Youth Issues / Public News Service

The organizations that are part of the National League of Cities grant say they hope to engage with 200 to 300 young people in Bridgeport during the 18-month initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, January 21, 2022

Bridgeport Initiative Aims to Break Down STEM Career Barriers

Bridgeport is one of six U.S. cities selected for an 18-month project kicking off this month, to create more education and career opportunities for …

The People's Commission to Decriminalize Maryland's 2022 legislative priorities hone in on homelessness, poverty, youths, drug policy and bodily autonomy. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 20, 2022

MD People's Commission Lists Legislative Priorities for 2022

As Gov. Larry Hogan revealed his proposed Fiscal Year 2023 budget in Annapolis yesterday, the People's Commission to Decriminalize Maryland announced …

Signs of too much screen time range from dry, irritated eyes to difficulty sleeping, blurred vision, reduced attention span and irritability. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Experts: New Yorkers Should Monitor Excess Screen Time, Blue-Light Exposure

Health experts are warning the public about the mental, social and physical health risks of using digital devices too much, including the possible …

One-fifth of all Montana voters in the 2020 election were between ages 18 and 29, according to a New York Times exit poll. (auremar/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Youth Groups File to Stop New MT Election Laws Before 2022 Primary

Groups representing young people in Montana hope to stop a slate of election laws from going into effect before the state's primary in June. The …

Access to Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) funds varies greatly by county in Colorado. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Fewer Colorado Families Living in Poverty Receive TANF Cash Assistance

Colorado and other states are hoarding more than $6 billion intended for struggling families, according to new analysis. In 2020, Colorado denied …

44% of Michiganders live in child-care deserts. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Report: MI Kids Eligible but Not Receiving Child-Care Subsides

New state and county data show among Michigan's youngest children, there are gaps and disparities in access to crucial health, nutritional and …

In 2021, bills prohibiting health care for trans youth were introduced in more than 20 states according to a tally from the American Civil Liberties Union. (Flimbetrachter/Pixabay)

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

LGBTQ Leaders to NM Governor: Prioritize Anti-Discrimination Laws

New Mexico's short, 30-day legislative session starts today with a focus on budget issues. Nonetheless, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer …

Excessive exposure to screens and the blue light they emit can impact kids' sleeping patterns. Per Wisconsin's Office of Children's Mental Health, kids aged 6-12 should sleep nine to 12 hours a night, and teens should get at least eight hours. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

As WI Schools Integrate New Tech, Experts Advise Managing Screen Time

The pandemic has compelled many teachers to integrate new technology into their lesson plans, increasing the risks excessive screen time can pose to …

According to the Pew Research Center, about 7% of parents report their children's screen time has diminished since the pandemic began. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

VA Department of Education Offers Guidance for Students Learning Virtually

As many Virginia schools pivot back to temporary virtual learning, some students are spending more time in front of screens. In response, the …

The Grassroots Law Project is collecting signatures on a petition asking New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to call up a juvenile justice "second chance" bill when the legislature convenes tomorrow. (1388843/Pixabay)

NM Juvenile Justice Advocates Press Governor for Action

New Mexico's 30 day legislative session, held in even-numbered years, typically focuses on budget issues, but juvenile justice advocates are hopeful …

More than 1 million U.S. students have vanished from university and college classrooms in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. (DeborahJackson/Pixabay)

Monday, January 17, 2022

Rebuilding "Community" at Colleges, Universities Post-Pandemic

Colleges and universities typically provide in-person programming and supports to strengthen bonds between students and build a sense of community…

Some dental providers in Minnesota's underserved communities say they have long waiting lists because of low reimbursement rates tied to public health programs. (Adobe Stock)

Dental Reimbursements Could Improve Access for MN Kids

This month, Minnesota has raised state reimbursement rates for dentists who accept patients enrolled in the state's Medicaid program. Groups working …

A survey from 2021 found 38% of Oregon respondents with children age 12 and under faced disruptions to their child-care arrangements in the last month. (Kawee/Adobe Stock)

Child-Care Conundrum Presents Hurdles for OR Families

Finding and affording child care is no cakewalk for Oregon families right now. A new report details the pressures and some potential policy fixes…

The Helpline for California Parents and Youth (855-427-2736) takes calls from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. (Parents Anonymous)

Helpline for Parents Gets Lifeline in Governor’s New Budget

A helpline providing emergency emotional support for California parents and young people would get a three-year extension under Gov. Gavin Newsom's …

Undocumented immigrants, youths involved in the juvenile-justice or foster-care system, and people with substance-use disorders are at higher risk for human trafficking, according to the Polaris Project. (Adobe Stock)

TN Hotline Received More than 1,000 Human-Trafficking Tips in 2021

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and state public health officials said it is important to recognize the warning signs and risk …

School social workers say making students feel like they can talk to staff about their safety concerns can help improve campus environments. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Threats, School Social Workers Help Foster Welcoming Environments

This week saw a Duluth high school go on lockdown because of a threat received by authorities. School social workers across Minnesota say with campus …

A new report on children's well-being in California advocates for a "pro-kid" agenda that includes getting rid of Medi-Cal premiums and hiring more school counselors. (Pics5/Adobe Stock)

"D" Grade for California on Children's Well-Being: Report

A new report shows California's 13.5 million children are suffering in the wake of the pandemic. It gives the state low marks on child care…

Twenty-five percent of students said they sometimes feel "life is not worth it," according to the most recent Pennsylvania Youth Survey. (Adobe Stock)

Youth Mental-Health Needs Linger in PA Provider Shortage

Pennsylvania faces a shortage of psychiatrists that children's advocates call "alarming," and they're concerned about the impact it might have on youn…

Enrollment among first-time Hispanic college students dropped by nearly 20% during the height of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Latinos Continue to Face Barriers to College Degrees

The COVID health pandemic has blunted progress made in the number of Latino students graduating with a college certificate or degree, a development …

States such as South Dakota have routinely debate bills in recent years viewed as hostile toward the LGBTQ community. (Adobe Stock)

SD Poised to See More Debate Over LGBTQ Bills

South Dakota lawmakers are scheduled to begin a new legislative session this week. Like previous years, bills surrounding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual…

Children who have reliable access to housing and nutritious foods are more likely to have better health and financial outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska Denies Emergency Assistance to 90% of Poor Families

Nebraska and other states are hoarding more than $5 billion intended for struggling families, according to new analysis. In 2019, for every 100 …

New census data suggests that kids were the biggest beneficiaries of stimulus payments during 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Data Reveals Promising Drop in Ohio Child Poverty

New data reveals a promising trend in the well-being of Ohio's kids. In 2020, 16.8% of Ohio children lived in poverty, nearly 423,000 children…

The number of Texas foster children in temporary lodgings rose from 47 in August 2020 to roughly 400 a year later, while the average length of stay increased from 3.6 nights to 18 nights, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. (wokandapix/Pixabay) <br /> — The number of Texas foster children in temporary lodgings rose from 47 in August 2020 to roughly 400 a year later, while the average length of stay increased from 3.6 nights to 18 nights, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. (wokandapix/Pixabay)

TX Children's Advocates Want Foster Care System Fixed ASAP

The Texas foster-care system is suffering a severe shortage of safe and appropriate placement homes, resulting in an expert panel being convened to …

Other policy recommendations in the report include mandating that officers complete 40 hours of racial bias and youth-specific training prior to interacting with students. (Adobe Stock)

Report: School Officers Don't Make Students Feel Safer

A new report shows the presence of police officers in school settings contributed to more referrals to law enforcement, particularly for students of …

In a national report on disengaged learners, about 43% of respondents who put a hold on their college studies said they were either extremely or very likely to continue their education at a later point. (Adobe Stock)

IN Education Leaders Work to Keep College Students on Track to Graduate

College students in Indiana are gearing up to head back to class for the spring semester, but some are weighing whether to continue with higher …

Black students are more likely to be suspended for discretionary reasons such as dress code or hairstyle. (simona/Adobe Stock)

Starting Next Year, Hair Discrimination Banned in IL Schools

Starting Jan. 1, a law goes into effect banning hair discrimination in Illinois schools. Studies have shown one in five Black women working in …

Fourteen states and the District of Columbia currently have school voucher programs. (sveta/Adobe Stock)

NH Parents, Public School Advocates Oppose New Voucher Bill

A bill in New Hampshire would allow local communities to opt into financing education for children who attend private schools or homeschooling…

In a ranking of states where foster-care instability was defined as three or more home placements, Tennessee had the highest rate at 31%, according to a new report by the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth. (Adobe Stock)

Foster Care Instability Continues to Impact Tennessee Kids

Last year, approximately one in three children in state custody remained in foster care for more than a year, according to a new report by the …

Experts say parents can reduce kids' dependency on screens by setting a good example themselves and arranging more outdoor family activities.(TheVisualsYouNeed/AdobeStock)

New Year's Resolution: Reducing Kids’ Screen Time

Some families make New Year's Resolutions to cut down on screen time, and experts have some tips for actually getting your kids to put down the cell …

In a National Wildlife Federation and United Federation of Teachers survey, only one in five educators said climate education was covered in student-teacher training. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: More Climate Education Needed in NYC Schools

CORRECTION: Just 52% of NYC teachers teach climate change. An earlier version of the article incorrectly stated the percentage. (11:43 a.m. EST., Dec…

Research from Yale University has shown the chemicals in vaping products can reach a teen's brain in about 10 seconds, and that frequent use among young people can lead to problems related to focus and memory. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /> — Research from Yale University has shown the chemicals in vaping products can reach a teen's brain in about 10 seconds, and that frequent use among young people can lead to problems related to focus and memory. (Adobe Stock)

KY Communities Continue Push for Local Tobacco Control

State lawmakers are expected to file a tobacco-control bill next year. Healthcare advocacy groups and local elected officials say communities must …

Foster youth advocates also recommend helping them send homemade gifts or holiday cards to their relatives they'd like to stay connected with. (Adobe Stock)

Group Aims to Make Holiday Season Special for AR Foster Youth

The holiday season can be a difficult time for anyone away from home, especially for kids in foster care. Volunteers in Arkansas have been working …

The MANO Project's summer fellowships and internships are paid, and many offer transportation stipends, free on-site housing or housing stipends. (Adobe Stock)

Public Lands Agencies Work to Diversify, Strengthen Staff

The Hispanic Access Project is teaming up with the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest and Fish and Wildlife services, and other agencies to …

Over the last 15 years, Connecticut has significantly reduced the number of children referred to the state's juvenile court system. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Car Theft Uptick, CT Advocates Want Youth Voices Heard in Solutions

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Officials are considering ways to handle an increase in car thefts and other crimes in Connecticut. Juvenile-justice advocates …

Hair is a sacred symbol for Lakota tribal members, and should only be cut by a Native American woman or a child's grandfather in ceremony. (Adobe Stock)

Lakota Racial Justice and Religious Freedom Case Headed for Trial

ROSEBUD, Neb. -- A lawsuit accusing a Nebraska school district of violating a Lakota family's First Amendment rights and unlawful racial …

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, joined faith leaders to call for the Child Tax Credit to be expanded as part of the Build Back Better Act. (Sherrod Brown)

Will Ohio Families Receive Advance CTC Payments in 2022?

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In Ohio, 277,000 children are estimated to be at risk of falling below the poverty line, unless the U.S. Senate acts to extend the …

The Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary of Education has until February 2022 to review an application for a new charter school in New Bedford. (Olesya Shelomova/Adobe Stock)

Hearing Today on New Bedford Charter School Proposal

NEW BEDFORD, Ma. -- The state holds a public hearing today on a new charter school to serve New Bedford and Fall River students, and advocates for …

Research from the Urban Institute has found expanding the federal Child Tax Credit would decrease child poverty by 40% nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

End of Child Tax Credit Payments a Worry for WV Families

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The final round of the federal government's Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments ends today, unless Congress votes to extend them …

During the 2018-19 school year, an estimated 86% of students in Pennsylvania's public schools did not receive adequate funding, according to state law. (Adobe Stock)

PA's School Funding Trial Gives Snapshot of State's Underfunded Districts

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania's school funding trial is entering its fourth week today. Testimony so far has provided an inside view into the …

Even though Wyoming officials have tried to prioritize mental-health care for youths, many facilities are having difficulties keeping their doors open due to budget cuts. (Adobe Stock)

Holiday Poses Challenges for Foster Youths Aging Out of System

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Young people in Wyoming who have not been adopted officially age out of the foster-care system when they turn 18, joining 24,000 …

About three in five kids in foster care return home to their parents or other family members.<br />(avtk/Adobe Stock) — About three in five kids in foster care return home to their parents or other family members.
(avtk/Adobe Stock)

Evolution of Ohio's Children Services System, Part 3: The Future

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In a system plagued by a history of disparities, Ohio's child-welfare workers and children's advocates say it is time to reimagine …

A new report says child-care expenses make up roughly 10% of a family's income in South Dakota. The percentages are much higher for families of color. (Adobe Stock)

New Report Details Child-Care Issues in SD

RAPID CITY, S.D. -- If South Dakota wants to turn out a thriving economy, quality affordable child care needs to be a vital component, according to a …

An estimated 181,000 children and families in Pennsylvania were served through Child Protective Services in 2020, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Child-Abuse Cases in PA Rose in 2020

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- With kids stuck at home early in the pandemic, a new report said child-abuse cases decreased in 2020, but children's advocates say …

More than 48,000 foster children live in institutional placements in the U.S., representing 10% of the foster-care population. (Adobe stock)

Report: Stop Using Group Homes for Foster Kids

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Almost 4,000 children in Maryland are in foster care, and a new study calls for ending the use of group homes and institutions …

Poverty can be misconstrued as neglect. (Adobe Stock)

Evolution of Ohio's Children Services System, Part 2: The Present

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As policymakers and child-welfare leaders move to transform the foster-care system, advocates say there are misconceptions about …

Maine has more than 2,000 children in foster care, but not enough families for family placements. (cristalov/Adobe Stock)

Groups: Maine Foster Youths Need More Families Available for Placements

PORTLAND, Maine -- About 2,200 children are in foster care in Maine, and agencies say there are not enough families who are actively able to accept …

More than 5,000 Missouri children and teens leave foster care every year. For older teens who are transitioning to adulthood, housing can be a challenge. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Life After Foster Care: MO Youth Need Housing, Support Systems

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The holidays can be a tough time for young people who have aged out of the foster-care system. For young Missourians, housing …

Human service providers say even after a foster contract has been fulfilled, maintaining connections with kids who have aged out of the system can provide much-needed stability as they move into adulthood. (Adobe Stock)

Making the Holiday Season Brighter for Foster Kids Entering Adulthood

MILWAUKEE - With the holidays here, Wisconsin foster families and other mentors are encouraged to maintain close connections with older teens no …

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Youth

Bridgeport Initiative Aims to Break Down STEM Career Barriers

MD People's Commission Lists Legislative Priorities for 2022

Experts: New Yorkers Should Monitor Excess Screen Time, Blue-Light Exposure

Youth Groups File to Stop New MT Election Laws Before 2022 Primary

Fewer Colorado Families Living in Poverty Receive TANF Cash Assistance

Report: MI Kids Eligible but Not Receiving Child-Care Subsides

LGBTQ Leaders to NM Governor: Prioritize Anti-Discrimination Laws

As WI Schools Integrate New Tech, Experts Advise Managing Screen Time

VA Department of Education Offers Guidance for Students Learning Virtually

NM Juvenile Justice Advocates Press Governor for Action

Rebuilding "Community" at Colleges, Universities Post-Pandemic

Dental Reimbursements Could Improve Access for MN Kids

Child-Care Conundrum Presents Hurdles for OR Families

Helpline for Parents Gets Lifeline in Governor’s New Budget

TN Hotline Received More than 1,000 Human-Trafficking Tips in 2021

Amid Threats, School Social Workers Help Foster Welcoming Environments

"D" Grade for California on Children's Well-Being: Report

Youth Mental-Health Needs Linger in PA Provider Shortage

Colorado Latinos Continue to Face Barriers to College Degrees

SD Poised to See More Debate Over LGBTQ Bills

Nebraska Denies Emergency Assistance to 90% of Poor Families

Data Reveals Promising Drop in Ohio Child Poverty

TX Children's Advocates Want Foster Care System Fixed ASAP

Report: School Officers Don't Make Students Feel Safer

IN Education Leaders Work to Keep College Students on Track to Graduate

Starting Next Year, Hair Discrimination Banned in IL Schools

NH Parents, Public School Advocates Oppose New Voucher Bill

Foster Care Instability Continues to Impact Tennessee Kids

New Year's Resolution: Reducing Kids’ Screen Time

Survey: More Climate Education Needed in NYC Schools

KY Communities Continue Push for Local Tobacco Control

Group Aims to Make Holiday Season Special for AR Foster Youth

Public Lands Agencies Work to Diversify, Strengthen Staff

Amid Car Theft Uptick, CT Advocates Want Youth Voices Heard in Solutions

Lakota Racial Justice and Religious Freedom Case Headed for Trial

Will Ohio Families Receive Advance CTC Payments in 2022?

Hearing Today on New Bedford Charter School Proposal

End of Child Tax Credit Payments a Worry for WV Families

PA's School Funding Trial Gives Snapshot of State's Underfunded Districts

Holiday Poses Challenges for Foster Youths Aging Out of System

Evolution of Ohio's Children Services System, Part 3: The Future

New Report Details Child-Care Issues in SD

Report: Child-Abuse Cases in PA Rose in 2020

Report: Stop Using Group Homes for Foster Kids

Evolution of Ohio's Children Services System, Part 2: The Present

Groups: Maine Foster Youths Need More Families Available for Placements

Life After Foster Care: MO Youth Need Housing, Support Systems

Making the Holiday Season Brighter for Foster Kids Entering Adulthood