Youth Issues / Public News Service

The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals child poverty in America increased slightly in 2023. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 13, 2024

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

During this week's presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris proposed reviving the Child Tax Credit, which was part of the American Rescue …

Chronic absenteeism often signals a student may be experiencing untreated health needs, transportation problems, mental-health issues or other significant challenges. (Anastasiia/Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 13, 2024

Extreme weather equals 'extreme absence' from MI schools

Chronic absenteeism rates in Michigan schools have significantly declined, yet researchers warn the state's rate overall remains alarmingly high…

More than 20% of Maine students age 6-11 have suffered from two or more adverse childhood experiences, including bullying or living with a parent with a mental illness, according to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Schools' services help ME kids tackle mental health challenges

Mental health experts have released a checklist for parents of students headed back to school in Maine. The state's Department of Health and Human …

Income, location and trust issues can contribute to health disparities in the Latinx community. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 12, 2024

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Nonprofits across Texas are coming together to address disparities in health care for the Latinx community. A report by the Commonwealth Fund shows …

Beyond additional support for K-12 schools, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill creating a free college tuition program for households earning annual incomes below $80,000. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Former Walz colleagues bring education record into focus

The start of a new year of school in Minnesota has a new twist: intense focus from national media and voters across the U.S. With Gov. Tim Walz …

Childhood vaccines are stored in temperature-controlled refrigerators at pediatrician Eric Ball's practice in Orange County, Calif. (Jackie Forti�r/KFF Health News)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Pedatricians cut back on COVID shots as interest wanes

By Jackie Fortiér for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public Ne…

A program at Montana State University has shown success in reducing the rate of youth suicide by educating students about alternatives. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Experts want more school mental health services

Mental health experts have released a checklist for parents of students headed back to school in Montana. Research shows kids who need services are …

Alabama public schools remain on high alert following a surge of online threats targeting schools, resulting in multiple arrests this week. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Montgomery officials demand responsible social media use after school threats

Montgomery County officials are asking students to use social media responsibly following a series of arrests stemming from online threats to local sc…

Operation Good works to improve life in Mississippi and recently held a community block party, inviting single moms and their kids to help to curb violence in Jackson. (Photo courtesy of Operation Good)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

'Operation Good' collaborates with single moms to fight crime

A new initiative for single mothers and their sons is helping to combat crime and empower vulnerable community members in Jackson. The nonprofit …

Ohio spends about $12,000 per student annually on public education, which is slightly below the national average. (Pixels Hunter/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Critical choices: How Ohio’s elections will affect education

In Ohio, the upcoming elections could have a significant effect on public education. Educators are urging voters to consider how the candidates' …

Food deserts are regions where people have limited access to healthful and affordable food due to income, location, or transportation issues. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

AR officials consider new ways to address food deserts

By Daniel Breen and Josie Lenora for Little Rock Public Radio.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Little Rock …

The Sierra Club said a third of all Americans, including 28 million children, do not have a park or natural space within a 10-minute walk of their home. (milicanistoran/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Congress urged to protect outdoor program for 4th-graders

A national program to connect children and families with the outdoors is at risk of ending without help from Congress. The Every Kid Outdoors …

In the past two years, the price of school supplies has gone up about 24%, according to a Deloitte analysis. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

NC teachers spend big on classroom supplies amid low pay

Classroom supplies are taking a toll on teachers in North Carolina. A new survey showed despite earning around 5% less than they did a decade ago…

Community health workers provide a trust-based relational framework for addressing nonmedical health drivers of health and connecting families to medical resources and social services. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Central Texas nonprofit addresses health inequities for new moms

A program in Georgetown, in Williamson County, is working to improve health outcomes for low-income residents by helping them gain access to …

Around 66% of committed electric school buses are located in school districts with the highest shares of low-income households, according to the Electric School Bus Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates tout electric school buses in Nevada, ask for more resources

Nevada has secured 60 electric school buses to take students to and from school and as the school year kicks off, advocates want to see more of the …

At least one-third of schools are fully accessible in eleven of New York City's 32 community school districts. Once the projects currently in the pipeline are done, at least one-third of schools will be disability accessible. (Adobe Stock)

NYC public schools still not fully ADA compliant

Although classes are back in session, all New York City public schools still aren't entirely disability accessible. Reports find more than two …

The mental health advocacy organization Inseperable recommended there be one school psychologist for every 500 students. (Adobe Stock)

UT struggles with mental health; school-based services could help

School is back in session across Utah and mental health advocates want to ensure children and parents can access adequate school-based services…

A program in Washington state partners with school districts to help students attend college.(spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

WA program gets $35 million to help low-income students going to college

Funding is coming to a program supporting students from low-income families in Washington state who want to go on to college or postsecondary educatio…

Nationwide in 2021, 44% of youths in the one-day count of youth incarceration were in detention and 53% had been committed to a secure-placement facility, which is the juvenile equivalent of imprisonment. (Danheller/Adobe Stock)

TN youth incarceration snapshot reveals hope amid disparities

A new report showed the rate of juvenile crime continues to fall but disparities remain in Tennessee and nationwide. The Sentencing Project report …

The Parent Institute for Quality Education offers a

Nonprofit works to improve Latino graduation rates in CA

Latinos make up 40% of California's population and more than 56% of K-12 public school students. However, Latino high school graduation rates are …

Texas educators said they want democratic representation and a voice in decision-making as-well-as professional training and development. (shootsroom/Adobe Stock)

TX educators prepare for upcoming legislative session

Texas educators spent the summer in meetings and workshops devising a playbook for the upcoming Texas legislative session. The Educator's Bill of …

The last operational one-room schoolhouse in Sheridan County, Wyoming, the Slack School, was built in the 1880s, burned down in the 1920s and rebuilt in the 1930s. (Ashlee Gorham, Slack School)

School year begins in WY’s few remaining one-room schoolhouses

It is back-to-school season and for 11 students in Sheridan County, Wyoming, it means returning to a one-room schoolhouse. The Slack School was …

According to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, fewer than 5% of youths arrested have any gang alert on their record. However, those with gang alerts are more likely to have been first arrested at age 12 or younger, and more likely to be serious, violent and chronic offenders. (athree23/Pixabay)

Report highlights decline in youth incarceration but challenges remain

A new report revealed while the United States has made significant progress in reducing youth incarceration rates, troubling disparities still exist…

The mental health advocacy group Inseparable has published a checklist to promote mental health in schools, advocating annual well-checks for all students. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Delaware schools emphasize mental-health assessments for students

With mental health challenges on the rise among youths, Delaware officials said school-based services have become essential in addressing issues…

Around 19% of students with disabilities attend four-year colleges and universities, compared with 40% of students without disabilities. Students with disabilities are more likely to attend two-year colleges or vocational schools, according to the Iris Center. (Adobe Stock)

NV secures $10 million grant to enhance outcomes for students with disabilities

A Nevada program is aiming to centralize transition services and improve outcomes for children with disabilities. It will help create a centralized …

Purdue University students Jason Packard and Rebecca Siener are trying to break the stigma around the Indiana Lifeline law and its effect on underage drinking.

Calls for broader legal safeguards under Indiana Lifeline Law

By Kody Fisher for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service Co…

Nearly three of four Colorado voters surveyed want lawmakers to ensure full funding for Healthy School Meals for All. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado parents face September 30 deadline to help fund school meals

Colorado students will not go hungry this school year, thanks to the Healthy School Meals for All initiative approved by voters in 2022. Their …

Research indicated between 50% and 70% of coaches are not educators in their school buildings. Although they have community support for athletics, they often miss out on the training and daily interactions that are part of being a teacher. (Anela R/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Coaching beyond the game for student growth in Ohio and elsewhere

The Coach Beyond program, started by Ohio State University's Life Sports, is making waves across Ohio by helping coaches address more than just the …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported research showed Gay-Straight Alliances or Gender and Sexualities Alliances in schools can give LGBTQ+ students

NE schools play huge role in safety, well-being, rights of LGBTQ+ students

As the new school year starts, Nebraska teachers will again be focusing on their students' emotional well-being and safety as well as academic …

The University of New Hampshire joins 429 higher education institutions that have joined the FirstGen Forward Network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia. (Adobe Stock)<br />

UNH works to make 'first gen' students feel right at home

First generation students attending the University of New Hampshire benefit from a growing trove of campus resources to ensure their success…

Group proposes changes, encourages use of Indigenous SD education standards

A team of educators and supporters recently proposed changes to South Dakota's framework for Indigenous education, making the lessons more accessible …

The recommended ratio of school counselors to students is 250 to 1. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Mental health in focus as MD kids head back to school

As kids head back to school, advocates are calling for expanded access to school-based mental health services in Maryland and nationwide. The …

Ohio public schools have about 100,000 teachers, averaging 16 students per teacher and 220,000 non-teaching staff, averaging seven students per non-teaching position, with nearly all teachers holding a bachelor's degree or higher. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

The quiet preparation: Ohio teachers before the first bell

As Ohio students head back to school, many parents may think the return to the classroom begins when the first bell rings but for educators, the …

Studies show mental health literacy and life skills decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety and help children succeed. (Seventyfour/AdobeStock)

Experts recommends PA educators, parents prioritize student mental health

Experts are advising schools and parents to prioritize student mental health as Pennsylvania children return to learning. A new checklist from the …

Based on input from 162 caseworkers and 85 families, respecting, listening, and being vulnerable were the most important caseworker behaviors in the PACT Behavioral Research Project. (D Lahoud/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Building bridges: How PACT is redefining child welfare through relationships

The Public Children's Services Association of Ohio has launched a groundbreaking new initiative called Practice in Action Together, aimed at …

School-based mental and behavioral health services help prevent issues and enhance educational achievement and future employment opportunities. (Coyot/Pixabay)

New mental-health checklist aims to support returning Florida students

With mental health challenges on the rise among youths, school-based services have become a critical component in addressing the issues. A new …

According to state data, one in eight Georgia teens suffers from depression. (Adobe Stock)

Back-to-school mental-health checklist aims to support GA students

With students back in classrooms, the mental health of Georgia's youth is a top priority and one group is working to make sure students have access …

The 2024 Indiana Girl Report emphasized actionable steps for families and stakeholders to enhance the well-being of Hoosier girls. (Adobe stock)

Report: IN girls struggle with bullying, yet excel academically

A new report highlighted girls in Indiana face higher rates of bullying and sexual dating violence compared to boys. The 2024 Indiana Girl Report…

According to Every Library Institute, Project 2025 aims to reduce federal oversight protections and spending as well as reallocating responsibilities to states and localities. (Tyler Olson/Adobe Stock)

Report warns of Project 2025 effect on AR libraries

Changes could be coming for libraries and the people who work there if Project 2025 goes into effect. The 900 page document outlines how agencies …

In Mississippi, on a typical day 56 out of 100,000 youth nationwide are held in juvenile facilities, pre- and post-adjudication, with rates varying widely among other states. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MS youth incarceration snapshot reveals hope amid disparities

A new report shows the rate of juvenile crime continues to fall, but disparities remain in Mississippi and nationwide. The Sentencing Project report …

According to federal data, law enforcement accounted for 82% of all delinquency cases referred to juvenile court in 2019. (Adobe Stock)<br />

WV NAACP lawsuit says state agencies failed to collect juvenile justice data

West Virginia state agencies have failed to collect data on incarcerated youth, according to a new lawsuit filed by the West Virginia NAACP in the …

The Sentencing Project found a total of 8,632 individuals serving sentences for crimes committed as minors in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Report shows NC youth left behind despite sentencing reforms

Efforts to reform juvenile sentencing in the U.S. have made significant strides but a new report showed North Carolina is not keeping up. A study by …

Grand Island program keeps at-risk NE youth out of detention facilities

A Grand Island-based organization is offering a diversion program cited in a new report as one of the most effective with at-risk youths. The …

GA juveniles left behind despite sentencing reforms

Efforts to reform juvenile sentencing in the U.S. have made significant strides, but a new report shows that Georgia is lagging behind. A study by …

The number of youths held in juvenile justice facilities fell by 75% between 2000 and 2022. (Jan H. Anderson/Adobe Stock)

Study: Youth incarceration is declining but challenges remain

Youth incarceration has declined significantly in Virginia and around the country since 2000, according to a new report but disparities and …

The average ratio of students to counselors across the United States is 385-to-1. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Checking in on mental health as WA kids head back to school

Promoting mental health is on the checklist as the new school year nears for Washington state students. Mental-health professionals on school …

There have been 2,097,915 FAFSA applications completed for the 2024-2025 school year. That's a 9.5% decline from the previous school year, according to the National College Attainment Network. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MA college aid experts optimistic FAFSA rollout will be glitch-free

College financial aid experts in Massachusetts say this year's phased rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid should be error free…

Colorado ranked 27th nationally for its typical daily incarceration rates, according to a new report by The Sentencing Project. (Adobe Stock)

Youth incarceration dropped 75% between 2000 and 2022

The number of young people locked up in juvenile justice facilities dropped from 108,000 in 2000 to just above 27,000 in 2022, according to a new …

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Youth

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

Extreme weather equals 'extreme absence' from MI schools

Schools' services help ME kids tackle mental health challenges

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Former Walz colleagues bring education record into focus

Pedatricians cut back on COVID shots as interest wanes

Experts want more school mental health services

Montgomery officials demand responsible social media use after school threats

'Operation Good' collaborates with single moms to fight crime

Critical choices: How Ohio’s elections will affect education

AR officials consider new ways to address food deserts

Congress urged to protect outdoor program for 4th-graders

NC teachers spend big on classroom supplies amid low pay

Central Texas nonprofit addresses health inequities for new moms

Advocates tout electric school buses in Nevada, ask for more resources

NYC public schools still not fully ADA compliant

UT struggles with mental health; school-based services could help

WA program gets $35 million to help low-income students going to college

TN youth incarceration snapshot reveals hope amid disparities

Nonprofit works to improve Latino graduation rates in CA

TX educators prepare for upcoming legislative session

School year begins in WY’s few remaining one-room schoolhouses

Report highlights decline in youth incarceration but challenges remain

Delaware schools emphasize mental-health assessments for students

NV secures $10 million grant to enhance outcomes for students with disabilities

Calls for broader legal safeguards under Indiana Lifeline Law

Colorado parents face September 30 deadline to help fund school meals

Coaching beyond the game for student growth in Ohio and elsewhere

NE schools play huge role in safety, well-being, rights of LGBTQ+ students

UNH works to make 'first gen' students feel right at home

Group proposes changes, encourages use of Indigenous SD education standards

Mental health in focus as MD kids head back to school

The quiet preparation: Ohio teachers before the first bell

Experts recommends PA educators, parents prioritize student mental health

Building bridges: How PACT is redefining child welfare through relationships

New mental-health checklist aims to support returning Florida students

Back-to-school mental-health checklist aims to support GA students

Report: IN girls struggle with bullying, yet excel academically

Report warns of Project 2025 effect on AR libraries

Report: MS youth incarceration snapshot reveals hope amid disparities

WV NAACP lawsuit says state agencies failed to collect juvenile justice data

Report shows NC youth left behind despite sentencing reforms

Grand Island program keeps at-risk NE youth out of detention facilities

GA juveniles left behind despite sentencing reforms

Study: Youth incarceration is declining but challenges remain

Checking in on mental health as WA kids head back to school

MA college aid experts optimistic FAFSA rollout will be glitch-free

Youth incarceration dropped 75% between 2000 and 2022