America's Children: A Powerful Snapshot 2006
As an Annual Reference Point, the National Fact Sheet from Child Welfare League of America (www.cwla.org) might just be the best Math 101 on child abuse and neglect we have encountered. Carefully and comprehensively sourced, the data is produced in the context of Poverty in America, Number of Abuse Cases filed and referred for investigation , Issues of Permanent Families, Kinship Support, Health, and other key subjects. From our most recent visit, while researching a future story, we pulled these data points:
- "Seven out of 10 cases of child abuse and neglect are exacerbated by a parent's abuse of alcohol and other drugs. In most cases, the parent's substance abuse is a long-standing problem of at least five years' duration"
- In 2003, of the 903,000 children substantiated as abused or neglected, as reported by 50 States, only 57.1% received follow-up services. Of those reported but not substantiated, only 25% received follow-up.
- Of the 278,848 children exiting out-of-home care in the United States in 2003, 54% were reunited with their parents or other family members.
For much more, www.cwla.org/printable/printpage.asp
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Child Advocacy 360's national research is complete, and we can now say with certainty that "good news" about programs that improve the lives of vulnerable, disadvantaged kids - helping them to become responsible citizens - can make a significant difference in building stronger neighborhoods, villages and cities.
What the research tells us:
- We see and hear so many "problem stories" about youth in the media - and so few "good news" stories about rewarding work being done with and for young people.
- The research is a call to "Give good news a chance! Tell stories about "Who's Doing What That Works." Why not, at long last, highlight solutions and not problems?
- And don't, according to the research, depend on the press to get your message out. In fact, the press is plagued with reduced staffs, meager resources and, for the most part, continues to believe: "If it bleeds, it leads."
What can we - ordinary citizens, parents, family members - do to make a difference where we live and work? more »
Hershel Sarbin, editor and publisher
Related-Using The Good News Lever to spark interest and action
Gardens for Growing
Gardens for Growing, a project of Child Advocacy 360 Foundation, is a virtual community garden where every flower you plant helps to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and youth from 'Inner City' America. Donate $5 or more to plant a flower or build a gazebo. One hundred percent of your donation helps to sustain the non profit Earth School program at Hanover Hill Farm in Westchester County, New York, founded and directed by educator Barbara Sarbin for the past 12 years.
