Are Our Children Better Than Last Year?

I work with a team of lawyers who try hard every day to improve the lives of children. Through legal representation of families who care about children, we hope to help those specific children while also effecting systemic change.

The government today released its biannual full report on the status of children and families in the United States. I'll mine the data over the next few weeks in this blog. Here are some initial highlights of indicators which increased over the past year:

• the percentage of children served by community water systems that did not meet all applicable standards for healthy drinking water;
  
  
• the percentage of children living in physically inadequate or crowded housing or housing that cost more than 30 percent of household income;
  
  
• the percentage of low birth weight infants;
  
  
• the percentage of births to unmarried women;
  
  
• the rate at which youth were perpetrators of serious violent crime;
  
  
• the number of young people finishing high school;
  
  
• the number of little children being read to.
  
  

The report was released by the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics, a consortium of federal agencies that includes the National Institute of Child Heath and Human Development, the Census Bureau and the Administration for Children and Families.

Audit Urges Coordination Of Programs For Young Children

In my law practice I see the delayed results of problems which could have been prevented by early intervention in a child's first years. Early childhood intervention could prevent later issues involving special education, school discipline, and juvenile delinquency.

A Kansas audit released yesterday found that state agencies could better coordinate programs for such young children. The study found multiple agencies offered similar programs for the same population. However, the auditors found no indications of wasted tax dollars or failed programs.

The programs serve 40 percent of Kansas children under the age of 5. The 23 programs provide immunizations, therapy for special-needs toddlers, abuse prevention efforts, parenting training and assistance to poor mothers. The services cost $310 million last year.

Legislation passed in Kansas this year will create an Office of Early Childhood Education by 2009. The new agency could have a role in coordinating services; however, the specific authority of that agency has not yet been clarified.

I support any effort to ensure services reach the children who need them. At the same time, Kansans should feel assured from this audit that these essential services already work mostly as intended.

Mental Health for Children and Adolescents

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This video provides instruction about mental health issues in children and adolescents. Although the production quality is not great, it contains some information that might help a child and a family. It addresses:

• Understanding Of Mental Health
  
  
• Causes
  
  
• Families Assisting
  
  
• What To Look For
  

CASA's Are Great People!

This is my week to volunteer for CASA of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties, Kansas, where I serve on the board of directors. CASA trains community volunteers to serve as a child's voice in court.

This morning I trained about eight new volunteers. I have been training CASA volunteers for more than ten years. This group was clearly intent on making a difference in the lives of children in court. On Tuesday evening I will train about another eleven new volunteers on the role of attorneys and guardians ad litem.

On Wednesday I am hosting a table at the annual Promise of Hope luncheon to raise community awareness and support for CASA. Thursday evening we have a regular board meeting followed by a reception for the new volunteers. I also have a speaking engagement Thursday evening with Horizon Academy, a specialized private program to educate children with learning disabilities.

I enthusiastically volunteer my time for CASA because I believe in its mission. If you believe in helping children, I encourage you to volunteer for this worthwhile organization.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog about policies and practices affecting the well being of our children. If you view my profile, you'll see that I care passionately about this issue. I started a law practice in Kansas and Missouri dedicated solely to advocating for children and the adults who love them. Our web site is at www.yourchild1st.com.

Let's use this blog to stir a spirited discussion on public policies and practices that affect the well being of our children. You may post your comments directly to this blog. You can also e-mail me with your comments and suggestions. My e-mail address is Scott@yourchild1st.com. I'll look forward to participating with you.