1. Demographics

2. 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

3. Youth defined according to WHO
Children:
0 10
Young People:
Adolescence:
Youth:

4. 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

5. 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?

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

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

12. 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!

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

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

20. ___ 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:
___

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. Uninsured

27. Unemployment Claims

28. Food Stamp Caseload

29. Abuse / Neglect

30. 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: