Children's Issues / Public News Service

Lawmakers have requested an analysis of the impact of an insurance mandate for kids' hearing aids from the California Health Benefits Review Program. The report is due June 7. (Peakstock/Adobestock)<br />

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Calls Grow to Require Insurance Companies to Cover Kids’ Hearing Aids

Groups fighting for children's health are asking Gov. Gavin Newsom and lawmakers to require insurance companies to cover hearing aids and related …

Either the Office of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokia or Dr. Caitlin Bernard can appeal the Indiana Medical Licensing Board's decision in Marion County Superior Court. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Board Fines Indiana Doc for Speaking about 10-Year-Old's Abortion

An Indiana licensing board has fined a local physician $3,000 and handed her a letter of reprimand after she went public about a 10-year-old Ohio pati…

An Annie E. Casey Foundation report finds the number of kids entering foster care because of neglect increased from 29% in 2006 to 48% in 2021. But, the report finds fewer kids entered foster care because of behavioral issues during the same period. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Report: More Support Needed for VA Foster Kids

A recent report finds foster kids in Virginia and the U.S. need better support to transition out of the foster-care system. The Annie E. Casey …

According to the Children's Collaborative for Healing and Support, between 2017 and 2021, more than 5 million children nationally experienced the death of a parent. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

UT Pilot Program Aims to Support Grieving Kids

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joined the Children's Collaborative for Healing and Support last week to announce a pilot program in the state designed to …

Former Kentucky foster youth Tia Humphrey now helps advocate for policies that help ensure young people leaving foster care are off to a good start as they enter adulthood. (Tia Humphrey)<br /><br />

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

KY Foster Youth Transitioning into Adulthood Face Resources Gap

Kentucky's former foster youth have a steeper climb into adulthood than their peers, according to new research. Among 21-year-olds with foster-care …

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Social Media Growing Concern for Youth Mental Health

Symptoms of anxiety and depression are up among adolescents and young adults. Health experts warn social media is playing a role in declining mental …

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)

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)

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…

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 …

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 …

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…

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…

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 …

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…

In addition to preschool investments, Smart Start Illinois includes $12 million for scholarships and internships to expand the childcare workforce. (junce11/Adobe Stock)

More Illinois Toddlers Head for 'Smart Start' in Early Education

Researchers say a lot of learning begins even before birth - and especially between birth and age five. Gov. JB Pritzker's "Smart Start Illinois" …

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 …

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…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

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 …

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 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

A one-day food drive sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers (AFL-CIO) has delivered more than 1.82 billion pounds of food in the past 30 years. (Courtesy Roadrunners)

'Stamp Out Hunger' Food Drive Returns to New Mexico Saturday

One in five children in New Mexico is at risk of hunger, and this weekend you can make a difference. Hunger-relief organizations are promoting the …

Colorado school districts creating a local food advisory council will be eligible for funding to purchase food for school meals directly from local farmers and ranchers. (Adobe Stock)

State on Track to Roll Out School Meal Program

Colorado is one step closer to ensuring all kids can access healthy food at school regardless of their ability to pay, after Gov. Jared Polis signed …

School districts have until Aug. 22 to turn in their applications for this year's Clean School Bus Program. (Moms Clean Air Force)

AZ School District Sees Benefits of Electric Buses, More Funds On Way

This week, one Arizona school district is sharing the local benefits ushered in by the Inflation Reduction Act. Isaac School District in West …

According to the National Education Association, there's been a 2% increase in the average public school teacher salary across the country. (Adobe Stock)

In SD, Complexities Surround Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week is underway. In South Dakota, there's a mixed outlook from educators on whether they feel supported. Coinciding with this …

A new Annie E. Casey Foundation report found a 35% increase in the number of kids in Wyoming entering foster care due to abuse. (Adobe Stock)

Helping Wyoming Foster Youths Succeed as Adults

The number of Wyoming children in foster care between the ages of 14 and 21 has dropped by 54% over the past two decades, according to a new Annie E…

Researchers are studying how social media use relates to anxiety and depression through feelings of inadequacy relative to

Children's Advocates Applaud Kids Online Safety Act

Federal legislation aimed at protecting children and teens online has gained the support of leading advocates for children's health and privacy…

Women of color, both in Indiana and nationally, experience higher rates of stillborn births and infant mortality. Experts say there are multiple factors, including stress and economic, racial and gender discrimination. (Adobe Stock)

IN Minority Health Coalition Works to Lower Infant Mortality Rates

Indiana ranks eighth in the country for stillbirth and infant mortality numbers, as many counties lack access to obstetric care. One out of every 16…

Samantha, in the yellow dress, on her adoption day. The Dave Thomas Foundation is celebrating reaching 13,000 adoptions in both the United States and Canada.(Aaryn McGregor)

In Ohio, Recruiters Help Older Kids in Foster Care Find Their Forever Family

Adoption recruiters in Ohio are helping older kids transition out of foster care and begin life with the right family. Aaron McGregor, a nurse from …

By federal law, all states provide Medicaid coverage for pregnancy-related services to pregnant women with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level and cover them up to 60 days postpartum, according to KFF. Missouri lawmakers are considering expanding these services to cover a year. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Push for More Postpartum Healthcare Funding

Healthcare advocates in Missouri are urging support for a measure that would expand health care services for new mothers on Medicaid. Senate Bill 45…

According to a Gallup poll, only 14% of Republicans have confidence in public schools following the COVID-19 pandemic. This is down from 34% in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Congressional Hearing Re-Examines AFT COVID-19 Pandemic Plan

GOP lawmakers are questioning teacher's unions about school closure policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. On April 26, Randi Weingarten, president …

Statistics show one in seven Californians experiences mental illness. The California Parent & Youth Helpline is there to help, seven days a week. (PheelingsMedia/Adobestock)

CA Parent, Youth Helpline Wins Grant to Continue for 2 More Years

Just in time for Mental Health Awareness Month in May - the California Department of Social Services has provided a new grant to continue the Californ…

Elementary students who spend more than two hours a day on screens are more likely to have emotional, social and attention problems, while students who have screens in their bedrooms tend to perform worse on academic tests than do those who do not. (Adobe Stock)

Screen-Free Week Challenges Families to Power Down, Reconnect

Starting today, families throughout Massachusetts will swap their digital entertainment for the annual challenge of "Screen-Free Week." The global …

A recent analysis found the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in about 50,000 fewer births than expected nine months later. This suggests recent downward trends in the number of births will continue and perhaps accelerate. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Child Population Declines in Pennsylvania

The population is made up of fewer children - in Pennsylvania and across the United States, according to the latest analysis of census data. The …

The Muscogee County Bookmobile visits more than 40 locations monthly, on a biweekly basis. (Adobe Stock)

GA Libraries Work to Boost Literacy Rates for Library Week

Libraries across the country have been in the news lately, mostly for efforts to ban books. But this has been National Library Week, and they're …

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2023 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2023 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 23 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast - May 30, 2023

2023Talks - May 30, 2023

The Yonder Report - May 25, 2023

Children's

Calls Grow to Require Insurance Companies to Cover Kids’ Hearing Aids

Board Fines Indiana Doc for Speaking about 10-Year-Old's Abortion

Report: More Support Needed for VA Foster Kids

UT Pilot Program Aims to Support Grieving Kids

KY Foster Youth Transitioning into Adulthood Face Resources Gap

Social Media Growing Concern for Youth Mental Health

Survey: Parents Worried About Student Mental Health

Report Highlights Need for Extended Transition Services for Older Youths

Ohio College Programs Seek to Boost Black Teacher Workforce

ACLU Plans Lawsuit If TX Anti-Trans Bills Become Law

Helping Arkansas Foster Youth Succeed as Adults

TN School Districts Urged to Focus On Mental Health Support

Contentious 2023 MO Legislative Session Saw Wins for Struggling Families

AZ Schools Set to Receive Trees Through State Budget Appropriation

More Illinois Toddlers Head for 'Smart Start' in Early Education

VA Groups Aim to Reduce Youth Tobacco Use

Drug Shortage Leads Some to Alternative Treatment Options

Report: TN Shows Strength in Foster Youth Transitioning To Adulthood

NY Works to Address Youth Mental Health Crisis

IN Camp Pairs Children with Differences and Similarities

Report: Older Foster Youths Lean Toward Higher Ed

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

Report Examines Foster Youths' Transitions to Adulthood

Group Highlights Need for Student Mental Health Services in AL Schools

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

College-Bound Ohio Foster Youths Face Barriers Accessing Resources

Group Urges Arkansas Schools Districts To Focus On Mental Health Support

Nonprofit Group Urges School Districts to Focus on Mental Health Support

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

VA Works to Improve Residents' Mental Health

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

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

Former Teacher, Now AZ Lawmaker, Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week

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

'Stamp Out Hunger' Food Drive Returns to New Mexico Saturday

State on Track to Roll Out School Meal Program

AZ School District Sees Benefits of Electric Buses, More Funds On Way

In SD, Complexities Surround Teacher Appreciation Week

Helping Wyoming Foster Youths Succeed as Adults

Children's Advocates Applaud Kids Online Safety Act

IN Minority Health Coalition Works to Lower Infant Mortality Rates

In Ohio, Recruiters Help Older Kids in Foster Care Find Their Forever Family

Advocates Push for More Postpartum Healthcare Funding

Congressional Hearing Re-Examines AFT COVID-19 Pandemic Plan

CA Parent, Youth Helpline Wins Grant to Continue for 2 More Years

Screen-Free Week Challenges Families to Power Down, Reconnect

Report: Child Population Declines in Pennsylvania

GA Libraries Work to Boost Literacy Rates for Library Week