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 _______

18.7% of children live in poverty (2010)

82% of low-income rental households do not have adequate housing

11.9% of Oregonians are at risk of hunger 86% of eligible kids are receiving free or reduced-

priced lunches. (2010)

Health ______ Infant mortality: 5.9 / 1,000 babies will not

survive to their first birthday

10.6% of children under 18 do not have health insurance (2010 progress report)

26.8% of high school students are overweight or at risk for becoming overweight

HOWEVER…

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