This is a compilation of recent news that reflects the conditions of youth and youth policy in the U.S. this past few weeks. Thank you Jamie Wilt for your hard work and Century College for your great programs.
I would like reader comments on the style and substance of this article and appreciate receiving information from you about youth programs, policy, and data.
Budget cuts could put Family Drug Court in jeopardy
Posted: Mar 17, 2010 2:56 PM CDT
Updated: Mar 18, 2010 9:20 PM CDT
Connect with us!
Sign up for email alerts…
Follow us on Twitter…
HONOLULU (Hawaii News Now) – As lawmakers go over the state budget, judiciary officials are watching closely. Employees are worried more cuts could put its 11 treatment courts in jeopardy.
The courts go beyond the criminal system to help people suffering from mental illness, abuse or addiction. Here’s a look at one court that helps not just patients, but their children as well.
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=12157057
Selected Recent Publications and Data Briefs
This subsection provides links to selected publications and briefs that include data relating to youth violence and related topics released or published within the past 12 months.
Children’s Exposure to Violence: A Comprehensive National Survey. (PDF 884 KB)
Source: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U. S. Department of Justice.
Crime in the United States. 2008.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice.
Electronic Media and Youth Violence: A CDC Issue Brief for Researches. (PDF 11.1 MB)
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
High School Dropout and Completion Rates in the United States: 2007.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education.
Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2009. (PDF 2.1 MB)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education. Available at:
Juvenile Arrests 2008. (PDF 760 KB)
Source: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice.http://www.safeyouth.org/scripts/statistics/statistics_data.asp
2010 Florida CSC State Policy Program
Early Childhood System of Care: A Proven Investment Strategy
During these tough economic times, states are discovering what early childhood experts have known for decades – policies that promote healthy development throughout a child’s early years create a foundation for later school achievement, economic productivity, responsible citizenship, and successful parenting.
States that support and invest in early childhood systems of care are seeing first-hand the positive outcomes in their communities. Juvenile crime rates drop. Gang violence is diminished. Child abuse and neglect is reduced. Children and their families are healthier and more self-sufficient. Students perform better in school.
Children are prepared to succeed. Early childhood systems also contribute to global economic outcomes, including a bigger and more qualified workforce, healthier communities, and a thriving consumer market. http://www.thechildrenstrust.org/fcsc-state-policy-program
Chicago;CBS2 investigation suggests Steinmetz and BEST high schools may be counting ghost students to inflate budgets.
For 10 months, an inspector general investigation has been underway into alleged fraud at B.E.S.T., yet there has been no action. [Dropout Terrence] Figures says nobody has contacted him, even though he’s living proof of ghosting in the school system.
The problem may not be limited to B.E.S.T. Paula Adams, a former Local School Council member at Steinmetz Academic Centre High School, and Sammy Tenuta, a former security guard at the same school, both claim Steinmetz also had numerous ghost students.
* Stock preschool supporters gather 2,200 signatures to save one of the only two early education programs in Chicago for disabled students. (Pioneer)http://www.catalyst-chicago.org/notebook/index.php/entry/635/In_the_News:_Tuesday,_April_13
Florida;NAPLES — Katalina Legros counts her blessing that she was able to take her newborn home when she left Gulf Coast Hospital after giving birth seven weeks ago.
The 39-year-old Naples resident knows the heartache all too well that mother and baby don’t always go home at the same time.
She’s got the Healthy Start Coalition of Southwest Florida to thank that both she and her baby, Mariah Legros, are healthy and her delivery went without a hitch.http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/apr/09/state-budget-cuts-could-threaten-lee-collier-healt/
Indiana;Indiana budget cuts target special needs kids
The Associated Press
Sunday, April 4, 2010 | 12:21 a.m.
Cash-strapped Indiana wants to scale back services for special-needs children placed in foster care.
The state would cut payments for hundreds of children with medical or emotional problems by moving them into cheaper care for children without special needs.
The move is part of a plan to cut $56 million from spending on the 10,000 children in state care. It follows a planned 10 percent cut in payments to foster parents. Many parents who receive up to $100 a day to care for special-needs children would be paid less than $25.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/apr/04/indiana-budget-cuts-target-special-needs-kids/
North Carolina Gang Violence Prevention;
Dept of Justice Youth Gang Prevention and Intervention Program
http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/grants/solicitations/FY2010/YouthGangPrevention.pdf
Virginia, Governor’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act grant programs are intended to supplement the SADFSCA funds that flow directly from the Virginia Department of Education to every local school division for youth substance abuse, gang involvement and violence prevention programming.
For this award cycle, grants will be awarded to programs which emphasize prevention of gang involvement, realizing that early initiation of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use is a risk factor for youth gang involvement. In addition, community needs assessments regarding youth substance abuse, gang activity and violence may seek GOSAP SADFSCA funds. Projects in the following four categories will be funded:
http://www.gosap.virginia.gov/SDFSCA/announcement2010-2011.htm
National news;POVERTY DURING EARLY CHILDHOOD MAY LAST A LIFETIME
Children raised in poverty in their first five years are more likely to feel its effects well into adulthood.
By Jessica Marshall | Mon Feb 22, 2010 12:29 PM ET
According to the researchers, the earlier poverty intervention efforts begin within a child’s lifetime, the better the chances of that child overcoming the effects of poverty when he or she becomes an adult.
Getty Images
THE GIST:
Poverty during early childhood is correlated with lower adult income.
Childhood poverty causes lasting effects on the brain and on the way DNA is expressed.
Because early childhood is so important, researchers advise policies to address these problems should focus on the youngest children.
http://news.discovery.com/human/poverty-children-income-adults.html
Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/KidsAtRisk
Support KARA buy our book or donate (we are working on a capital campaign for Public Service Ads, please help if you can)
Become part of KARA’s email network by sending a request to join to;
amy.rostronledoux@yahoo.com