but advocates for children and families say that doesn't diminish the …

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PNS Daily Newscast - July 30, 2021

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Youth

Racial Gap Narrows for Incarcerated OR Youth, But Work Remains

AR Youth in Foster Care Eligible for Pandemic Relief Payments

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

After DACA Court Ruling, Advocates Call on Congress for Immigration Overhaul

NV Makes Progress Reducing Racial Disparities for Youth Behind Bars

Racial Gap Among CA Youth Behind Bars Improves, But Remains High

IA Sees Worsening Racial Gap in Youth Incarceration

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

ME Parents, Advocates: Make Expanded Child Tax Credit Permanent

Child Tax Credit Helping WV Families Pay for Transportation, Food

Report: Racial Disparities in MD Youth Incarceration Persist

Bridging the Digital Divide in OR

First Federal Child Tax Credit Funds Go Out Today

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

Budget Stabilizer: Child Tax Credit Payments Arrive for WI Families

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

More Money to Make Ends Meet for Ohio Families

17-Year-Olds in MO Now Will Be Treated as Juveniles, Not Adults

Report: NC’s ‘Raise the Age’ Law Led to Fewer Youths Charged as Adults

Report Prompts New Calls for WI to 'Raise the Age' for Criminal Responsibility

Advocates See DeSantis Veto of Juvenile Records Bill as Missed Opportunity

Push Continues in Texas to "Raise the Age" for Juvenile Offenders

Report: 'Raise the Age' Law in MA Reduced Youth Detention

Biden Visit to IL Highlights Investments in Community Colleges

Fewer IL Youth in Prison Since Raising Criminal-Responsibility Age

A Reminder from CT Kids' Safety Expert about Summer Dangers

How MT's New Student ID Voting Law Could Affect Turnout

Energy Chief's Visit Spotlights Colorado Clean-Energy Advances

Pell Recipients Can Get Help Toward Internet Bills

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

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

Pandemic-Relief Measures Can Help More NC Kids

Marijuana, Mood Disorder and Self-Harm: A Troubling Connection

Report: Poverty Continues to Stall Progress on WV Kids' Well-Being

Report: MD Lawmakers Need to Keep Spotlight on Child Well-Being

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

Report Suggests More CT Families Backslid Financially in Pandemic

Report: Federal Support Vital to NY Families’ Economic Recovery

Child Well-Being Report: More IN Families without Health Insurance

Disparities Persist in MA Despite Top Rank for Child Well-Being

Report: NV Among Hardest Hit in Pandemic

Despite Ranking, Pandemic Clouds IA's Child Well-being Outlook

Report: Utah Among Top 5 States for Children's Well-Being

Report: Virginia Must Improve Child Health Coverage for Latino Families

Report: MO Children, Families to Benefit from Child Tax Credit Expansion

NH Ranks High in Child Well-Being, But Pandemic May Disrupt Gains