Demographics

Why focus on children & adolescents? Unique population – especially this generation. The first to understand terrorism as a domestic issue The first to compete fully in a global economy The first to experience instantaneous communication with the world The first to grow up with the majority living a portion of childhood in a single parent household The first to live their entire lives in the shadow of AIDS

Youth defined according to WHO Children: 0 10 Young People: 10 24 Adolescence: 10 19 Youth: 15 24

National Statistics “America’s Children: Key National Indicators of Well- Being, 2009” Report: In 2008, 73.9 million children 0-17 y/o Children equal 24% of the population

Racial and Ethnic Diversity In 2008, 56% of children were white, non-Hispanic 22% were Hispanic 15% were African-American 4% were Asian 5% were other Which do you think was the fastest growing group?

Family and Social Environment In 2008: 67% of children lived with two married parents 19% of children were native with at least one foreign-born parent In 2007: 21% of school-aged children spoke a language other than English at home 5% spoke a language other than English at home AND had difficulty speaking English

More Family/Social Environment In 2007: The birth rate to adolescents (15-17 y/o) rose slightly

Economic Circumstances In 2007: 18% of all children lived in poverty 77% of children who had at least one parent that worked year round, full time The number of children living in low food security homes increased

Health Care In 2007: 89% of children had health insurance coverage Unfortunately though, 11% of children had NO coverage at any time during the year. 77% of children 2-17 y/o had a dental visit in the last year.

Physical Environment & Safety In 2007: 66% of children lived in counties with measurable air pollutants Less children live in homes with second-hand smoke!! 43% of children had housing problems

Behavior Heavy drinking slightly declined among all grades that were monitored Cigarette smoking, drug use and sexual behavior remained the same

Education In 2007: 89% of young adults (18-24 y/o) had completed high school or earned a GED. 67% of those went to college!

Health Infants born preterm or low birthweight declined slightly Infant mortality declined Diets are somewhat improving 17% of children 6-17 are still overweight

General Well-Being Report: “U.S. Teens in Our World: Understanding the Health of U.S. Youth in Comparison to Youth in Other Countries”

___ So – what about Oregon? Report: “Children First for Oregon: Report Card 2008” Do you think that we are better or worse than the national levels? Our overall grade: ___

Child Welfare ______ Child abuse is still 6.9 children/1,000 7.8% are re-abused within 6 months of prior abuse 16% of foster children do not have stable placement

Early Care and Education _____ Availability of child care has not improved 62% of eligible children are enrolled in Head Start 84% of 3rd graders met or exceeded state reading standards 77% of 3rd graders met or exceeded state math standards

Family Financial Stability ______ 16.9% of children live in poverty 82% of low-income rental households do not have adequate housing 11.9% of Oregonians are at risk of hunger

Health ______ Infant mortality: 5.9 / 1,000 babies will not survive to their first birthday 12.6% of children under 18 do not have health insurance 26.8% of high school students are overweight or at risk for becoming overweight

Youth Development and Education ______ High School Dropout rate: 4.2% 14.9 / 1,000 of youth under 18 were arrested 30.9% of 8th graders drink alcohol 15.9% of 8th graders use illicit drugs 9.0% of 8th graders smoke cigarettes

Uninsured www.oregon.gov

Unemployment Claims www.oregon.gov

Food Stamp Caseload www.oregon.gov

Abuse / Neglect www.oregon.gov

What impacts does this have? Children raised in poverty are more likely to: Have limited or no access to health care Have chronic health problems Die during childhood Experience food insecurity and/or hunger Have learning disabilities Score lower on standardized tests Repeat a grade Drop out of school Suffer from emotional and/or behavioral problems Be poor as adults Source: www.cffo.org