Family/Father Issues / Public News Service

There are 3,000 Idaho children in out-of-home placement in each year. (sewcream/Adobe Stock)

ID Looks to Recruit More Parents During Foster Care Month

May is National Foster Care Month and Idaho is focused on bringing more foster parents into the fold. It's always been difficult for states to …

During the pandemic, 141 child-care centers closed in Maine, and many more closed temporarily. That's limited some women from getting back into the workforce. (Rafael Ben-Ari/Adobe Stock)

Report: Gaps in Data Limit Maine's Ability to Support Marginalized Women

A new report finds the pandemic disproportionately impacted women, but that gaps in data limit Maine's ability to help those in need. Women are …

The National Parents Organization contends it is in the best interest of the child to spend as much time as possible with two fit parents in cases of divorce. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Bill Would Make Shared Parenting the Default for Child-Custody Cases

CORRECTION: Article updated to include comment from the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (6:30 a.m. EST. April 21, 2022) By Halena …

On April 22, AARP Wyoming will hold paper-shredding events in Sheridan, Rock Springs and Cheyenne, where folks can bring their personal documents to be safely discarded. (Adobe Stock)

Breaking the Silence on Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is experienced by at least one in 10 people aged 60 and older who live at home, and AARP Wyoming is working to ensure people have the …

LB 933 would make it a felony to provide medicine or procedures that end pregnancies, even in cases of rape and incest. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska Lawmakers Advance Abortion Ban Opposed by Majority of Voters

Nebraska is on track to ban all abortions in the state if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns its landmark Roe v. Wade decision. On Friday, lawmakers …

The California Parent and Youth Helpline provides trained counselors to listen to people's problems and steer them to the right resources. (Tanitost/Adobestock)

CA Parents Anonymous Program Gets $1 Million Grant to Strengthen Families

Parents Anonymous, part of the nonprofit Raising the Future, just got a grant from the federal government to the tune of $1 million. President Joe …

Eight in 10 Nebraska voters support increasing funding for the respite care program which provides short-term help from a home health aide or adult day-care program so family caregivers can take a break. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Eight in 10 Nebraska voters support increasing funding for the respite care program which provides short-term help from a home health aide or adult day-care program so family caregivers can take a break. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska Lawmakers Urged to Support Family Caregivers

The strain of unpaid family care-giving is pressing down hard on many Nebraska residents, according to new AARP research. Nearly half of people …

Child sex trafficking can have devastating immediate and long-term consequences, including health impacts, psychological and physical trauma. (Steven Depolo/HungryKids.org)

Child Sex-Trafficking Numbers Rise in Texas

Texas Rangers investigating reports of child sex trafficking at a shelter in Bastrop reported they did not find enough evidence to support the charges…

Calls to the Parent and Youth Helpline have increased month over month during the pandemic.(Monkey Business/Adobe Photostock)

During Parent Leadership Month, Advocates Push to Fund Helpline

As National Parent Leadership Month draws to a close, advocates are calling on lawmakers - who are writing the new state budget - to fund programs …

Nebraskans age 50 and older account for 56 cents of every dollar in consumer spending in the state, and generate $50 billion in economic activity. (Adobe Stock)

NE Lawmakers Consider Dropping Tax on Social Security Income

A bill designed to eliminate state taxes on Social Security benefits by 2025 is making headway in the Nebraska Legislature. Sen. Brett Lindstrom…

Under a new proposal, California employees could use up to three days of paid sick leave to get and recover from a COVID vaccination. (Mangostar/Adobestock)

Parents’ Advocates Cheer CA Deal on COVID Paid Sick Leave

Parents' rights groups are praising a plan to extend paid sick leave for many California workers, which is now on a fast track to pass. Gov…

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

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 …

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 …

A body of research has found frequent family visits and family phone calls to someone who's incarcerated not only reduces recidivism, but also strengthens family relationships. (Adobe Stock)

Researchers: Family Contact Vital for People in Jail or Prison

As holiday celebrations continue, groups that study issues in prisons say families with a loved one who's incarcerated should make attempts to …

A body of research has found frequent family visits and phone calls to someone who's incarcerated not only reduces recidivism, but also strengthens family relationships. (Adobe Stock)

Family Visits for People in Jail Seen as Key to Success

As holiday celebrations continue, groups that study issues in prisons say families with a loved one who's incarcerated should make attempts to …

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 …

West Virginia has been among the leading states nationwide for the number of children in the foster-care system per capita for the past several years, according to the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy. (Adobe Stock)

CPS Shortages, Lack of Data, Plague System as Demand for Foster Parents Rises

Children's advocates said they are hoping for major changes to the state's foster-care and child-protective services systems in the new year…

Fewer than one-in-five workers in the United States has access to paid family leave. (Adobe Stock)

MD Paid Leave Supporters: It's Time for the Time to Care Act

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Advocacy groups say a paid leave proposal in Maryland would provide peace of mind for workers, especially those with disabilities …

While there are some uncertainties, including inflation, Minnesota officials say the state's financial outlook is bright with a large surplus taking shape. (Adobe Stock)

MN Budget Surplus: Calls for Investments in Child Care, Other Needs

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Following this week's announcement that Minnesota is looking at a historic budget surplus, lawmakers face pressure to prop up …

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 …

A proposal by Milwaukee City Alder Marina Dimitrijevic would provide 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents, regardless of their gender. (Adobe Stock)

Milwaukee Alder Floats Proposal to Expand Paid Parental Leave

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- Like most of the nation, Wisconsin does not have a statewide paid parental leave policy, but in Milwaukee, a three-month paid …

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 …

Black children represent 36% of the children in foster care in Ohio, while they represent 14% of children in the general population. (Adobe Stock)

The Evolution of Ohio's Children Services System, Part 1: History

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Children Services is tasked with protecting the safety, well-being, and permanency of children and families, but some experts say …

Over 200 Colorado youths age out of foster care each year in the state, without being adopted or placed with extended family members. (Adobe Stock)

Help for Foster Youths During Stressful Holiday Season

DENVER - Some 24,000 teenagers in foster care across the nation officially become adults each year; in Colorado it happens on their 18th birthday…

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 …

Young people who are transitioning out of foster care could be spending the holidays without a support system. (Brian/Adobe Stock)

Aging Out of Foster Care System Presents Challenges for MT Youth

MISSOULA, Mont. - Young people who age out of the foster care program face unique challenges. Those challenges can feel especially acute and …

State data show that between 2017 and 2019, the number of paid-leave claims from the lowest-wage workers declined while claims from the highest earners rose by one-third. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi)

Paid-Leave Advocates Press for Build Back Better, Aim to Improve CA Program

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The push to offer paid leave nationwide is in high gear. A plan already passed the U.S. House as part of the Build Back Better …

Ivy Smith, who was part of the foster care system, recieved her undergraduate degree from Boise State University in 2020. (Ivy Smith)

Struggles of Aging-Out Foster Youth in Focus as Holidays Approach

BOISE, Idaho - The holidays can be a hard time for foster care youth, especially young people who have recently aged out of the system. Ivy Smith…

Of the 142,176 veterans living in Nebraska, only 33% have utilized their earned benefits at VA health care, according to U.S. Census data. (Adobe Stock)

New Online Navigator Aims to Streamline Access to Veteran Health Benefits

LINCOLN, Neb. - November is National Veterans and Military Families Month, and AARP has launched a free, one-stop online resource to help more …

This is one the new homes in the Simply Smiles Children's Village on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. The specialized homes provide culturally specific foster care to Indigenous children. (Simply Smiles)

New SD Project Builds Foster Homes in Tribal Communities

LA PLANT, S.D. -- South Dakota has struggled to establish a network of foster parents in tribal communities, but solutions are in play, including a …

The United States is one of six countries in the world with no federal family paid-leave program. The Build Back Better Plan could change that. (Adobe Stock)

Paid Family Leave on Forefront as Build Back Better is Finalized

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Congress is finalizing the Build Back Better plan, and proponents of paid family leave are pushing for the provision to remain in the …

Since 2017, North Dakota has had around 1,500 children younger than 18 living in foster care annually. (Adobe Stock)

New ND Group Fills Void in Helping Kids Avoid Foster Care System

DICKINSON, N.D. -- Efforts continue in North Dakota to carry out programs put in limbo by this year's closing of Lutheran Social Services (LSS)…

Holiday Season Tough on Foster Kids Transitioning to Adulthood

DES MOINES, Iowa - With the holidays near, foster families in Iowa are encouraged to maintain close connections with older teens no longer receiving …

Between two and four years after aging out of foster care, 46% of young people had not finished high school, 51% were unemployed and 84% became parents. (Adobe Stock)

Resources for Foster Youths During Holidays

OMAHA, Neb. -- Some 24,000 teenagers in foster care across the nation officially become adults each year; in Nebraska it happens on their 19th …

A report from the group "Listen to Us" finds that abused children too often are traumatized further while in foster care. (Wallyir/Morguefile)

Advocates Call for Eliminating Group Homes for Foster Kids

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Group homes and large institutional foster-care settings should be phased out - that's the recommendation of a recent report …

A recent study from the group "Listen to Us" recommends states do more to place foster children with relatives and make sure to consider the child's preference on placement. (Altanaka/Adobestock)

Report: Group Homes for Foster Kids Should Be Phased Out

CARSON CITY, Nev. - More than 3,000 children in Nevada are in foster care - and a recent study recommends that much more be done to keep them in …

Research shows low-income families spend a much higher percentage of their income on food than families with a higher income. (Adobe Stock)

Ogden Legislator Leads Push to Eliminate Utah's Food Tax

OGDEN, Utah - Utah is one of only a handful of states that taxes food, but one state legislator says taxing groceries should become a thing of the …

Rachel Winn, right, says her new van should be handicap accessible for her son by November. (Rural Dynamics)

Program Helps Montanans with Disabilities Afford Assistive Tech

HELENA, Mont. - It can be hard for people with disabilities to afford the assistive technology they need to perform daily activities. A program in …

Working Americans pay a higher tax rate on their wages than people who are wealthy pay for passive income gained through investments in stocks and bonds. (Adobe Stock)

Wealthy Coloradans Urge Congress to Raise Their Taxes

DENVER - Some 200 wealthy taxpayers and business owners, including 14 in Colorado, are asking Congress to raise their taxes. An open letter …

A new report spotlights the economic impacts of limiting a woman's right to safe and legal abortion. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Restricting Abortion Access Brings Big Financial Trouble

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Limiting women's access to abortion and other reproductive health care can have a devastating impact on state economies. According …

Male survivors of sexual assault sometimes feel shame or self-doubt that prevents them seeking help. (AdobeStock).

Sexual-Violence Prevention: Patriarchal Ideas a Barrier for Men

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Anyone can become a victim of sexual violence, and work is underway in Ohio to ensure that men feel welcome in the anti-violence …

President Joe Biden's American Families Plan would provide paid family leave and improved pay and working conditions for caregivers. (Satjawat/Adobe Stock)

Groups Back American Families Plan to Boost Pay for Caregivers

PHOENIX, Ariz. - A coalition of social activists and care-industry groups is calling for Congress to pass President Joe Biden's American Families …

The pandemic has added extra stressors for California's 9 million children and their parents. (Fizkes/Adobestock)

CA Parent and Youth Helpline Flooded During Pandemic

SACRAMENTO, Calif - More than 10,000 people have called the California Parent and Youth Helpline during the pandemic so far - but the funding is set …

According to CWEALF, Connecticut's family and medical leave program is the strongest and most comprehensive in the country, from broadening the definition of "family" to a progressive wage replacement rate. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Privatization of Paid-Leave Claim Services Raises Red Flag

HARTFORD, Conn. -- The Connecticut Campaign for Paid Family Leave has been raising concerns about outsourcing of the state paid leave program's …

Federal food assistance programs, including SNAP and Nebraska's Farmers Market Nutrition Program for seniors and families with children, ensure that farmers get fair market prices for their goods. (Adobe Stock)

Double Up Food Bucks Program Boosts Farmer’s Markets

LINCOLN, Neb. -- After a new state law expanded eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the program formerly known as …

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