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Editor's Note
KIDS COUNT 2008 covers a lot of ground in child well-being but perhaps the most notable (and I don't mean in a good way) finding is that child poverty is once again on the rise, up by about 1 million children since 2000.
Other recent analyses -- Every Child Matters' Geography Matters report to name just one -- support these findings and note that government investment is strongly linked with child well-being.
So this week, we're featuring some important new resources on child well-being and poverty. The National Governor's Association and the Center for Law and Social Policy/Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity have two timely reviews of what states are doing to fight poverty and what's working best. And MDRC has an updated look at how "the end of welfare as we know it" -- specifically the shift from entitlement to time limits -- has affected families.
When it comes to health, the Commonwealth Fund has a first-ever comprehensive scorecard ranking states' child health systems and outcomes.
Also this week: it's June; do you know what a P-16 Council is? Find out what it is and why it matters when it comes to graduation rates in Education Week's Diplomas Count 2008 report.
As summer kicks off, several organizations are focusing on youth service learning. For the 411 on the difference between volunteerism and service learning, and the latest on the longer-term impacts of AmeriCorps, check the Youth Service section.
Keep working for kids, everyone!
Caitlin Johnson
weekly@connectforkids.org
 To read PDF files, download the free Adobe Reader. |
 New on Connectforkids.org
KIDS COUNT 2008: A CFK Overview
 To make positive change for kids, you need to know where things stand, what's working and what needs to be improved. The annual KIDS COUNT Data Book offers both data and context for 10 indicators of child well-being, and drills down to a state and local level. This year's essay offers a "roadmap for reform" in juvenile justice. CFK's Maria Allen attended the KIDS COUNT launch event in Washington, DC, and has this overview.
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Correction - and Then Some
The June 11 Update contained an incorrect link for a Child Trends brief on fatherhood programs. Here's the correct URL, as well as a link to a report from the Urban Institute:
 Ten Key Findings from Responsible Fatherhood Initiatives - this Urban Institute report looks at recent evaluations of
responsible fatherhood initiatives and identifies lessons for
policymakers and practitioners, as well as future research needed to
better understand programs' challenges and successes.
While you're at it, check out the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse, a project of Child Trends and the National Fatherhood Initiative -- it's a great tool for professionals interested in fatherhood initiatives. |
Child Well-Being
Evaluation Exchange: Building the Future of Family Involvement
The current issue of Evaluation Exchange from the Harvard Family Research Project (Spring 08) looks at promising practices in family involvement. In particular, it highlights the importance of partnerships within communities for better child outcomes, and how family involvement fits into a broader approach to children's success in education and in life.
Early Interventions to Prevent Abuse and Prepare for School Success (Audio Conference)
Increasingly, the most effective and innovative school-readiness policies and programs involve educators, abuse prevention experts, government and the private sector to address the many risks vulnerable young children face from birth to age 5. This recent Thursday's Child forum looked at the evolution of school-readiness programs; the importance of collaboration efforts at the federal, state and local levels; and where we need to go from here.
 International Bullying Prevention Conference (Nov. 6-7; register by June 27 for discounts)
This national conference in Indianapolis, IN, will focus on prevention and research for education professionals, youth-focused law enforcement, PTA members and others. It is sponsored by the International Bullying Prevention Association, the
Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy and the Indiana Department of
Education. Early Bird registration ends June 27.
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Fighting Poverty
Welfare Time Limits: An Update on State Policies, Implementation and Effects on Families
One of the most controversial features of the 1996 welfare reform was the imposition of time limits on benefit receipt. This comprehensive review, written by The Lewin Group and MDRC, includes analyses of administrative data reported by states to the federal government, visits to several states, and a literature review.
State Strategies to Reduce Child and Family Poverty
Child poverty has long-term costs not just for children and families, but also for communities and the nation as a whole. In fact, childhood poverty is estimated to cost the U.S. economy approximately $500 billion annually. This brief from the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices examines the policies and programs adopted by state leaders to combat poverty while strengthening local economies.
 Seizing the Moment: State Governments and the New Commitment to Reduce Poverty in America
This report reviews state efforts to make fighting poverty a political priority, and looks at why economic opportunity is critical for families and our nation. Twelve states have established initiatives and four have proposals pending. The report was published by the Center for Law and Social Policy and the Casey-funded Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity initiative.
New State Profiles on Family Economic Security
The National Center for Children in Poverty's new profiles provide data on low-income children and families in each state and highlight state policy choices regarding families' work attachment and advancement, income adequacy, and asset development.
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Foster Care and Child Welfare
 Dermott-Weller Child Welfare Bill Introduced in Congress
Representatives McDermott (D-WA) and Weller (R-IL) have introduced the Fostering Connections to Success Act (H.R. 6307), which focuses on supporting permanence and improving children's long-term health, education and well-being. Among the provisions: giving states an option to extend foster care assistance up to age 21; increasing tribal access to funds; encouraging sibling placements; supporting kinship caregivers; and improving the Adoption Tax Credit. It has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
To learn more:
- Action alert: Kids are Waiting has a free call-in line for advocates to contact the House: 1-888-686-8191. See this flyer for more (MS Word).
 Help Shape the Future of Abuse and Neglect Prevention
If you work in the child abuse and neglect prevention field, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation is seeking your input to help shape future grantmaking strategies and inform the field overall. Take this short Web survey conducted by the RAND Corporation's Promising Practices Network and you'll also have a chance to win one of five $50 Amazon gift certificates.
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Youth Service and Community Improvement
Service Learning: What Works and What You Need to Know
Not sure how "service learning" differs from community service or volunteer work? This article from the National Association of Secondary School Principals gives a great overview of service
learning and what works.
 Youth Support Creating US Public Service Academy
Should our nation start a "non-military version" of military academies -- an undergraduate education followed by five years
of civilian service? A survey of 800 young people ages 18 to 29 finds strong support for such an institution, according to the US Public Service Academy.
The Impact and Future of AmeriCorps
This Brookings Institution and the Corporation for National and Community Service forum examined a recent study of AmeriCorps' long-term impact on members. The results: AmeriCorps is "a pipeline
to careers in public service and creates civic leaders who continue to
serve in their communities long after their service has been completed."
 Apply to be a 2009 Global Youth Service Day Lead Agency
Here's a way to increase participation in your programs and connect with the larger youth service movement! Eligible groups can receive a $2,000 planning grant and direct assistance from Youth Service America. For more information, contact Andraéa LaVant at alavant@ysa.org. Deadline: July 11.
Radio Archives: Rebuilding Lives in Mississippi
Here's a listen to AmeriCorps in action: since July 2006, nearly 200 YouthBuild AmeriCorps graduates and students from across the nation have worked to rehabilitate 175 homes in communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina, as this National Public Radio segment reports.
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Education News
Diplomas Count 2008
This year, 1.23 million students will fail to graduate from high school. This report from Education Week and the Editorial Projects in Education Research Center examines "P-16" or "P-20" councils that link precollegiate schooling and higher education. To date, 38 states have created councils; here's a look what's working, what's needed and how these councils are spreading the word about their efforts.
 Youth-Led Action on Graduation Rates
Once you've gotten the facts from Diplomas Count, check out the latest Graduation for All e-newsletter, published by the Intercultural Development Research Association. It profiles youth who are speaking out and becoming advocates in Oklahoma City, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Indianapolis and other cities across the country.
 New Campaign: Broader, Bolder Approach to Education
"The nation's education and youth development policy has erred by relying on school improvement alone to raise achievement levels of disadvantaged children" according to this new task force of diverse education experts. It recommends reforms including: expanding high-quality early childhood programs, reducing class size and extending school time, establishing routine health care (including in-school clinics), and addressing the needs to recent immigrants. |
Health News
 Ranking the States on Children's Health Care: A Scorecard
This first-ever scorecard from the Commonwealth Fund finds wide differences across states in health care quality, access, costs and outcomes. "Millions more children would have insurance and adequate health care, and would avoid developmental delays, if all states performed as well as the top states," according to the report. Iowa, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire lead the rankings.
Research Brief Examines Link Between Children's Media Use and Sleep Problems
The Kaiser Family Foundation reviews and summarizes the limited research on children's media use and sleep -- and finds consensus on two points: children and adolescents do not get enough quality sleep and they use media in ways that could interfere with adequate sleep. However, far more research is needed to understand the link between media and sleep.
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 Tools for Your Work
June Funding Tip: Funds for Youth Workforce Development
This month's Finance Project funding tip is on how to maximize federal funds to support workforce development services for youth. Get scoop on sources and examples of how programs are using them!
ToolFind: Outcomes Evaluation Resources
Toolfind is a free directory from the United Way that connects professionals in youth-serving programs with measurement tools for up to 11 youth outcome areas.
Resource Center: Tools and Training for Volunteer and Service Programs
Looking for a "one-stop shop" for tools to strengthen volunteer and service programs? Look no further than this site from the Corporation for National and Community Service. It offers more than 2,500 free downloadable tools, e-courses, and other resources and materials on hundreds of topics. There are also areas for social networking and interaction. |
 Grants and Funds
Finish Line Youth Foundation Grants for Disadvantaged Youth
This progam funds organizations
that provide opportunities for youth participation in athletic programs
that promote an active lifestyle and team-building skills, and
established camps that emphasize sports and an active lifestyle,
especially those serving disadvantaged and kids with special needs. Deadline: June 30.
Intergenerational Housing Grants and Application Help
Planning to apply for the demonstration grants to create LEGACY
Intergenerational Housing? Generations United has created a tip sheet
that includes a list of resources that may be helpful with your
application efforts. Deadline: July 2nd.
Disney MinnieGrants, Second Round
These grants from Youth Service America and Disney support programs to engage children and youth ages 5 to 14 as community volunteers. Awardees receive $500 to support their youth-led service projects. Deadline: August 30.
Teaching Tolerance Grants
Pre-K through grade 12 classroom teachers can get funds for projects designed to reduce prejudice among youth, improve intergroup relations in schools and/or support educator professional development in these areas. (Proposals from other community organizations and houses of worship will be considered on the basis of direct student impact). Deadline: open. |
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Caitlin Johnson and Thaddeus Ferber
Connect for Kids and the Forum for Youth Investment
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