Family/Father Issues / Public News Service

More than 500 Ohio children were reported sleeping in county government offices over a one-year period due to a lack of foster care placements. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Ohio urged to restore $61M for foster care in final budget talks

Ohio child welfare advocates are urging lawmakers to restore more than $60 million in funding to address the state's ongoing foster care placement cri…

Medical organizations said the effects of Alzheimer's are projected to rise in states like South Dakota and families should be more in tune with potential issues facing their loved one, including money management. (Adobe Stock)

Money management skills focus of new dementia research

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month and new research examined the connection between dementia and awareness about money management skills…

More than 3 million undergraduate students in the United States are also parents. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

GOP spending cuts could fall on Maryland's student parents

More than 70,000 Marylanders are student parents, raising kids while attending college full or part-time and proposed cuts in this year's big budget …

Nineteen percent of Kentucky adults reported experiencing 4 or more ACEs, according to a new report from Kentucky Youth Advocates and Bloom Kentucky. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Childhood trauma in KY is taking economic toll

Childhood trauma is costing Kentucky millions each year, according to a new report released today by Kentucky Youth Advocates and Bloom Kentucky…

Dan Diaz became an advocate for California's medical aid-in-dying law after the loss of his wife, Brittany Maynard, in 2014. (Dan Diaz)

CA lawmakers consider making End of Life Option Act permanent

CORRECTION: The name of the California law is the 'End of Life Option Act.' A previous version of the story used the word 'Options,' not 'Option.' (11…

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, thousands of Arkansans could lose Medicaid coverage because of work requirements. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

AR residents could lose Medicaid under budget reconciliation bill

As Congress considers cuts to safety-net programs for what Republicans are calling the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," new analysis from the nonpartisan…

If the House budget reconciliation bill becomes law, annual cuts to Medicaid would average more than $70 billion in coming years, the same amount people earning $1 million or more per year would gain in tax cuts each year. (Adobe Stock)

'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' could close Colorado hospitals

As Congress considers cuts to safety net programs in what Republicans are calling the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," a new analysis from the nonpartisa…

Ohio allocates 85 cents per capita for domestic violence services, less than all five surrounding states, which range from $1.31 to $3.06 per person. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio domestic violence prevention programs face funding concerns

The federal budget proposal now being hashed out in Congress would significantly reduce funding for programs aiming to prevent domestic violence and a…

According to the 2025 Kids Count Data Book, nearly 1.4 million Texas children live below the poverty line. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Report: TX has room for improvement in children's well-being

Texas has fallen to 44th place nationally in this year's 2025 Kids Count Data Book released Monday by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The report …

Sixty-four percent of Colorado's fourth graders are not proficient in reading, and nearly 70% of eighth graders are not proficient in math. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado jumps up five spots to 12th nationally for child wellness

Colorado has moved up five spots to 12th among the states in the 2025 Kids Count Data Book released Monday by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which …

Arkansas is ranked 44th for child poverty in 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

New report ranks AR near bottom for child well-being

Arkansas did not fare well in this year's 2025 Kids Count Data Book, released today. The report, developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation…

Children whose parents lacked secure employment dropped 16% from 2019 to 2023. (Adobe Stock)

MD ranks top 10 in kids' economic well-being, dips in education

Maryland ranks 21st in the U.S. for the well-being of its children, according to a new report. While the report found children living in Maryland …

The 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book shows teen births are down in Vermont along with the number of children living in single-parent households. Children in families where the household head lacks a high school diploma also fell to just 3%. (Adobe Stock) <br />

State investments boost VT’s ranking for overall child well-being

Vermont ranks high in overall child well-being, with fewer children living in poverty, according to a new report. Released today, the 2025 Kids …

The new KIDS COUNT Data Book found 83% of Oklahoma 8th graders were not proficient in math. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Report: OK ranks 46th nationally in child well-being

Today, the Annie E. Casey Foundation has released its annual Kids Count Data Book, and the report shows Oklahoma ranks low in measures of child well-…

Nationally, more than 117,000 children in the U.S. foster-care system are waiting to be adopted. The children range in age from infants to 21 years old, with the average age being older than 8. <br />(Photo courtesy the Wright family)

Michigan family shines in national adoption spotlight

A new public service announcement spotlights a Michigan teen, in and out of foster homes, who was adopted after a holiday visit turned into a …

Summer food feeding sites can be found by texting

AR summer food programs prepare to feed students

With the start of summer, organizations across Arkansas are ramping up programs to ensure kids have access to healthy food. The No Kid Hungry …

Although TRICARE meets many needs of military families, Medicaid provides more comprehensive care for children through its pediatric benefits, which include yearly check-ups and dental services. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

Report: Medicaid vital for Pennsylvania military families

As Republican lawmakers consider cutting billions of dollars in Medicaid services, a new report reveals the proposed reductions could affect …

According to USA Facts, 28 is the average age a woman in Indiana gets married. (Adobe Stock)

Study shows marriage habits straying from traditional patterns

Women college graduates are not sticking to traditional compatibility traits when choosing a husband, according to one study. Preferences are …

Same-sex couples are seven times more likely to be raising an adopted or foster child. (Adobe Stock)

Expert breaks down myths surrounding same-sex families and adoption

Some same-sex couples who are looking to adopt may feel intimidated or concerned about their prospects. But adoption experts say that doesn't need to …

According to a 2024 report from the Center for American Women and Politics, 44 members of the Michigan House and 14 members of the state Senate are women. (Adobe Stock)

MI senator sponsors tax credit, cash allowance bills to help families

As families in Michigan and elsewhere struggle with daily living expenses, bills introduced this month could alleviate their financial burden…

Communication, like exercise, takes effort, and Colorado State University researchers said talking to people more often can help stretch and strengthen the socializing muscle. (Adobe Stock)

CSU study: Romantic partners, friends both important for happiness

Human beings are hardwired to pair-bond and most people have experienced some of the social pressures to find a life partner and start a family but a …

Nearly 70% of working caregivers in Ohio struggle to balance job duties and family responsibilities, according to AARP. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio bills aim to ease financial burden for family caregivers

New bipartisan bills in the Ohio Legislature would provide a $2,000 tax credit to working Ohioans who care for family members at home. The goal is …

In Tennessee, more than 4,000 people are employed with the Head Start program, and fiscal year funding last year was over $195 million. (Nina Lawrenson/Adobe Stock)

Head Start prepares TN kids for kindergarten, despite uncertain funding

Tennessee families who depend on Head Start programs for child care are watching Congress carefully, to make sure its federal funding isn't cut…

More than 145,000 Kentucky children have had a parent incarcerated, according to data from the University of Kentucky. (Adobe Stock)

Imprisoning KY parents has worsened foster care crisis

May is National Foster Care Month, and Kentucky advocacy groups across the political spectrum say the state hasn't done enough to keep kids out of …

In 2023, Indiana saw 80 drowning deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

As Hoosiers head to water for summer fun, experts warn risks are real

As Memorial Day kicks off summer across Indiana, Hoosiers will flock to lakes, rivers and pools, and safety should be on everyone's mind. William …

A report from the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University showed 23.3% of women of childbearing age in rural areas are covered by Medicaid. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

TX health care advocates say changes to Medicaid could affect expectant mothers

As members of Congress debate changes to Medicaid, advocates in Texas who work with people covered by the plan are concerned about potential …

In 2022, one in three SNAP participants in Ohio was a child, and more than 250,000 were seniors. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio leaders warn SNAP cuts could overwhelm state budget, food banks

Ohio advocates said proposed federal cuts to SNAP could force the state to absorb hundreds of millions in costs, threatening food access for families…

On a single day in 2024, Ohio domestic violence hotlines received 636 contacts, or nearly 27 per hour. (Adobe Stock)

Hundreds turned away as OH domestic violence shelters face budget pressures

A new report showed programs serving domestic violence survivors in Ohio are stretched thin, with hundreds of people who need help being turned away …

According to a report from the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University, labor and delivery is the top reason for a hospital stay nationwide. (Rido/Adobe Stock)

Report: Proposed Medicaid changes could hurt AR expectant mothers

Changes to Medicaid being proposed by members of Congress could have a significant effect on women in Arkansas who are of childbearing age, according …

P.J. Brock, a 5th grader at Middlesboro Middle School, with his family and teacher, Sandy Evans, alongside Kentucky Retired Teachers Association and AARP Kentucky representatives. (AARP Kentucky)<br />

Ahead of Mother’s Day, Kentucky student pays tribute to grandmother

Ahead of Mother's Day, one Kentucky middle-school student has received recognition for honoring his grandmother in a "Grandparent of the Year" essay …

In Pennsylvania, to become a foster parent you must be at least 21, and everyone in your home age 14 and older must pass criminal and child abuse-related background checks. (Mediteraneo/Adobe Stock)

'Forever families' needed for PA children in foster care

CORRECTION: The number of foster care referrals received by Bethany Christian Services is 200 each month. A previous version of the story incorrectly …

On average, military families are more likely to have a child with special or mental-health needs compared with civilian families. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MD military families rely on Medicaid, critical to national security

Republican lawmakers are considering billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid. But a new report finds those spending cuts might impact health-care …

Since 2023, the caucus has secured more than $200 million in new Momnibus and maternal-health funding through the federal budget process. That money is now reaching community groups, universities, health providers and researchers nationwide. (Rido/Adobe Stock)

Black maternal health remains focus of PA lawmakers

CORRECTION: State Reps. Morgan Cephas and Gina Curry are both members of the Democratic Party. A previous version of this story incorrectly …

The Ohio Education Association estimates Ohio public schools would be underfunded by $2.75 billion under the House version of the state budget. (Adobe Stock)

Public school advocates look to OH Senate to restore Fair School Funding

As Ohio lawmakers debate the state budget, advocates for public schools are voicing concerns proposed cuts and policy changes could harm children's …

Experts say social, economic, personal and environmental factors are the major influences on a person's well-being. They hope families keep these things in mind, especially mental health, when assessing the state of their household. (Adobe Stock)

Checking underneath the 'family wellness' hood

May is Family Wellness Month, and Minnesota households are encouraged to work on goals beyond the surface level of success. One expert said family …

Business organizations say between 2017 and 2024, the cost of child-care in North Dakota increased 40% at traditional day care centers. (Adobe Stock)

ND set to offer new child care tax credit

Solving North Dakota's child-care crisis is taking another turn, with adoption of a new tax credit. The incentive is geared for employers who make …

In Spring 2023, Arkansas created the Office of Early Childhood within the Arkansas Department of Education, which unifies the Arkansas early-childhood system. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Report: AR pre-K suffers from funding gap

A report by the National Institute for Early Education Research shows Arkansas needs to improve its reach with pre-K students. The state fell from …

In 2023, nearly 18% of U.S. households with children faced food insecurity, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio lawmakers consider free meals for all K-12 students

By Lauren Cohen / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. S.B. 109, a bill that …

Families in Colorado and across the nation spend up to 60% of their income on child care, the equivalent of a second mortgage or rent payment. (Adobe Stock)

Lack of affordable child care costs Colorado $2.7 billion annually

The lack of quality child care for infants and toddlers costs Colorado nearly $3 billion each year in lost earnings, productivity and revenue but an …

Ohio Department of Children & Youth reports more than 15,000 children are in foster care in Ohio - and nearly a quarter have complex needs that make finding the right placement especially challenging. (Adobe Stock)

Hope and healing in Ohio's foster system

As Ohio approaches National Foster Care Month in May, one family's journey highlights how therapeutic foster care can change lives. A 12-year-old …

In 2022, 40%, or just over 1 million Indiana households, earned incomes below the

Financial Literacy Awareness Month: Time for a budget reset?

April is Financial Literary Awareness Month and Hoosiers who are worried about inflation or watching their retirement account on the stock-market roll…

Family caregivers face higher risks of heart attack, stroke and mental health issues, but research shows having just four hours of respite each month can significantly improve their health and well-being. (zinkevych/Adobe Stock)

Proposed Medicaid cuts threaten lifeline for TN caregivers

A Tennessee nonprofit is warning that potential Medicaid cuts could threaten crucial support for the state's nearly 1 million family caregivers…

Of the more than 5 million families with young children who pay for child care each year, on average 2.2 million, or about 43%, pay unaffordable rates, according to a Center for American Progress report. (Adobe Stock)<br />

WV child care crisis expected to worsen as lawmakers fail to take action

West Virginia lawmakers continue their inaction on improving access to child care. House Bill 2026 would have allocated $32 million toward child …

Nearly 33% of adults with intellectual disabilities have experienced sexual violence, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. (Adobe Stock)

IN sexual assault victims often suffer in silence, urged to seek help

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Crimes against men and women ranging from grabbing and fondling to rape to criminally deviant conduct are …

The current Housing First program was instituted by President George W. Bush in 2004. (Aevan/Adobe Stock AI generated)

AR advocates concerned by cuts to programs for unhoused

It is estimated more than 2,600 people live on the streets across Arkansas. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has proposed a "treatment …

King County reported more than 16,000 people experiencing homelessness last year, which is more than half the state's unhoused population. (Mallivan/Adobe Stock)

Unique approach to helping WA homeless youth 'highly effective'

A unique approach to preventing youth homelessness in Washington is proving highly effective, with more than 93% of participants still housed one …

LGBTQ+ youths are nearly four times more likely to be victimized, and are particularly vulnerable to experiencing unwanted sexual advances online. (Adobe Stock)

Research: One in seven Utah children is a victim of sexual abuse

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and new research at Utah State University finds one in seven Utah children experiences sexual abuse --…

The Indiana Department of Child Services evaluates child abuse or neglect reports if the alleged victim is under age 18 and the alleged perpetrator is the victim's parent, guardian or custodian. (Adobe Stock)

IN child abuse cases rise, leave mental, physical scars

More than 7,500 Indiana children were removed from their homes last year because of abuse and neglect. According to The Indiana Youth Institute's 2024…

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