Youth Issues / Public News Service

CDC data from 2020 reveals about one in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Indiana School Tailors Program for College Students with Autism

College is the opportunity to gain some independence, learn time management and make new friends. But high school graduates with autism spectrum …

Virginia ranked 48th in Mental Health America's 2023 State of Mental Health report for youth mental health, which indicated higher rates of mental illness among the state's youth and little access to care. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Survey: Parents Worried About Student Mental Health

A recent survey from the National PTA found student mental health is a top-of-mind issue for parents across the U.S. The survey showed 72% of …

According to an Annie E. Casey Foundation report, the number of youths in foster care has declined steadily since 2006. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Report Highlights Need for Extended Transition Services for Older Youths

Teenagers and young adults in the foster care system in North Carolina and throughout the nation are not receiving sufficient services to successfully…

Illinois had almost 1,000 juveniles incarcerated in adult correctional facilities in 2021, at an annual cost of almost $33 million, according to a Human Rights for Kids report. (napatacha/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

IL Lawmakers Pass Bill to Prevent Unfair Youth Sentencing

Illinois could soon be the fourth state to pass a law to prevent unfair youth sentencing. The legislation encourages criminal courts to recognize …

In 2022, Tennessee had close to one million K-12 students enrolled in nearly 1,906 schools in 148 school districts. (WavebreakMediaMicro/AdobeSTock)

TN School Districts Urged to Focus On Mental Health Support

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and an education advocacy group wants school districts in Tennessee and across the country to focus on critical m…

More than 241,000 new apprentices entered the national apprenticeship system in 2021, and more than 593,000 are getting the skills they need to succeed while building financial security, according to the Department of Labor. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Awards $3.5M in Apprenticeship Money

Iowa Workforce Development is making millions of dollars available to train and retain employees in the state. It's one way officials are attempting …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls well-child visits

Contentious 2023 MO Legislative Session Saw Wins for Struggling Families

Although Missouri's 2023 legislative session was contentious and resulted in a historically low number of bills being passed, advocates for children …

28% of LGBTQ youth say they've experienced homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lives while 14% of LGBTQ youth report being kicked out of their home or abandoned, according to the Trevor Project. (Adobe Stock)

NH House Rejects Controversial 'Parental Bill of Rights'

Advocates for the LGBTQ community are celebrating following New Hampshire's rejection of a so-called "parental bill of rights." Two Republicans cros…

According to ALL in Education, climate and environment has been identified as one of nine factors that have the biggest effect on student academic outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Schools Set to Receive Trees Through State Budget Appropriation

Arizona environmental-justice advocates are celebrating some big wins passed through the state budget. One of the provisions, Senate Bill 1689…

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…

Ohio's public schools serve 1.6 million students of all races, backgrounds, genders and abilities, but diversity is not reflected in the state's education workforce, according to the Ohio Education Association. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio College Programs Seek to Boost Black Teacher Workforce

Ohio's historically Black colleagues and universities are working to produce a pipeline of diverse teachers. Black students make up nearly 17% of …

Fewer than half of transition-age young people received one or more of the federally funded foster-care services meant to prepare them for success as adults between 2013 and 2021, according to a report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Fewer Youth Transition Out of MA Foster Care System

The number of children transitioning out of the foster care system has dropped significantly in Massachusetts, according to a new report. The number …

ACLU Plans Lawsuit If TX Anti-Trans Bills Become Law

The culture war over transgender identity is spreading in GOP-led states, and Texas is among those passing the harshest laws. The Human Rights …

The world is home to 1.8 billion young people between ages 10 and 24, the largest generation of youth in history, who are increasingly aware of the challenges and risks presented by the climate crisis. (Adobe Stock)

'Climate Grief' Motivates Young Mainers to Take Action

The magnitude of climate change can feel overwhelming, creating a sense of so-called "climate grief" for some, but young climate activists say they …

Adults with ADHD often cope with difficulties at work and in their personal and family lives related to ADHD symptoms. (Rawpixel.com/AdobeStock)

Drug Shortage Leads Some to Alternative Treatment Options

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and in Tennessee and across the country there is a shortage of medication used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperac…

A recent CDC survey found 13% of young girls attempted suicide in 2021. (Magryt/Adobe Stock)

Prioritizing Mental Health During Women's Health Week

To wrap up Women's Health Week, doctors are urging women to take stock of their mental health. Dr. Sharon Eloranta, medical director at the …

According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, 2.8% (14,400) high school students smoke in Virginia. The percentage of high schoolers who use e-cigarettes is 14.3%, slightly higher than the percentage of adults who smoke, 12.4%. (Adobe Stock)

VA Groups Aim to Reduce Youth Tobacco Use

Virginia groups are using different methods to warn young people about the dangers of smoking. Along with tobacco-free parks, the state has taken …

More 15-year-olds discussed finances with their parents when the topic was something the teens wanted to buy, according to a survey by the National Center for Education Statistics. (Adobe Stock)

Initiative Aims to Improve GA Teens' Financial Literacy

Aiming to close the financial literacy divide among teens and young adults, one investment company has set a goal of reaching one million of them by 2…

An Annie E. Casey Foundation report showed 55% of youth age 21 in Tennessee in 2021 were employed part-time or full-time, and 63% had stable housing. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/AdobeStock)

Report: TN Shows Strength in Foster Youth Transitioning To Adulthood

In Tennessee, the number of foster youths near adulthood has dropped slightly, according to a new report. The Annie E. Casey Foundation looked at …

In 2022, for the first time, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended doctors screen children age 8 and older for anxiety. (Adobe Stock)

NY Works to Address Youth Mental Health Crisis

With the Covid-19 public health emergency over, New York and the U.S. are dealing with a youth mental health crisis. According to Mental Health …

In the decade prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 43% of students reported they felt like part of their school community. After dropping sharply, the numbers have rebounded. (Adobe Stock)

Data Shows Striking Gap in Student Support After Pandemic

As the pandemic draws to a close, one group is raising awareness of the crucial need for student support and mental health resources. According to …

Cooperating Raleigh Colleges is a nonprofit consortium. Its members are Meredith College, North Carolina State University, Saint Augustine's University, Shaw University, Wake Technical Community College, and William Peace University. (Drobot Dean/Adobe Stock)

Six NC Colleges Work to Broaden Educational Opportunities

Six colleges in North Carolina have found they can do more to offer educational opportunities when they work together. Cooperating Raleigh Colleges …

The share of U.S. voters who cast ballots early, by mail or a combination of both in 2022 remained high for a midterm election with nearly a third (31.8%) casting their ballot by mail. That's up 8.6% from 2018 but down 11.2% from 2020.(Adobe Stock)

Voter Registration Rates Highest in 20 Years

Voter registration rates in the U.S. hit a record high in last year's midterm elections, according to the latest census data. Registration rates …

Teamwork, games, craft making and science projects create fun and learning activities for children. (Adobe stock)

IN Camp Pairs Children with Differences and Similarities

Summer day camps are a welcome break for kids and parents when the school year ends. One camp wants to make activities such as craft making, …

Kinship-care placements with relatives and close friends increased from 14% in 2006 to 22% in 2021 according to the Fostering in Youth Transitions 2023 report. (Pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Report: Older Foster Youths Lean Toward Higher Ed

Children who stay in foster care beyond age 18 are likely to pursue higher education, according to the Fostering in Youth Transitions 2023 report by …

More than 470,000 students are enrolled in K-12 schools in Arkansas, according to the Arkansas Department of Education Data Center. (Kawee/AdobeStock)

Group Urges Arkansas Schools Districts To Focus On Mental Health Support

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a national education advocacy group wants school districts in Arkansas to continue focusing on and investing …

Last year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended for the first time doctors screen children age 8 and older for anxiety. (Adobe Stock)

Group Highlights Need for Student Mental Health Services in AL Schools

A group is drawing attention to the critical need for improved mental health and student support resources in Alabama schools. According to data …

A new EPA report states climate change can increase children's pollen exposures as seasons lengthen and temperatures warm. (WavebreakMediaMicro/AdobeStock)

Report Links EPA Climate Change, Children’s Health and Well-Being in TN

In Tennessee and across the country, children's growing and developing bodies are uniquely vulnerable to climate change, according to a new report …

In Pennsylvania, one of the voting requirements is that you will need to be at least 18 years of age on or before the day of the next primary, special, municipal or general election. (Andrey Popov/AdobeStock)

Community College of Philadelphia Designated as Voter-Friendly Campus

As the municipal primary election fast approaches, the Community College of Philadelphia is continuing to educate students on the importance of voter …

A student advisor said students are moving the climate change debate forward because it is very difficult to ignore kids talking about their future. (Adobe stock)

Indiana Group Amplifies Student Voices on Climate Crisis

An Indiana-based environmental group is amplifying the voices of high school students who write about the environment and climate change. Earth …

NIMAA was founded by two leading Federally Qualified Health Centers, Salud Family Health and Community Health Center, Inc., to make post-secondary education and health careers accessible to students from medically underserved communities. (Adobe Stock)

New Partnerships to Expand Health Career Pathways for Medical Assistants

A national training program with deep roots in Colorado is partnering with colleges and universities in an effort to bring more people into healthcare…

Nationwide, 543 anti-trans bills have been introduced since the start of the 2023 legislative session. So far, 70 have passed. (James Reininger/Adobe Stock)

NE Legislature Faces One Bill Restricting Two Personal Health Care Decisions

This week the Nebraska Legislature will consider a bill containing the two most controversial issues of the 2023 session: restrictions on medical trea…

More Washington youths were in foster care on their 19th birthday in 2021 than in 2015. (Dind's_Project/Adobe Stock)

Report Examines Foster Youths' Transitions to Adulthood

The number of foster youths near adulthood has dropped slightly in Washington state, according to a new report. The Annie E. Casey Foundation …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends every woman get a well-woman checkup once a year. (Bnenin/Adobestock)

Mother’s Day Kicks Off National Women’s Health Week

Mother's Day kicked off Women's Health Week this week, and experts are reminding women to prioritize their well-being. The Centers for Disease …

Ohio resident and former foster youth Kurt Holden beat the odds, graduating from college and receiving his master's degree. (Kurt Holden)

College-Bound Ohio Foster Youths Face Barriers Accessing Resources

Foster youths transitioning to adulthood are being left behind when it comes to college degree attainment and resources. New data from the Annie E…

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in three high school students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic, and nearly half of students felt persistently sad or hopeless. (Adobe Stock)

Nonprofit Group Urges School Districts to Focus on Mental Health Support

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and one group wants school districts in Utah and across the country to focus on critical mental health support…

Placements in foster care group homes have decreased by 13% nationwide since 2006. (Adobe Stock)

Foster Care Report Shows Fewer in System, But Achievement Gaps Remain

A new report covering foster care trends among older children in the U.S. shows some improvements but critical achievement gaps remain. The …

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021 more than a third of high school students reported they experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Alberto/AdobeStock)

Report: Black Girls Speak Out About Public Schools in Pennsylvania

A new report found Black girls across the Keystone State are subjected to "daunting educational barriers" in K-12 public schools and offers recommenda…

Changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid approved by Congress in 2020 will delay application availability from Oct. 1 until December this year. (cienpies/AdobeStock)

TX Rural Students Face College Shutout Without Changes to FAFSA

Texas educates more rural students than any other state at nearly 700,000, and there is concern a new law meant to simplify applying for college …

In a new report, Georgetown defined a good paying job as one with a median income of $57,000 at age 30. (Fabio/Adobe Stock)

Report: Variety of Ways for Young People to Get Good Paying Jobs

A new report explored the pathways young people can take to land good-paying jobs, and a popular program in Idaho is helping young people with the …

The EPA said the spread of Lyme disease, carried by black-legged ticks, is influenced by changing temperatures and rainfall patterns. (Evgeniy Kalinovskiy/AdobeStock).

Report: EPA Climate Change and Children’s Health and Well-Being in Arkansas

In Arkansas and across the country, children's growing and developing bodies are uniquely vulnerable to climate change, according to a new report …

Around 77,900 transgender youths live in 11 states that passed bans or took other executive actions this year or in prior years to prohibit or limit their access to gender-affirming care. (Valerii Honcharuk/Adobe Stock)

NC Advocates, Doctors Speak Out Against Ban on Gender-Affirming Care

In North Carolina, advocates and health care professionals are voicing their opposition to recent medical care restrictions they call legislative …

According to a 2022 Kaiser Family Foundation study, 57% of schools reported having insufficient access to licensed mental health professionals. (Adobe Stock)

VA Works to Improve Residents' Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Virginia is working to improve the mental health of its residents. In Mental Health America's 2023 State …

A schoolyard in Concord, California. More than 4.2 million of the students in California public schools are on campuses with less than 10% tree canopy, half with less than 5%. (Sharon Danks)

Reimagining Schoolyards to Improve Health and Learning

By Carl Smith for Governing.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News…

Even prior to the racial reckoning, Minnesota was known for its disparities, including child development outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

MN Faces Key Decision on Program to Reduce Child-Development Disparities

A few years ago, Minnesota launched a pilot program to give communities of color more power to improve outcomes for child development as they …

After receiving her master's degree in Education from Arizona State University, Laura Terech began teaching in a Title I school. (Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

Former Teacher, Now AZ Lawmaker, Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week

It is Teacher Appreciation Week , and one Arizona lawmaker, who is a former elementary school teacher, wants to recognize the important work …

As of 2022, 448 statehouse reporters across the U.S. work at newspapers, making up 25% of the statehouse corps. That's down from 604 statehouse reporters - 38% of the total - in 2014. (Adobe Stock)

University Students Add to MT Statehouse Reporting

Student reporters are stepping up to fill gaps in news coverage as the number of full-time statehouse reporters continues to decline. State …

In Georgia, 1,156,660 people are facing hunger - and of them, 335,720 are children. (Adobe Stock)

GA Food Banks Prep for Increased Need One Year After Pandemic SNAP Ends

Georgia's food banks are taking action to address the growing demand for their services ahead of summer break. Frank Sheppard, Feeding the Valley …

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Youth

Indiana School Tailors Program for College Students with Autism

Survey: Parents Worried About Student Mental Health

Report Highlights Need for Extended Transition Services for Older Youths

IL Lawmakers Pass Bill to Prevent Unfair Youth Sentencing

TN School Districts Urged to Focus On Mental Health Support

Iowa Awards $3.5M in Apprenticeship Money

Contentious 2023 MO Legislative Session Saw Wins for Struggling Families

NH House Rejects Controversial 'Parental Bill of Rights'

AZ Schools Set to Receive Trees Through State Budget Appropriation

Helping Arkansas Foster Youth Succeed as Adults

Ohio College Programs Seek to Boost Black Teacher Workforce

Report: Fewer Youth Transition Out of MA Foster Care System

ACLU Plans Lawsuit If TX Anti-Trans Bills Become Law

'Climate Grief' Motivates Young Mainers to Take Action

Drug Shortage Leads Some to Alternative Treatment Options

Prioritizing Mental Health During Women's Health Week

VA Groups Aim to Reduce Youth Tobacco Use

Initiative Aims to Improve GA Teens' Financial Literacy

Report: TN Shows Strength in Foster Youth Transitioning To Adulthood

NY Works to Address Youth Mental Health Crisis

Data Shows Striking Gap in Student Support After Pandemic

Six NC Colleges Work to Broaden Educational Opportunities

Voter Registration Rates Highest in 20 Years

IN Camp Pairs Children with Differences and Similarities

Report: Older Foster Youths Lean Toward Higher Ed

Group Urges Arkansas Schools Districts To Focus On Mental Health Support

Group Highlights Need for Student Mental Health Services in AL Schools

Report Links EPA Climate Change, Children’s Health and Well-Being in TN

Community College of Philadelphia Designated as Voter-Friendly Campus

Indiana Group Amplifies Student Voices on Climate Crisis

New Partnerships to Expand Health Career Pathways for Medical Assistants

NE Legislature Faces One Bill Restricting Two Personal Health Care Decisions

Report Examines Foster Youths' Transitions to Adulthood

Mother’s Day Kicks Off National Women’s Health Week

College-Bound Ohio Foster Youths Face Barriers Accessing Resources

Nonprofit Group Urges School Districts to Focus on Mental Health Support

Foster Care Report Shows Fewer in System, But Achievement Gaps Remain

Report: Black Girls Speak Out About Public Schools in Pennsylvania

TX Rural Students Face College Shutout Without Changes to FAFSA

Report: Variety of Ways for Young People to Get Good Paying Jobs

Report: EPA Climate Change and Children’s Health and Well-Being in Arkansas

NC Advocates, Doctors Speak Out Against Ban on Gender-Affirming Care

VA Works to Improve Residents' Mental Health

Reimagining Schoolyards to Improve Health and Learning

MN Faces Key Decision on Program to Reduce Child-Development Disparities

Former Teacher, Now AZ Lawmaker, Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week

University Students Add to MT Statehouse Reporting

GA Food Banks Prep for Increased Need One Year After Pandemic SNAP Ends