tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188961742024-03-08T00:36:38.498-05:00This Week's News: Youth in TransitionUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger389125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-18383405511406442822013-10-14T09:32:00.002-04:002013-10-14T09:32:15.461-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/massachusetts-debates-raising-school-dropout-age-to-18-85899511781" target="_blank">Massachusetts Debates Raising School Dropout Age to 18</a><br />Stateline, Massachusetts – October 10, 2013<br />Massachusetts is the latest state to consider raising the dropout age for students to 18 in an effort to improve graduation rates. A bill, sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz, would also standardize use of an early warning system that would alert school administrators when a student might be at risk for dropping out.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/226889081.html" target="_blank">50 Cent says Sundance's 'Dream School' about high school dropouts is fresh for reality TV land</a><br />Star Tribune, New York, NY – October 8, 2013<br />50 Cent said he's excited to be part of the new Sundance series "Dream School" because the reality show focuses on uplifting people. "Dream School," which debuted Monday (10 p.m. EDT), follows a group of high school dropouts who are trying to graduate.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_24271349/students-join-call-raise-minimum-dropout-age-18" target="_blank">Students join call to raise minimum dropout age to 18</a><br />LowellSun.com, Boston, MA – October 9, 2013<br />Friends hugged and congratulated Hayley Cannon, a former Lowell High School student at risk of dropping out, who says smaller classes and more attention have helped her succeed in her studies. <br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.corrections.com/news/article/34274-state-seeking-major-overhaul-of-juvenile-justice-system" target="_blank">State seeking major overhaul of juvenile justice system</a><br />Corrections.com, Florida – October 11, 2013<br />The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is proposing a major overhaul of its mission, emphasizing prevention while keeping the most dangerous offenders from committing more crimes.<br /><br /><a href="http://jjie.org/nearly-half-of-u-s-states-enact-juvenile-justice-reforms/" target="_blank">Nearly Half of U.S. States Enact Juvenile Justice Reforms</a><br />Juvenile Justice Information Exchange, Washington, DC – October 9, 2013<br />Nearly half of U.S. states have made great strides in the past eight years toward reducing the prosecution of juveniles in the adult criminal justice system or preventing youths from being placed in adult jails and prisons, a report released Thursday found.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-10-09/news/os-lk-lauren-ritchie-foster-care-children-20131009_1_foster-care-foster-kids-new-foundation" target="_blank">New foundation needs your help to put foster kids on the right path</a><br />Orlando Sentinel, Orlando, FL – October 9, 2013<br />Some see the hole. Others are swallowed by it. Denise Burry has seen it for years, and in her own small way she has tried to steer teens around it. Now she's reaching out to help in a more meaningful way. The hole is a yawning gap in the road that a teenager in foster care must travel to successful adulthood. The group, on the web at forwardpaths.org, seeks to help teenagers who don't choose to go on to school and are thrust into the world without an income and those who simply don't know how to manage money and live in the world alone.<br /><br />
<a href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&gl=us&tbm=nws&authuser=0&q=high+school+dropout&oq=high+school+dropout&gs_l=news-cc.3..43j43i53.9009.10758.0.10870.19.14.0.3.0.2.336.1707.7j6j0j1.14.0...0.0...1ac.1.V1F6tyuq8UI#authuser=0&gl=us&hl=en&q=foster+care+aging+out&tbm=nws&tbs=qdr:w" target="_blank">Saving lives through Foster Care and Adoption Is both challenge and reward: Phillip Morris</a><br />The Plan Dealer – October 8, 2013<br />As a young man, he found wealth, fame, respect, purpose. But that wasn’t his luck. Not by a long shot. McDaniels found the right parents – or rather they found him in a maternity ward. It all could have easily turned out much different. The program, Nurturing Independence & Aspirations, provides housing and support services for 23 young adults, who have aged out of foster care.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.wnd.com/2013/10/teen-pregnancy-drops-as-planned-parenthood-vanishes/" target="_blank">Teen pregnancy drops as Planned Parenthood vanishes</a><br />WND.com – October 12, 2013<br />Communities looking to reduce their teen pregnancy rates perhaps should consider one move before all the others: closing down any Planned Parenthood business. That’s because a new study of one region of the country shows that as Planned Parenthood operations shut down and moved out, the teen pregnancy rate plunged by almost half.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kjzz.org/content/1310/teen-pregnancy-rates-reach-historic-low" target="_blank">Teen Pregnancy Rates Reach Historic Low</a><br />KJZZ 91.5, Arizona – October 11, 2013<br />Teen pregnancy rates have reached an all-time low, according to the Centers For Disease Control. Arizona has the sixth highest teen pregnancy rate in the country according to a national study. One teenager is dealing with the realities of pregnancy.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-60235889994081952802013-10-07T09:00:00.000-04:002013-10-07T09:00:01.203-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/900532_School-District-of-Lancaster-to-take-part-in-dropout-prevention-program.html" target="_blank">School District of Lancaster to take part in dropout prevention program</a><br />Lancaster Online, Lancaster, PA – October 1, 2013<br />Jack Blackman walks through the hallway looking for red flags. As the coordinator of counseling and dropout prevention programs for the School District of Lancaster, he needs to be on the lookout for students at risk of dropping out of school.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2013/10/06/nasd-officials-preventing-dropouts-with-extended-school-day-program/" target="_blank">NASD officials preventing dropouts with extended school day program</a><br />Natchez Democrat, Natchez, MS – October 6, 2013<br />The traditional school model wasn’t working anymore for Cortez Ford in March 2012 when he stopped attending Natchez High School. The Natchez native grew up as an honor roll student in the Natchez-Adams School District but admitted he began veering off course in seventh grade.<br /><br /><a href="http://tbrnews.com/news/redondo_beach/r-b-school-official-stars-in-new-reality-tv-show/article_ad73afac-2c8f-11e3-95e2-001a4bcf887a.html" target="_blank">R.B. school official stars in new reality TV show about dropouts</a><br />The Beach Reporter, Los Angeles, CA – October 5, 2013<br />Imagine walking into class on the first day of high school and learning that your teacher is 50 Cent. Or Oliver Stone. Or Suze Orman. Or David Arquette. Or Jesse Jackson. That’s what really happened to a group of high school dropouts from around Los Angeles in “Dream School.”<br /><br />
<b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/ci_24249935/new-massachusetts-law-places-17-year-olds-juvenile" target="_blank">New Massachusetts law places 17-year-olds in juvenile courts</a><br />The Berkshire Eagle, Massachusetts – October 6, 2013<br />Nearly every day, 17-year-olds from around Massachusetts end up in District Court after being arrested for disorderly conduct, trespassing, theft, illegal possession of alcohol or other minor crimes. But as of Sept. 18, when Gov. Deval Patrick signed the so-called "Raise the Age" bill into law, 17-year-olds who commit crimes no longer go to adult court. Their cases will be heard in juvenile court. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.doorcountyadvocate.com/article/20131005/ADV01/310050230/Bies-urges-returning-17-year-olds-juvenile-justice-system" target="_blank">Bies urges returning 17-year-olds to juvenile justice system</a><br />Door County Advocate, Wisconsin – October 5, 2013<br />A bipartisan group of legislators has introduced a bill that would return 17-year-olds to the juvenile justice system if they are first-time offenders charged with non-violent crimes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/89432/" target="_blank">Hall aims to help repeat offenders with juvenile justice reforms</a><br />Gainesville Times, Hall County, GA – September 29, 2013<br />As the first deadline rapidly approaches, Hall County is gearing up for sweeping juvenile justice reforms that take effect Jan. 1. Hall County Juvenile Judge Cliff Jolliff wrote a grant proposal for a counseling program that, after getting funding in July, and months of preparation, will start taking referrals on Tuesday.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.jewishaz.com/arts_features/feature/class-teaches-cooking-skills-to-foster-teens/article_39faf7e2-2b7c-11e3-b1ef-0019bb30f31a.html" target="_blank">Class teaches cooking skills to foster teens</a><br />Jewish News, Arizona – October 2, 2013<br />Each month, teens and young adults who are in the foster care system – or aging out of it – are learning about healthy alternatives to fast food by attending cooking classes through the Jewish Family & Children’s Service Real World Job Development program.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.scnow.com/messenger/news/article_a20a1160-2d16-11e3-9918-0019bb30f31a.html" target="_blank">First Steps to offer program on preventing teen pregnancy</a><br />The Hartsville Messenger, Hartsville, SC – October 4, 2013<br />Darlington County First Steps is initiating a community-based teen pregnancy prevention program to be taught to 11- to 13-year-old youth, male and female, in Darlington County as part of the South Carolina Campaign Prevent Teen Pregnancy program.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-43201730599591195712013-09-30T08:46:00.002-04:002013-09-30T08:46:17.023-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/american-graduate-day-addresses-dropout-issue-20403382" target="_blank">'American Graduate Day' Addresses Dropout Issue</a><br />ABC News, Los Angeles, CA – September 28, 2013<br />The nation's school dropout problem is the subject of a day of public TV programming. Actors including Patrick Stewart and Brian Stokes Mitchell, Olympic medalist Shannon Miller and other celebrities and journalists will take part in "American Graduate Day 2013."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/09/harrisburg_one_of_four_pa_scho.html" target="_blank">Harrisburg one of four Pa. school districts in dropout prevention pilot</a><br />Penn Live, Harrisburg, PA – September 26, 2013<br />The capital city’s public school district is one of four in Pennsylvania picked to test a data-driven dropout prevention program, state officials announced Wednesday. Harrisburg stands to benefit greatly, given the cash-strapped district graduates just about half of its students.<br /><br /><a href="https://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/25898.aspx" target="_blank">Childhood health linked to high school completion</a><br />Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO – Septemebr 25, 2013<br />Each year in the St. Louis region, thousands of African American students drop out of high school. According to a newly released policy brief — “How does health influence school dropout?”— health and education are closely related, and there are patterns related to health that increase the risk of high school dropout.<br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/89432/" target="_blank">Hall aims to help repeat offenders with juvenile justice reforms</a><br />Gainesville Times, Hall County, GA – September 29, 2013<br />As the first deadline rapidly approaches, Hall County is gearing up for sweeping juvenile justice reforms that take effect Jan. 1. Hall County Juvenile Judge Cliff Jolliff wrote a grant proposal for a counseling program that, after getting funding in July, and months of preparation, will start taking referrals on Tuesday.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wtvq.com/content/localnews/story/Commonwealth-Looking-at-Juvenile-Justice-Reform/TgQZiLHo00WQ5ByKCQ9NLw.cspx" target="_blank">Commonwealth Looking at Juvenile Justice Reform</a><br />WTVQ, Commonwealth, KY – September 25, 2013<br />State lawmakers say they want to lower the number of juveniles that the State locks up every year. State Senator Whitney Westerfield says many of the state's juvenile inmates are in for committing offenses that are not even crimes for adults, offenses like skipping school or running away from home.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mccookgazette.com/story/2008046.html" target="_blank">Bar Association sees hope in reform of juvenile justice system</a><br />McCook Daily, McCook, NE – September 26, 2013<br />Nebraska State Bar Association officials said they support changest to the state's juvenile justice system created by LB 561, passed in May. "The legislation changes the focus of our juvenile system, away from punishment and towards diversion programs," said Marsha Fangmeyer, president of the NSBA executive council, during a visit to McCook on Tuesday. <br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://crosscut.com/2013/09/23/Kidsatrisk/116363/legislation-improve-wa-foster-care-system/" target="_blank">Fixing WA foster care, one bill at a time</a><br />Crosscut, Washington – September 30, 2013<br />Six foster care-related bills went into the Washington State Legislature's hopper last session. Three passed. Two were set aside because they were duplicative. The sixth stalled, but has a chance at passing in 2014. "We're making progress,” says Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-Seattle, a longtime advocate for at-risk kids. “But we still have a long way to go."<br /><br /><a href="http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/anthony-jeanne-pritzker-family-248575.aspx" target="_blank">Pritzker Family Foundation supports foster youth at UCLA with $3 million gift</a><br />UCLA Newsroom, Los Angeles, CA – September 26, 2013<br />The charitable foundation of Los Angeles philanthropists Anthony and Jeanne Pritzker has donated $3 million to UCLA to establish an endowment to support students who are or were in foster care.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.texasobserver.org/state-health-department-spends-1-2m-abstinence-project/" target="_blank">State Health Department Spends $1.2 Million on Abstinence-Only Project</a><br />Observer, Texas – September 25, 2013<br />In September the Texas Department of State Health Services launched a new website, www.ourtown4teens.org, that will cost $1.2 million over the next year. The agency blitzed the radio and TV with ads for the site, claiming that it will help local communities reduce teen pregnancies. Although the site offers reminders why adolescent pregnancy is to be avoided—girls don’t finish school, babies have worse health outcomes, taxpayers foot the bill—it seems primarily to be a home for buzzwords like “community mobilization,” “strategic action” and “conceptual framework.”</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-29572928545223503312013-09-23T09:00:00.000-04:002013-09-23T09:00:00.077-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/22649423-418/magic-johnson-launches-movement-to-combat-high-school-dropout-rate.html" target="_blank">Magic Johnson launches movement to combat high school dropout rate</a><br />Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago, IL – September 18, 2013<br />Listening to 18-year-old Haman Cross speak, you’d never know he was a dropout. “I enrolled at MJBA because I needed the bridge to cross the gap between traditional schooling and a diploma,” the North Lawndale teen told an audience held rapt, drawn to the West Side by the star power of Earvin “Magic” Johnson.<br /><br /><a href="http://altadena.patch.com/groups/schools/p/pusd-campaign-focuses-on-high-school-dropout-prevention" target="_blank">PUSD Campaign Focuses on High School Dropout Prevention</a><br />Altadena Patch, Pasadena, CA – September 17, 2013<br />Pasadena Unified School District students who haven't been to class yet for the 2013-14 school year will get a visit from city and district volunteers tomorrow in an effort to discourage dropping out. The student-recovery effort is part of the district's "I'm In!" campaign to encourage school attendance, targeting students who have been "chronically absent" since August or have not been to class at all.<br /><br />
<a href="http://windham.patch.com/groups/schools/p/windham-high-school-recognized-for-being-dropout-free" target="_blank">Windham High School Recognized for Being Dropout Free</a><br />Windham Patch, Windham, NH – September 21, 2013<br />Windham High School hasn't had a student drop out in the last two years. Now, WHS has been recognized by the New Hampshire Department of Education for the rare and commendable achievement.<br /><br />
<b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.wbur.org/2013/09/18/massachusetts-juvenile-court-law" target="_blank">New Mass. Law Puts 17-Year-Olds In Juvenile Court</a><br />WBUR 90.9, Boston, MA – September 18, 2013<br />Gov. Deval Patrick on Wednesday signed into law a bill placing 17-year-olds accused of crimes under the jurisdiction of the state’s juvenile courts. Currently in Massachusetts, 17-year-olds are treated as adults, regardless of the circumstances or severity of the offense.<br /><br /><a href="http://jjie.org/georgia-funds-at-home-juvenile-treatment-program-in-rural-county/" target="_blank">Georgia Funds At-Home Juvenile Treatment Program in Rural County</a><br />Juvenile Justice Information Exchange, Georgia – September 19, 2013<br />Georgia’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) recently awarded the Rockdale County Juvenile Court $150,000 to fund a Functional Family Therapy (FFT) program, a form of evidence-based, at-home treatment for juvenile offenders.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.wdde.org/50175-foster-care-law-delaware" target="_blank">New law aims to help kids aging out of foster care</a><br />WDDE 91.1, Delaware – September 18, 2013<br />Delaware is extending care for foster kids as they transition to adulthood. Governor Jack Markell (D-Delaware) signed a bill Wednesday that enhances existing independent living services for young adults up to age 21. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20130920/ENT01/309200013/short-term-12-movie-review" target="_blank">'Short Term 12' movingly explores plight of teens in foster care</a><br />Detroit Free Press – September 20, 2013<br />Don’t be put off by its forgettable title. “Short Term 12” is a deeply memorable film. This modest, low-budget feature, which is set in a foster care facility, is well-written, terrifically acted and compelling. It deftly avoids sentimentality and offers a window into the lives of believable, multidimensional characters.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://moseslakegrantcounty.kxly.com/news/health/107831-federal-grant-teen-pregnancy-resources-focuses-grant-county" target="_blank">Federal grant for teen pregnancy resources focuses on Grant County</a><br />KXLY, Washington – September 18, 2013<br />Washington state has received a $6 million federal grant that will help connect expectant and parenting teens, women, fathers, and their families with health, education, and social services. The grant money will primarily be spent on programs in the state’s four-county region of Yakima, Franklin, Grant and Adams. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-1307751370973868422013-09-16T09:00:00.000-04:002013-09-16T09:00:01.376-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2013/9/12/new_bill_would_chang.html" target="_blank">New bill would change school drop out age to 18</a><br />Bay News 9, Florida – September 12, 2013<br />Every year in Florida, thousands of kids drop out of school. Under a newly proposed bill the age to legally drop out of school would go up from 16 to 18 years old. The goal is to take away an easy way out, which many high school students say has become way too popular.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/sep/12/study-bolsters-argument-linking-graduation-rates-c/" target="_blank">Study bolsters argument linking graduation rates to cutting crime</a><br />Las Vegas Sun, Nevada – September 12, 2013<br />Nevada could save $215 million annually in crime-fighting costs if it could raise its male high school graduation rate by 5 percentage points, according to a new report released today. The Alliance for Excellent Education, a Washington, D.C., education policy group, analyzed crime rates and graduation rates in 50 states and Washington, D.C., for its report, “Saving Futures, Saving Dollars: The Impact of Education on Crime Reduction and Earnings.”<br /><br /><a href="http://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2013/09/13/on-time-graduation-up-dropouts-down/" target="_blank">On-time graduation up, dropouts down</a><br />Suffolk News-Herald, Suffolk, VA – September 13, 2013<br />Improvements almost across the board in on-time graduation and other measures this year are “good news,” the district’s chief of operations told a School Board meeting Thursday. “They have shown marked improvement in on-time graduation … completion … and the dropout rate,” Kevin Alston said.<br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://rochester.ynn.com/content/news/696172/reforming-the-juvenile-justice-system/?ap=1&MP4" target="_blank">Reforming the Juvenile Justice System</a><br />YNN, New York, NY – September 13, 2013<br />Governor Andrew Cuomo wants to reform New York's juvenile justice system. As part of that effort, he's established eight regional youth justice teams across the state. The teams bring together key partners working to improve outcomes and reduce the number of youths in the system.<br /><br /><a href="http://gcn.com/articles/2013/09/13/florida-juvenile-justice-tableau.aspx" target="_blank">Visual analytics help Florida tell the story of juvenile justice reform</a><br />GCN, Florida – September 13, 2013<br />The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is using visual analytics to present a clearer picture of children in the justice system and the effectiveness of the state’s innovative reform efforts.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/analysis/a-clever-campaign-to-help-aged-out-foster-youth/3890" target="_blank">A Clever Campaign to Help Aged-Out Foster Youth</a><br />The Chronicle of Social Change – September 9, 2013<br />The Camellia Network, a multi-state organization that seeks and identifies resources for youths aging out of foster care, kicked off it first annual “Great Fall Rally” this week to push for donors willing to support former foster youth early in the academic calendar.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2013/09/12/short-term-12-review/2711831/" target="_blank">'Short Term 12' has long-term depth, meaning</a><br />USA Today – September 12, 2013<br />Don't be put off by its forgettable title. Short Term 12 is a deeply memorable film. This modest, low-budget feature (* * * ½ out of four; rated R; expands Friday to select cities) set in a foster care facility is well-written, terrifically acted and compelling.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-09-13/news/bs-ed-abstinence-20130913_1_teen-pregnancy-maryland-house-affordable-care-act" target="_blank">Getting past ideological differences to reduce teen pregnancy</a><br />The Baltimore Sun – September 13, 2013<br />Hal and Chuck Donofrio deserve the praise they received for their innovative media program to reduce unwanted teen pregnancy ("Abstinence with an attitude," Sept. 9). Their efforts began with an ideologically bipartisan effort of state legislators. Two pro-life lawmakers, state Sen. Frank Kelly and Del. Timothy Maloney, joined two pro-choice members, Sen, Catherine Riley and myself, to advocate for increased funding for family planning and counseling services, expanded adoption efforts and a television ad campaign that tells teens "it's OK to say no."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20130910/OPINION11/309100025/Teen-pregnancy-rates-historic-lows" target="_blank">Teen pregnancy rates at historic lows</a><br />Delaware Online – September 10, 2013<br />Not since 1940 when the Tom and Jerry cartoon debuted to the delight of the nation’s children has the teenage pregnancy rate in the United States been as low as it is currently tabulated. The rates are down in all 50 states, and among all racial and ethnic groups.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-46497789211847836342013-09-09T10:13:00.000-04:002013-09-09T10:13:00.727-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://kerasnews.org/post/study-think-recovery-high-school-dropouts" target="_blank">Study Up For ‘Think’: Recovery For High School Dropouts</a><br />Kera News, Texas – September 4, 2013<br />Dropout prevention programs focus on keeping students in school, but what about the ones who have already left? That’s where dropout recovery programs come in. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/09/04/hispanic-college-enrollment-rate-surpasses-whites-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank">Among recent high school grads, Hispanic college enrollment rate surpasses that of whites</a><br />Pew Research Center – September 4, 2013<br />A new U.S. Census Bureau report shows that after several years of gains, college enrollments in the U.S. fell between 2011 and 2012. But for one group—Hispanics—college enrollments were up, reflecting Hispanic population growth along with a growing share of young Latinos prepared for college. The new Census Bureau data also shows Hispanic students reached other milestones in 2012, continuing recent upward trends in educational attainment and college attendance. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/emilybennington/2013/09/03/one-fourth-of-us-high-school-students-drop-out-vicki-phillips-is-working-to-change-that/" target="_blank">Vicki Phillips' Plan To Keep High School Students From Dropping Out</a><br />Forbes, September 3, 2013<br />Vicki Phillips was born on a small farm in rural Kentucky. She was the first in her family to go to college and, today, she’s working to ensure thousands of other students have that same opportunity. As Director of Education (College Ready) for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Vicki helps U.S. high school students graduate ready to succeed.<br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/222569451.html" target="_blank">Proposal would return 17-year-olds to juvenile justice system</a><br />Star Tribune, Madison, WI – September 5, 2013<br />Non-violent 17-year-old offenders in Wisconsin would no longer be treated as adults in the justice system under a bipartisan proposal introduced Thursday in the Legislature.<br /><br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324906304579038610174471156.html" target="_blank">Courts Split Over Ruling on Juvenile Life Sentences</a><br />The Wall Street Journal – September 4, 2013<br />Jeffrey Ragland, sentenced to life without parole in 1986 for his involvement in the killing of a fellow teen with a tire-iron blow to the head, could soon be a free man. That outcome is the result of a ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court last month that found the sentence handed down to Mr. Ragland, now 44 years old, unconstitutional. <br /><br />
<a href="http://www.kansascity.com/2013/09/07/4464392/juveniles-are-now-being-locked.html" target="_blank">Juveniles are now being locked up less</a><br />The Kansas City Star – September 7, 2013<br />Juvenile justice authorities across the country are learning a lesson that took hold in Jackson County years ago. Most troubled kids don’t get better the more time they spend locked up. They usually get worse. And that’s why authorities are locking up fewer kids.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://news.wfsu.org/post/dcf-talks-logistics-expanding-foster-care" target="_blank">DCF Talks Logistics Of Expanding Foster Care</a><br />WFSU, Florida– September 3, 2013<br />Department of Children and Families officials Tuesday held the first of what may become a series of rule-making workshops concerning a new law that allows young adults to stay in foster homes until they’re 21. But, many officials had the same question –what happens to kids who CAN’T stay in those homes?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.startribune.com/local/north/222196971.html" target="_blank">At-risk youth providers rally at first-ever fest</a><br />Star Tribune – September 3, 2013<br />Youth intervention workers say their work is as critical as early childhood services and their programs should receive the same respect from lawmakers. The success stories of early childhood education are often touted, and lawmakers are loath to trim its budget. Paul Meunier, director of services for the nonprofit Youth Intervention Programs Association (YIPA), is out to change that.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20130905/NEWS/309050013/Teen-pregnancy-program-awarded-federal-grant" target="_blank">Teen pregnancy program awarded federal grant</a><br />GreenvilleOnline.com, Columbia, SC – September 5, 2013<br />The Children’s Trust of South Carolina has been awarded a multi-million-dollar grant to develop programs and services for pregnant and parenting teens in South Carolina.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/06/teen-birth-rate-hits-new-low/2764553/" target="_blank">Teen births hit historic low, half of 1991</a><br />USA Today – September 6, 2013<br />Teen births have continued to drop, reaching a historic low in 2012 and hitting half of what they were in 1991, says a government report out Friday.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-20449072597710107522013-09-03T10:32:00.000-04:002013-09-03T10:32:04.889-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition <b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local_news/schools/article_3159621a-1068-11e3-8d84-001a4bcf887a.html" target="_blank">Proposed tax levy may combat high school dropout rates</a><br />Herald and News, Klamath Falls, OR – August 28, 2013<br />Part of the tax levy that Klamath Community College is seeking will go toward solving a problem that President Roberto Gutierrez views as a major issue in the community — students dropping out of high school.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/08/charter_school_for_homeless_dr.html" target="_blank">Charter school for homeless, dropout and at-risk youth hosting open house in renovated building</a><br />MLive.com, Grand Rapids, MI – August 29, 2013<br />The new year-round charter high school working with homeless, dropout and at-risk youth is hosting an open house on Sept. 19 for more than 300 community and business leaders, supporters, and students.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.registerstar.com/news/article_6cf316e4-1389-11e3-9006-0019bb2963f4.html" target="_blank">Hudson schools look to increase graduation rates</a><br />Register-Star, Hudson, NY – September 2, 2013<br />With the 2013-14 school year starting next week, the Hudson City School District is looking to reverse a drop in graduation rates seen in recent years. At Monday’s board of education meeting at the high school library, Hudson City School District Superintendent of Schools Maria Suttmeier laid out the plan to help students achieve to school board members. That plan is being called “Destination Graduation.”<br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2013-08-28/criminal-justice/consensus-building-to-reform-wv-juvenile-justice-system/a34210-1" target="_blank">Consensus Building to Reform WV Juvenile Justice System</a><br />Public News Service, Charleston, WV – August 28, 2013<br />West Virginia is moving toward comprehensive juvenile justice reform that lawmakers and citizen groups say is badly needed. A judge this summer ordered the state to take young offenders out of West Virginia's only high-security juvenile facility because of serious problems there. Since then, momentum has been building around the idea of intensive monitoring and treatment at home for some young offenders instead of locking them up. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/a-court-to-give-juveniles-a-chance/2139148" target="_blank">A court to give juveniles a chance</a><br />Tampa Bay Times, Hillsborough County, FL – August 30, 2013<br />“Boutique courts" we called them, back when it seemed all the rage to set up a specialized court under one judge to deal exclusively with sex offenders, or domestic violence or drugs. When a new one would come up, some at the courthouse would roll their eyes. What next? A special animal court to handle dog bites and barking dogs and such? Well, yes. And turns out it's not a bad idea.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.columbiaspectator.com/2013/09/03/professor%E2%80%99s-book-shines-light-plight-children-foster-care" target="_blank">Professor’s book shines light on plight of children in foster care</a><br />Columbia Daily Spectator, Columbia, NY - September 3, 2013<br />Foster care doesn’t always have a happy ending. At least, not according to Cris Beam, a foster parent and professor of creative writing at Columbia. In her new book, “To the End of June: The Intimate Life of American Foster Care,” Beam offers an honest, personal perspective on a troubled system by following a handful of foster families. Spectator’s Rachel Dunphy caught up with Beam about the project.<br /><br />
<b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/TPS_proposes_teen_pregnancy_prevention_program/20130903_11_A1_Sexedu378992" target="_blank">TPS proposes teen pregnancy prevention program</a><br />Tulsa World, Tulsa, OK – September 3, 2013<br />Sex education could soon be expanding in Tulsa Public Schools. On Tuesday, the school board will be asked to approve a comprehensive pregnancy prevention curriculum for students in grades seven, nine and 11 that would be provided beginning this fall by Youth Services of Tulsa, the Tulsa Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and the Tulsa City-County Health Department.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-88611704790147784392013-08-26T16:54:00.005-04:002013-08-26T16:54:43.673-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.koamtv.com/story/23176635/pittsburg-high-school-implements-jag-program-to-curb-dropout-rate" target="_blank">Pittsburg High School implements JAG Program to curb dropout rate</a><br />KOAM, Pittsburg, PA – August 19, 2013<br />The Jobs for America's Graduates program or JAG helps ensure students who are at risk of dropping out or failing, successfully transition into the workplace or post-secondary education. Pittsburg High School's JAG coordinator, Nidia Lopez meets with students and their parents or guardians to make sure they are on track to succeed in school and make that transition.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kwwl.com/story/23223884/2013/08/21/dubuques-dropout-re-engagement-program-marks-one-year-and-big-successes" target="_blank">Dubuque's dropout re-engagement program marks one year and big successes</a><br />KWWL, Dubuque, IA – August 21, 2013<br />Recent high school dropouts in Dubuque, beware. There's a program that wants to get you back on the track to success, and two men have made it their personal mission to see that happen.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.omaha.com/article/20130820/NEWS/130829950/1707" target="_blank">Davenport schools work to tackle Iowa's highest urban dropout rate</a><br />Omaha.com, Davenport, IA – August 20, 2013<br />It started in ninth grade when she began skipping classes here and there at Davenport Central High School. The skipping became more and more frequent to the point that Lobdell was barely in school. Lobdell, now 20, spoke about her experiences recently during Graduation Destination-Take the Journey: Finish it, a collaborative effort between the Davenport Community Schools and the City of Davenport to reach out to students who are struggling in school or have already dropped out.<br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.times-herald.com/local/20130825-Juvenile-Justice-Grant" target="_blank">Juvenile court gets grant for family therapy program</a><br />Times-Herald.com, Coweta County, GA – August 25, 2013<br />Coweta County Juvenile Court has been awarded $150,000 from the state of Georgia to go toward exploring new and innovative ways of dealing with juvenile offenders. The $150,000 is part of $5 million Georgia is giving to help local juvenile systems. The funding is in light of the "juvenile justice reform" laws that take effect on Jan. 1.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/criminal/hillsborough-considering-special-court-for-young-people-charged-as-adults/2138178" target="_blank">Hillsborough considering special court for juveniles charged as adults</a><br />Tampa Bay Times, Tampa, FL – August 24, 2013<br />In a state known for its courts' tough treatment of children, Tampa holds what some view as a dubious distinction: more juvenile defendants are criminally charged here as adults than in any other jurisdiction in Florida. With the support of the Hillsborough Public Defender's Office and a collection of local child advocates, Stoddard has floated a proposal he thinks could be a first step toward greater fairness in the criminal courts' handling of juveniles.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/macarthur_gives_15m_to_build_4_juvenile_justice_reform_centers/" target="_blank">With $15M in grants, MacArthur establishes 4 juvenile justice reform centers</a><br />ABAJournal – August 21, 2013<br />A longtime supporter of juvenile justice reform, the MacArthur Foundation has committed an additional $15 million to the effort, including the development of four juvenile justice reform centers as part of its as part of its Models for Change Resource Center Partnership.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/25/arts/television/movies-and-tv-shows-examine-issues-in-foster-care.html?_r=0" target="_blank">Movies and TV Shows Examine Issues in Foster Care</a><br />The New York Times, Los Angeles, CA – August 23, 2013<br />Early on in the new movie “Short Term 12,” teenagers living in a group home gather, as Nate, a neatly dressed young counselor with a nervous smile, introduces himself.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/healthcare/7341-grants-issued-to-fight-teen-pregnancy" target="_blank">Grants issued to fight teen pregnancy</a><br />The Business Journal, Fresno, CA – August 20, 2013<br />Nearly $500,000 in grants issued by the Fresno Regional Foundation were given to 13 local organizations to address teen pregnancy prevention and capacity building needs. The grants will be recognized on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the K Jewel Studios, located at 1415 Fulton St. in downtown Fresno. Six organizations specifically addressing teen pregnancy prevention were given $400,000 of those grants.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-57253077378337103212013-08-19T10:25:00.004-04:002013-08-19T10:25:38.790-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.keprtv.com/news/local/Campaign-to-get-high-school-219999571.html" target="_blank">Campaign to get dropouts to return to school</a><br />KPTRTV.com, Kennewick, WA – August 16, 2013<br />Getting our most at-risk teens back in school. It was the goal of Kennewick School District this morning. School officials knocked on the doors of dozens of high school dropouts.<br /><br /><a href="http://beatricedailysun.com/news/local/scrapbook/mil-grant-for-program-to-encourage-kids-to-stay-in/article_8f32e3db-b8a2-59b8-843c-21dc9090e5df.html?comment_form=true" target="_blank">$3.2 mil grant for program to encourage kids to stay in school</a><br />Beatrice Daily Sun, Lincoln, NE – August 19, 2013<br />Kids with emotional and behavioral disorders are more likely to miss school, fail classes and drop out than any other group of students with disabilities. With support from a $3.2 million grant, University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers are evaluating a unique new program that uses parent-to-parent support to encourage families to get the help they need to keep kids in school.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ntxe-news.com/artman/publish/article_84666.shtml" target="_blank">Texas high school graduation rate sets another all-time high</a><br />North Texas e-News, Austin, TX – August 14, 2013<br />Commissioner of Education Michael Williams announced today that the Texas high school on-time graduation rate has set an all-time high, reaching 87.7 percent for the Class of 2012. The graduation rate for the Class of 2012 is 1.8 percentage points higher than the previous record set by the Class of 2011 and marks the fifth consecutive year the rate has increased.<br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/23141262/initiative-aims-to-improve-hawaiis-juvenile-justice-system" target="_blank">Initiative aims to improve Hawaii's juvenile justice system</a><br />Hawaii News Now, Honolulu, HI – August 14, 2013<br />The goal of a new initiative launched today is to improve Hawaii's troubled juvenile justice system by reducing crime while cutting costs. Roughly 5,000 youth are currently incarcerated in Hawaii. According to experts, about 80% of them have a substance abuse problem.<br /><br /><a href="http://jjie.org/macarthur-pledges-new-15-million-to-juvenile-justice-reform/" target="_blank">MacArthur Pledges New $15 million to Juvenile Justice Reform</a><br />Juvenile Justice Information Exchange, Atlanta, GA – August 14, 2013<br />The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation announced it will increase its juvenile justice reform funding by some $15 million, a major part of which will be used to establish the new Models for Change Resource Center Partnership.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/08/12/adoption-foster-care/2643505/" target="_blank">Adoption numbers rising for kids in foster care</a><br />USA Today – August 12, 2013<br />The percentage of kids adopted from foster care is swinging upward, a new report suggests. Last year, 13.1% of children in foster care were adopted, an increase from 12.6% in 2011, according to statistics released today by the Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families. The report highlights data from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fox19.com/story/23151526/big-brothers-big-sisters-helping-foster-kids-with-mentor-program" target="_blank">Mentor program helps teens aging out of foster care</a><br />Fox 19, Ohio – August 15, 2013<br />Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) has teamed up Ohio Job and Family Services to help foster children who have aged out of the system make a more successful transition into adulthood. Ilon, 18, is a test case. He's the first foster child to be matched with a mentor in a brand new Connecting the Dots program. Ilon says it's a program that will give him a better chance at success.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.katc.com/news/lpss-teen-pregnancy-center-already-keeping-students-on-right-path/#_" target="_blank">LPSS Teen Pregnancy Center Already Keeping Students On Right Path</a><br />KATC, Louisiana – August 15, 2013<br />Northside High School may have started classes today, but in January they will be offering a very unique class. The school will offer a teen pregnancy course for expecting and current teen mothers and fathers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-72867981004307733032013-08-12T09:30:00.000-04:002013-08-12T09:30:03.704-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/montgomery-schools-look-for-dropout-indicators-early-on/2013/08/11/6d41f0b0-02b9-11e3-9259-e2aafe5a5f84_story.html" target="_blank">Montgomery schools look for dropout indicators early on</a><br />The Washington Post, Montgomery County, MD – August 11, 2013<br />Students could show signs of becoming high school dropouts as early as first grade, according to a Montgomery County schools study that officials hope will provide a road map for shrinking dropout rates and improving academic achievement.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/219136301.html" target="_blank">Dropout age raised by legislator who dropped out</a><br />StarTribune, Minnesota – August 10, 2013<br />If state Sen. Chuck Wiger needs fuel for his crusade to keep teen¬agers in school, he can summon distant memories of the glamour of the Big Top. His experiences gave him a soft spot for the “nontraditional” student’s path. It is the unspoken back story behind his single-minded focus on raising the state’s compulsory attendance age to halt Minnesota’s drift toward graduation-rate mediocrity.<br /><br />
<a href="http://portcitydaily.com/2013/08/09/local-state-high-school-graduation-rates-on-the-rise/" target="_blank">Local, state high school graduation rates on the rise</a><br />Port City Daily, North Carolina – August 9, 2013<br />High school graduation rates are on the rise across the Cape Fear region and the state, according to recent data from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.<br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youthtoday.org/view_article.cfm?article_id=6181" target="_blank">Summit Rallies Young People to Become Juvenile Justice Advocates</a><br />Youth Today, Washington, D.C. – August 5, 2013<br />As a teen, Miguel Rodriguez used graffiti to express himself and “to prove to the world that he existed,” the now 20-year-old told Youth Today. But, at age 13 his interest in graffiti turned into a vandalism arrest, where he spent several weeks in detention and 18 months on probation. Since then, Rodriguez has used graffiti to engage his peers on social justice issues, as program director for the Graffiti Zone, a Chicago-based after-school program and as a member of the youth advisory board of the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.palmcoastobserver.com/news/palm-coast/News/080920137553/Department-of-Justice-seeks-reform-of-youth-arrest" target="_blank">Department of Justice seeks reform of youth arrest practices</a><br />Palm Coast Observer, Florida – August 9, 2013<br />Florida’s rate of youth incarceration is among the highest in the country, something the state’s Department of Justice is trying to change. “We have spent more time and resources on children that we didn't really need to do that with, and with the unintended consequences of driving them deeper into the system,” Walters said.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.kansascity.com/2013/08/06/4393943/volunteer-program-aims-to-point.html" target="_blank">Volunteer program aims to point foster care alumni toward success</a><br />The Kansas City Star, Kansas – August 6, 2013<br />Once you know Darryl Hinojos’ background, it’s hard to imagine that today he is studying at North Carolina Central University and playing football for the NCAA Division I school. It’s not that — at 6 feet 5 inches tall and 255 pounds — the Kansas man isn’t qualified to play tight end. It’s just that after he got into his teen years, he wasn’t on a path toward college, mainly because he was dealing with anger issues, home displacement and a few scuffles with the law. But the former foster child, now 21, found a guardian angel in Raeann Rose, a social worker in the state foster care program who offered the support and advice that has helped carry him to North Carolina.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.sfgate.com/business/energy/article/SD-man-turns-business-resort-into-training-academy-4724192.php" target="_blank">SD man turns business resort into training academy</a><br />San Francisco Chronicle, Sioux Falls, SD – August 11, 2013<br />A South Dakota wind power entrepreneur has transformed a resort for business retreats into a training academy for former foster children.<br /><br /><a href="http://m.wesa.fm/?utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3D%26esrc%3Ds%26source%3Dnewssearch%26cd%3D1%26ved%3D0CCoQqQIoADAA%26url%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwesa.fm%2Fpost%2Ffacing-new-life-after-aging-out-foster-care-system%26ei%3DzDUIUrLxNqSH2gWupIAw%26usg%3DAFQjCNF5W8ZjOn80iPJk2sFCf2ys7ENaHA%26sig2%3Df1ZhUxsA1row5dLJEiaaNw#mobile/14390" target="_blank">Facing a New Life After Aging Out of the Foster Care System</a><br />WESA 90.5, Pittsburgh, PA – August 6, 2013<br />Several years before he was a Youth Quality Improvement Specialist at the University of Pittsburgh, Christopher Nobles faced the same challenges experienced by roughly 1000 Pennsylvania youth each year: the prospect of aging out of the state’s foster care system and facing a new life.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.newpittsburghcourieronline.com/index.php/featured-news/national/15759-miss-law-requires-cord-blood-from-some-teen-moms" target="_blank">Miss. law requires cord blood from some teen moms</a><br />Pittsburgh Courier, Jackson, MS – August 5, 2013<br />If a girl younger than 16 gives birth and won't name the father, a new Mississippi law — likely the first of its kind in the country — says authorities must collect umbilical cord blood and run DNA tests to prove paternity as a step toward prosecuting statutory rape cases.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-11958911657918759152013-08-05T09:13:00.000-04:002013-08-08T10:47:11.117-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<b>Education</b><br />
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<a href="http://goosecreek.patch.com/groups/schools/p/dropout-rates-decline-for-berkeley-county-high-schools" target="_blank">Dropout Rates Decline for Berkeley County High Schools</a><br />
Goose Creek Patch, Berkeley, SC – July 31, 2013<br />
Fewer high schoolers dropped out in the 2011-2012 school year than the previous year in Berkeley County — following the statewide trend. State Superintendent of Education Mick Zais said reducing dropoutrates are a critical step toward improved on-time high school graduation rates, which he views as a key measurement of success for the entire K-12 system.<br />
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<a href="http://www.medicaldaily.com/articles/17915/20130730/school-engagement-youth-problem-behaviors-school-dropout-crime-rates.htm" target="_blank">One More Reason To Stay In School: Dropouts More Likely To Lead Lives Punctuated By Crime, Substance Abuse</a><br />
Medical Daily – July 30, 2013<br />
School attendance at a young age is crucial for an individual's social and emotional development. It allows children to be around peers, form friendships and connections, and work toward their future. In a new study of 1,300 teens in 7th through 11th grade, researchers found that those who disengaged from school were more likely to lead lives punctuated by substance abuse and crime.<br />
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<a href="http://www.independentmail.com/news/2013/jul/31/new-alternative-program-c3-aims-to-reduce-drop/" target="_blank">New alternative program C3 aims to reduce drop-out rate</a><br />
IndependentMail.com, Pickens County, SC – July 31, 2013<br />
Beginning in the 2013-2014 school year, the School District of Pickens County will begin C3, a new drop-out prevention program for 8th-12th grade students. The goal of C3 is to offer a safe, engaging learning environment to students who need an instructional approach that is different from traditional high school programs.<br />
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<b>Juvenile Justice</b><br />
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<a href="http://news.wjct.org/post/calls-juvenile-justice-reform-grow-florida" target="_blank">Calls For Juvenile Justice Reform Grow In Florida</a><br />
WJCT News, Florida – July 29, 2013<br />
The calls for juvenile justice reform in Florida are growing, as advocates turn to research to prove that more robust juvenile diversion programs for first-time offenders can prevent kids from dropping out of school. The local interfaith coalition ICARE is one of the local advocates pushing diversion, not jail, for juvenile first-time offenders.<br />
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<a href="http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/style/nj-distinguishing-itself-as-it-reforms-juvenile-justice-system" target="_blank">N.J. Distinguishing Itself as it Reforms Juvenile Justice System</a><br />
NewsRoomJersey.com, Trenton, NJ – August 2, 2013<br />
A fourteen-person delegation from the state of Washington including a Supreme Court Justice, Superior Court Judges, three State Legislators, Juvenile Court Administrators and leaders from Washington State’s Office of Juvenile Justice, Administrative Office of the Courts, Prosecutors Association and the Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Association are in New Jersey to attend a two-day working session focusing on statewide implementation of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI).<br />
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<b>Foster Care</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/038965db46e04d36afdfeb55173aa8e9/OH--Leaving-Foster-Care/#.Uf-cfFOoWzw" target="_blank">Ohio program prepares foster children to live independently after they age out of the system</a><br />
Daily Journal, Akron, OH – August 3, 2013<br />
To try to improve the oftentimes bumpy transition, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters and eight counties, including Summit, have launched a pilot program called "Connecting the Dots from Foster Care to Employment and Independent Living."<br />
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<a href="http://www.citylimits.org/news/articles/4865/twenty-something-and-ready-to-be-adopted#.Uf-cz1OoWzw" target="_blank">Twenty-Something ... and Ready to be Adopted</a><br />
City Limits, New York – July 31, 2013<br />
When Denise Royal met her adoptive 23-year old son, Elijah, two years ago, he had recently aged out of the foster care system. His life was falling apart. After his release Elijah had nowhere to go. Desperate, he reached out to a friend who had recently been placed with a representative for You Gotta Believe, the only adoption agency that finds permanent homes for young adults aging out of foster care.<br />
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<a href="http://www.orland-press-register.com/articles/child-11593-youth-foster.html" target="_blank">Foster youth band together for change</a><br />
Orland Press Register, California – July 30, 2013<br />
No child chooses to be taken from their home, separated from their siblings or ask to become of victim of their unwanted circumstances. But the once-silent and nameless youth who are in — or recently aged out of — foster care are finding their voices and the power they've never had before by uniting as a group to transform the California foster-care system through policy and legislative change.<br />
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<b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br />
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<a href="http://amestrib.com/sections/news/ames-and-story-county/isu-teen-pregnancy-prevention-program-wins-award.html" target="_blank">ISU teen pregnancy prevention program wins award</a><br />
Ames Tribune, Ames, IA – August 1, 2013<br />
An Iowa State University sex education program with a unique approach to preventing teen pregnancy is getting some national recognition. The Virginia-based National Child Support Enforcement Association is awarding the project, called Parenting: It’s a Life, the organization’s 2013 excellence award for program awareness. The group plans to acknowledge the program at its annual conference held Aug. 5 in Baltimore.<br />
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<a href="http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/Teen-Pregnancy-Task-Force-Gets-Results-217492731.html" target="_blank">Teen Pregnancy Task Force Gets Results</a><br />
NBC 6, Council Bluffs, IA – July 30, 2013<br />
A Teen Pregnancy Task Force, created in 2009, is seeing great success in Council Bluffs. "Well, it's no longer just about me," said Jordan DeSantiago. Her entire world changed her senior year of high school . She found out she was pregnant.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-27982402448308178212013-07-29T09:21:00.003-04:002013-07-29T09:21:33.083-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2013/07/24/3602679/dropout-rate-falls-in-sc.html" target="_blank">Dropout numbers decline, according to state report</a><br />MyrtleBeachOnline.com, Myrtle Beach, SC – July 24, 2013<br />The percentage of students dropping out of Horry County Schools has fallen, mirroring a similar trend across the state, according to a report from the S.C. Department of Education.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2013/07/trenton_superintendent_prepares_for_district_reconfiguration_new_initiatives.html" target="_blank">Trenton superintendent prepares for district reconfiguration, new initiatives</a><br />The Times of Trenton, Trenton, NJ – July 29, 2013<br />Superintendent Francisco Duran is preparing to begin his second year overseeing the district’s 12,000 students with a major reconfiguration of the schools and raft of new initiatives, including new supports for struggling middle schoolers, high school academies aimed at lowering the dropout rate, bilingual elementary classrooms and new efforts to reach out to parents.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2013/07/29/37firstgrade.h32.html?tkn=YMPFsOd3qAi7D8BUVZpC5ytzrk3%2BIOC%2BBdO6&cmp=clp-edweek" target="_blank">Dropout Indicators Found for 1st Graders</a><br />Education Week, Maryland – July 29, 2013<br />As tracking data on students grow ever more extensive, some Maryland educators are finding that the early-warning signs of a student at risk of dropping out may become visible at the very start of their school careers.<br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.wane.com/dpp/news/local/juvenile-initiative-could-come-to-allen-county" target="_blank">Alternative detention program could come to Allen County</a><br />Wane.com, Fort Wayne, IN – July 25, 2013<br />An Allen County judge wants to bring a program to town that reduce the number of teenagers in jail and reduce crime in the community. On Wednesday afternoon, Allen County Superior Court Judge Dan Heath signed a letter of intent for Allen County to join the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI). <br /><br /><a href="http://www.forsythnews.com/section/6/article/19174/" target="_blank">Grant going to juvenile justice reporting center</a><br />ForsythNews.com, Forsyth County, GA – July 25, 2013<br />Forsyth County has accepted a grant from the Georgia Governor’s Office for Children and Families for about $80,000. The funding will go toward a day and evening reporting center for youths in the juvenile justice system. The grant assists with a requirement of juvenile justice reform to provide alternatives to detention centers.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ohio.com/news/summit-county-attempts-to-smooth-transition-for-foster-kids-aging-out-of-the-system-1.416103" target="_blank">Summit County attempts to smooth transition for foster kids aging out of the system</a><br />Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio – July 26, 2013<br />To try to improve the oftentimes bumpy transition, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters and eight counties, including Summit, have launched a pilot program called “Connecting the Dots from Foster Care to Employment and Independent Living.”<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kutnews.org/post/program-helping-texas-foster-care-youth-go-college-free" target="_blank">The Program Helping Texas Foster Care Youth Go to College - For Free</a><br />News 90.5, Texas – July 25, 2013<br />Heading to college is confusing under the best of circumstances. But for many young people aging out of foster care, the challenges can be almost impossible to overcome. Some schools in Texas host programs each year aimed at trying to help foster kids make the transition. At Austin Community College in Round Rock yesterday, a group of about 10 prospective students toured the campus. Each had been through the foster care system in Texas.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_23710024/plain-talk-parents-pregnant-teens" target="_blank">Plain talk for parents with pregnant teens</a><br />Las Cruses Sun-News, Las Cruses, NM – July 22, 2013<br />A unique program pairing adolescents and parents to discuss honest and accurate information about teen pregnancy and sexual health has swept the Southwest and is changing the meaning behind the phrase, "it takes a village to raise a child."<br /><br /><a href="http://nbclatino.com/2013/07/29/latina-leaders-empowering-young-latinas-with-l-o-v-e-mentoring/" target="_blank">Latina Leaders: Empowering young Latinas with L.O.V.E. mentoring</a><br />NBC Latino – July 29, 2013<br />Claudia Espinosa used to daydream of becoming an FBI agent when she was a teen in her native Cali, Colombia. At 20, she came to the U.S., by herself, to study forensic psychology at John Jay College in New York City in pursuit of that dream. However, 14 years and a few other degrees later, she finds herself on a new path — empowering other young Latinas.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-20787187535104050092013-07-22T21:34:00.002-04:002013-07-22T21:34:19.248-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition <b>Education</b><br /><br />
<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/education/brooklyn-school-founder-leong-helps-would-be-dropouts-article-1.1400568" target="_blank">Liberation High School founder, principal April Leong helps would-be dropouts</a><br />New York Daily News, Brooklyn, NY – July 16, 2013<br />April Leong is living proof that a young, single mom growing up in Brownsville in Brooklyn, N.Y., doesn’t have to drop out of high school. The founding principal of Liberation Diploma Plus High school, an alternative school in Coney Island, which enrolls overage and undercredited students at risk of dropping out, uses her own life story to motivate students — making her a candidate for a Hometown Heroes in Education award.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/forest-grove/index.ssf/2013/07/national_guard_program_gives_f.html" target="_blank">National Guard program gives Forest Grove, Hillsboro High dropouts a second shot at education</a><br />The Oregonian, Oregon – July 16, 2013<br />Through the Oregon Youth Challenge Program, funded by the United States Department of Defense and administered by the Oregon National Guard, high school dropouts were given a second chance at educational success. OYCP graduated 133 cadets on June 19 from the residential phase of the program, five of them from Cornelius and Forest Grove.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.centralkynews.com/winchestersun/news/ws-school-board-increases-dropout-age-to-18-20130719,0,247932.story" target="_blank">School board increases dropout age to 18</a><br />The Winchester Sun, Clark County, KY - July 19, 2013<br />The Clark County Board of Education voted to raise the compulsory dropout age from 16 to 18 at its regular meeting earlier this week. The decision brings the district in line with more than 100 other districts in Kentucky. The school districts are voting to increase the dropout age as part of a statewide implementation of Senate Bill 97.<br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2013-07-22/new-law-classifies-17-year-old-offenders-juveniles.html" target="_blank">New law classifies 17-year-old offenders as juveniles</a><br />The News-Gazette, Illinois – July 22, 2013<br />A bill signed by Gov. Pat Quinn earlier this month will keep 17-year-olds who commit serious crimes in the juvenile court system.<br /><br /><a href="http://wgno.com/2013/07/22/youth-promise-actlelia-gowlandjuvenile-justice-project-of-louisiana/#axzz2ZpN7HLae" target="_blank">Youth Promise Act/Lelia Gowland/Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana</a><br />ABC WGNO, Oklahoma – July 22, 2013<br />Anne Cutler talks to Lelia Gowland about the YPA bill introduced by Senator Mary Landrieu & U.S. Senator James Inhofe from Oklahoma designed to help prevent juvenile delinquency and criminal street gang activity through prison reduction, opportunities, mentoring, intervention, support and education.<br />
<br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.keloland.com/newsdetail.cfm/free-academy-helps-veterans-former-foster-kids/?id=150865" target="_blank">Free Academy Helps Veterans, Former Foster Kids</a><br />Keloland.com, Gary, SD – July 18, 2013<br />Returning veterans and teens "aging out" of the South Dakota foster system are among the largest homeless populations in the state. But a group of private companies work together to help give them an education, a job and a place to call home in Gary, South Dakota.<br /><br /><a href="http://tribune-democrat.com/latestnews/x596948809/Grant-to-keep-YouthBuild-going" target="_blank">Grant to keep YouthBuild going</a><br />The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, PA – July 16, 2013<br />YouthBuild Johnstown will continue to help young people rebuild their lives. Goodwill Industries of the Conemaugh Valley Inc., which operates the program, received a three-year grant for $864,000 from the U.S. Labor Department to continue and expand its efforts.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/19/california-teen-pregnancy-rates-drop_n_3625090.html" target="_blank">California Teen Birth Rates Drop 60 Percent Thanks To Sex Education</a><br />Huffington Post – July 19, 2013<br />California’s teen birth rate has dropped nearly 60 percent as a result of expanded sex education programs, according to a report released by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on Wednesday. The report –- which was based on data collected until 2011 -- revealed that the California teen birth rate reached a 20-year low that year. While in 1991, there were 70.9 births for every 1,000 teens aged 15-19, in 2011 this number decreased to 28 births per 1,000 teens.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.nbc40.net/story/22857669/teens-learn-pregnancy-prevention-and-other-valuable-lessons" target="_blank">Teens learn pregnancy prevention and other valuable lessons</a><br />NBC 40, New Jersey – July 16, 2013<br />With wide smiles on their faces, kids in Bridgeton may not look like they are receiving a lesson in teen pregnancy prevention. But after a five million dollar federal grant and use of the Carrera Model, the Partnership for Healthy Teens Program through Inspira Health Network is takinga broad approach to a specific issue.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-89820815442553189772013-07-15T09:00:00.000-04:002013-07-15T09:00:00.906-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.kentucky.com/2013/07/10/2710439/all-kentucky-schools-must-increase.html" target="_blank">All Kentucky schools must increase dropout age to 18 by 2017</a><br />Lexington Herald Leader, Frankfort, KY – July 10, 2013<br />Kentucky will abandon a generations-old policy that allows minors as young as 16 to drop out of school, a move being heralded by Gov. Steve Beshear as an important step for a state that has strived to improve its economy and educational standing.<br /><br /><a href="http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2013/07/cut_alabama_dropout_rate_and_s.html" target="_blank">Cut Alabama dropout rate and save $69 million in Medicaid spending, report says</a><br />AL.com, Birmingham, AL – July 12, 2013<br />Alabama would save $69 million per year in Medicaid spending by cutting the state's number of high school dropouts in half, according to a report released this week by the advocacy group Alliance for Excellent Education.<br /><br /><a href="http://trib.com/news/local/education/beyond-wyoming-s-rates-more-to-graduation-than-just-a/article_a6ac4421-a472-5941-a4e8-4dfa36f9328c.html" target="_blank">Beyond Wyoming's rates: More to graduation than just a percentage</a><br />Star-Tribune, Wyoming – July 14, 2013<br />Many educators across the state say the method of calculating graduation rates doesn't tell the whole story. One part the official 78.9 percent Wyoming graduation rate for 2012 leaves out is the students who graduate later than their senior classes.<br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/Task-Force-Wants-To-Reduce-Racial-Disparities-in-Juvenile-Justice--214723881.html" target="_blank">Task Force Wants To Reduce Racial Disparities in Juvenile Justice</a><br />Fox 27, Charlottesville, NC – July 9, 2013<br />African American youth in Charlottesville and Albemarle County are one and a half times more likely to be placed in juvenile detention compared to Caucasian youth. Community residents and a Charlottesville task force discussed how to change that, and similar statistics, Tuesday night, at the first of a series of meetings on racial disparity in the juvenile justice system. <br /><br /><a href="http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/juvenile-law-change-forbids-minors-from-being-held-in-adult-prison-1.1517198" target="_blank">Juvenile law change forbids minors from being held in adult prison</a><br />The Times-Tribune, Pennsylvania – July 8, 2013<br />Juvenile justice advocates are applauding a rule change recently enacted by the state Supreme Court that precludes authorities from holding juveniles in adult prisons pending their appearance in juvenile court.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.recorderonline.com/articles/launches-57662-new-casa.html" target="_blank">CASA launches new program to help kids connect</a><br />Porterville Recorder, Visalia, CA – July 10, 2013<br />Children in the foster care system due to abuse or neglect can lose contact with extended family, friends and neighbors. They feel isolated and lost when their world, as they know it, seems to disappear. Court Appointed Special Advocates of Tulare County is launching a new program to train volunteers to help children remain connected with their history, in partnership with Tulare County Child Welfare Services and funded through a planning grant from First 5 Tulare County.<br /><br />
<b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/briefs/x1903124084/Logan-students-talk-teen-pregnancy-with-lawmakers" target="_blank">Logan students talk teen pregnancy with lawmakers</a><br />Herald-Dispatch, Washington, D.C. – July 12, 2013<br />Two seniors at Logan High School recently meet with the West Virginia congressional delegation to discuss the issue of teen pregnancy. Ciara Campbell and Jimetta Early met with Sens. Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, both D-W.Va., as well as Rep. Nick Rahall, all D-W.Va., during the Human Rights Summit hosted by the American Friends Service Committee.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.guampdn.com/article/20130712/NEWS01/307120011" target="_blank">Program aimed at reducing teen pregnancies and STDs gets funds</a><br />Pacific Daily News – July 12, 2013<br />Federal funding for the Department of Education's new Personal Responsibility Education Program, or PREP, will total $1.2 million at the end of three years. The goal of the program is to teach students and teachers strategies to decrease the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-9951112968593784762013-07-09T07:54:00.000-04:002013-07-09T07:54:08.202-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition <b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ktnv.com/news/local/214621931.html" target="_blank">Summer camp at UNLV looks to prevent school dropouts</a><br />ABC 13, Las Vegas, NV – July 8, 2013<br />It's a week-long summer camp that can make a lifelong difference. 80 teenagers from around the Valley have been invited to attend CampUs Las Vegas at UNLV, which focuses on the transition from middle school to high school and dropout prevention.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wdrb.com/story/22788192/jcps-raises-dropout-age-to-18-entire-state-could-follow-suit" target="_blank">JCPS raises dropout age to 18; entire state could follow suit</a><br />WDRB, Louisville, KY – July 8, 2013<br />In two years, you'll have to be 18 years old and an adult to drop out of high school, legally, in Louisville. The rule could reach statewide, too. School boards across the state are rushing to raise the dropout age from 16 to 18, to keep students in school. <br /><br /><a href="http://bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_2a380c02-e5a2-11e2-862e-0019bb2963f4.html" target="_blank">Graduation rate boosted</a><br />Branson Tri-Lake News, Missouri – July 5, 2013<br />Missouri saw a 9.5 percent increase in graduation rates over the last decade, a trend that was also seen locally, with one district recording 98.9 percent last year. According to area superintendents, one contributing factor is alternative school programs.<br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://citizensvoice.com/news/change-forbids-holding-minors-in-adult-prison-1.1517114" target="_blank">Change forbids holding minors in adult prison</a><br />Citizens Voice – July 8, 2013<br />Juvenile justice advocates are applauding a rule change recently enacted by the state Supreme Court that precludes authorities from holding juveniles in adult prisons pending their appearance in juvenile court.<br /><br /><a href="http://kutnews.org/post/texas-passes-50-justice-bills-covering-death-row-juvenile-hall" target="_blank">Texas Passes 50 Justice Bills, Covering Death Row to Juvenile Hall</a><br />KUT News, Texas – July 5, 2013<br />The 2013 regular session ended with 50 new criminal and juvenile justice bills passed and signed into law. House Bill 1479 addressed truancy and other "disruption of class" offenses. House Bill 1952 individualizes the needs of special education students in order to prevent undeserved punishment. According to the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, nearly 100,000 children are placed in the Texas juvenile justice system every year.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/magnolia/living/lone-star-college-a-leader-in-foster-care-youth-education/article_f50d8b33-4a3c-512c-8f54-9be29bc5d67d.html?mode=story" target="_blank">Lone Star College, a leader in foster care youth education, hosts Texas Reach Conference Your</a><br />
Houston News, Texas – July 2, 2013<br />Lone Star College-University Park recently hosted the fourth annual Texas Reach Conference in early June to empower Texans to champion post-secondary success for foster youth and alumni. The two-day conference entitled, “From Foster Care to College” attracted more than 200 registrants from colleges and agencies throughout the nation, in addition to foster care alumni (former foster youth) and foster parents.<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.michiganradio.org/post/program-aims-keep-kids-safe-homes-and-out-foster-care" target="_blank">Program aims to keep kids safe in homes and out of foster care</a><br />Michigan Radio, Michigan – July 3, 2013<br />More than 400,000 children are currently in foster care in the U.S. Once a child has entered the system, they remain there on average for nearly two years, according to a federal report. Our State of Opportunity team looked into a unique program that’s working to prevent kids in Michigan from even entering foster care in the first place.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/atlantic/catching-up-cumberland-teen-program-working-well/article_bb2ce989-8536-5221-87d2-cc613af2109c.html" target="_blank">Catching Up: Cumberland teen program working well</a><br />Press of Atlantic City, Cumberland, NJ – July 4, 2013<br />In October 2010 officials at South Jersey Healthcare - now called Inspira Health Network - unveiled a comprehensive plan to help Cumberland County's teen pregnancy problems. The county has long led the state in teen pregnancy, with the rate reported at 16 percent at the time the program was announced. But local officials unveiled a plan to work with current sixth-graders and their families on a nearly daily basis and make sure they have everything they needed to stay in school, and for their families to have proper counseling and support for their children. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-28464292357300369392013-07-01T09:00:00.000-04:002013-07-01T09:00:01.469-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/06/28/chicago-new-school-dropouts" target="_blank">Schools for Dropouts: A Promising New Education Trend</a><br />TakePart.com, Chicago, IL – June 28, 2013<br />In the past year, the Chicago school district has experienced severe budget cuts that led to school closures and, in turn, protests. That’s not stopping the district, however, from creating new opportunities for hundreds of high school dropouts.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nj.com/camden/index.ssf/2013/06/camden_high_school_dropouts_make_good_on_second_chance.html#/0" target="_blank">Camden high school dropouts make good on second chance</a><br />South Jersey Times, Camden, NJ – June 28, 2013<br />Nearly 50 city high school dropouts celebrated second chances Thursday, as they finally received their diplomas thanks to a program sparked two years ago to help Camden youths further their education.<br /><br /><a href="http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9156738" target="_blank">Mass graduation celebrates young Black men</a><br />ABC 7, Chicago, IL – June 29, 2013<br />There was a special show of support and congratulations Saturday for young men in Chicago's African American community. They are all high school graduates getting ready for college. <br /><br />
<b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/28/us/trial-run-for-revised-juvenile-justice-system.html?_r=0" target="_blank">Trial Run for Revised Juvenile Justice System</a><br />The New York Times, Travis County, TX – June 27, 2013<br />In Travis County, juvenile justice officials have decided that they can do a better job than the state in dealing with the most troubled local offenders, considering Texas’ history of scandal and violence in youth lockups. <br /><br />
<a href="http://www.wvgazette.com/News/201306280136" target="_blank">Examiners to take broader look at W.Va. juvenile justice system</a><br />The Charleston Gazette, Charleston, WV – June 28, 2013<br />A commission studying West Virginia's juvenile justice system says it will broaden its focus to look at all out-of-home placements for troubled kids, not just detention centers.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/white-rock-east-dallas/headlines/20130626-ebby-house-in-lakewood-to-help-young-women-transition-out-of-foster-care.ece" target="_blank">Ebby House in Lakewood to help young women transition out of foster care</a><br />The Dallas Morning News, Dallas, TX – June 26, 2013 A Dallas nonprofit announced a new component of its services Wednesday: a home for young women transitioning out of foster care, to be named after real estate icon Ebby Halliday. <br /><br />
<a href="http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/new-bill-will-allow-florida-children-stay-foster-c/nYS3t/" target="_blank">New bill will allow Florida children to stay in foster care until 21</a><br />WFTV, Orlando, FL – June 24, 2013<br />Gov. Rick Scott was in Orlando Monday to sign a bill that will help teenagers who age out of foster care. The Independent Living Bill will allow state foster children to remain in the system until they're 21 years old.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.wpmobserver.com/news/2013/jun/27/teen-pregnancy-rates-see-monumental-drop/" target="_blank">Teen pregnancy rates see ‘monumental’ drop</a><br />Observer, Florida – June 27, 2013<br />Teen pregnancy rates are declining in Central Florida, and educators at Planned Parenthood of Greater Orlando said their programs are one reason for the decrease. The downward trend is a nationwide one, and since 2006 teen birth rates in Osceola, Seminole and Brevard counties are down. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/local/lock-in-to-educate-girls-on-pregnancy-prevention/article_045e58f0-dd60-11e2-bd3a-0019bb30f31a.html" target="_blank">Lock-in to educate girls on pregnancy prevention</a><br /> My Journal Courier, Morgan County, FL – June 25, 2013<br />For the 20 teenage girls taking part in a unique overnight camp this weekend, the experience of parenthood will last just 12 hours. Organizers hope the message it brings will last a lot longer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-12009983124848057032013-06-24T09:30:00.000-04:002013-06-24T09:30:00.609-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<b>Education</b><br />
<br /><a href="http://nbclatino.com/2013/06/18/large-increase-in-nyc-latino-high-school-grads-but-numbers-still-lag-for-english-language-learners/" target="_blank">Large increase in NYC Latino high school grads, but numbers still lag for English language learners</a><br />NBC Latino, New York, NY – June 18, 2013<br />More Latino students are graduating from high school in New York City than ever before, but the number of English Language Learner graduates in the city continues to lag, with a near 5-point drop in graduation rates this year alone.<br /><br />
<a href="http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/06/17/city-boasts-strong-graduation-rate-among-5-largest-districts-state-wide/" target="_blank">City Boasts Strong Graduation Rate Among 5 Largest Districts Statewide</a><br />CBS, New York, NY – June 17, 2013<br />The high school drop-out rate in New York City has hit an all-time low and the graduation rate remained steady, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and schools chancellor Dennis Walcott announced Monday.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/mesa/article_823ea276-cfb8-11e2-a39f-0019bb2963f4.html" target="_blank">Mesa schools work to bring back dropouts; state graduation rate below U.S. average</a><br />East Valley Tribune, Mesa, AZ – June 19, 2013<br />Mesa Unified School District, the largest in the state, tops the national average in graduation rates, according to a report issued in early June.<br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.king5.com/news/local/Washington-one-of-nations-comeback-states-on-juvenile-justice-212081211.html" target="_blank">Washington one of nation's 'comeback states' on juvenile justice</a><br />King5.com, Washington – June 18, 2013<br />Washington’s juvenile detention population dropped 40% between 2001 and 2010, according to a new report released Tuesday by the National Juvenile Justice Network. The analysis puts Washington among nine “comeback states” on the issue of juvenile justice. <br /><br />
<a href="http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20130623/GPG0101/306230355/Fewer-juveniles-being-locked-up-study-shows" target="_blank">Fewer Wisconsin juveniles being locked up, study shows</a><br />Green Bay Press Gazette, Wisconsin – June 23, 2013<br />A national study cites Wisconsin as one of just nine states that have drastically cut the incarceration rate for youth offenders, a trend the study claims helps reduce crime.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/news/state/headlines/20130619-texas-foster-kids-find-transitional-support-housing-before-aging-out-of-system.ece" target="_blank">Texas foster kids find transitional support, housing before ‘aging out’ of system</a><br />The Dallas Morning News, Texas – June 19, 2013<br />In some ways, Charles Pruitt has been an adult for much of his childhood. The teenager cared for his three youngest sisters when their parents neglected them and they missed two years of school. In his Waxahachie foster home, his graceful acceptance of chores and rules makes him a leader among the eight other teens. Now 19, Pruitt officially became an adult about a year ago. Every year, there are 1,500 just like him in Texas who “age out” of foster care. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.kutv.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_5465.shtml" target="_blank">Project Aims to Help Teens Transition Out of Foster Care</a><br />CBS KUTV, Utah – June 19, 2013<br />Volunteers are working on a project aimed at helping teens trying to transition out of foster care. Every year hundreds of Utah teens "age out" of the foster system and try to start a new life. Christmas Box International worked with dozens of volunteers to prepare Life Start Kits. They are 30 gallon plastic bins filled with essential items such as dishes, pots and pans, bedding and other items needed to help get young adults on their feet.<br /><br /><a href="http://lubbockonline.com/life/2013-06-20/lubbock-transition-center-students-shop-life-after-foster-care#.UcebW-uoWzw" target="_blank">Lubbock Transition Center students shop for life after foster care</a><br />Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Lubbock, TX – June 21, 2013<br />In Lubbock’s pioneer days a 15-year-old was often able to independently live outside the family. In the 21st century, except for minimum-wage jobs, even an 18-year-old still is in urgent need of support from somewhere.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dailymail.com/News/201306200212" target="_blank">Study shows slight decrease in teen pregnancy</a><br />Charleston Daily Herald, West Virginia – June 21, 2013<br />West Virginia is seeing slight decreases in teenage pregnancy, according to a recent report released by a pro-choice nonprofit group. Margaret Chapman Pomponio, executive director of WV FREE, a reproductive rights organization, said since the group began reporting on teenage pregnancy and childbearing in 2010, there has been a small decrease.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-85682772341676163792013-06-17T09:00:00.000-04:002013-06-17T09:00:01.009-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.reporterherald.com/news/education/ci_23430329/be-lab-helps-high-school-dropout-focus-passion" target="_blank">Be Lab helps high school dropout focus on passion for learning</a><br />Reporter-Herald, Loveland, CO – June 10, 2013<br />Fifteen-year-old Sierra Goldstein dropped out of high school two years ago and joined the Be Lab because school, she believes, held her back. "I felt I could so much more," Sierra said. The unschooler wanted to do school in a way that would fast-track her learning and propel her career forward. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.observer-reporter.com/article/20130611/NEWS01/130619903/-1/news#.Ub505uvPGzw" target="_blank">C-M to participate in pilot program to reduce dropout rate</a><br />Observer-Reporter, Pennsylvania – June 11, 2013<br />Canon-McMillan School District is one of five in Pennsylvania chosen to participate in First Lady Susan Corbett’s program to increase high school graduation rates across the state.<br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.corrections.com/news/article/33517-new-york-brings-juvenile-justice-close-to-home-" target="_blank">New York Brings Juvenile Justice ‘Close to Home’</a><br />Corrections, New York, NY – June 13, 2013<br />New York’s juvenile justice system is slowly being overhauled by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Close To Home initiative, a set of proposals designed to keep youth close to their communities and facilitate their return to society.<br /><br /><a href="http://columbustelegram.com/banner-press/news/juvenile-justice-system-overhaul-now-law/article_0fa6885f-d6b1-5cb1-8de1-1fe30152b2be.html" target="_blank">Juvenile justice system overhaul now law</a><br />The Banner-Press, Lincoln, NE – June 10, 2013<br />Reform of the state's juvenile justice system was passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor May 29. LB561, introduced by Sen. Brad Ashford of Omaha, transfers responsibility for the state's roughly 3,000 juvenile offenders from the Department of Health and Human Services to the Office of Probation Administration.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=821252" target="_blank">Nixon Signs Bills Allowing Older Youth to Re-Enter Foster Care</a><br />Ozarks First, Columbia, MO – June 13, 2013<br />Gov. Jay Nixon signed two bills into law Thursday aimed at helping strengthen the state's foster care system. Senate Bills 205 and 208, the Governor says, allow older youth who have exited foster care to return to foster care if reentry would be in the young person's best interests.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.news-press.com/article/20130612/VOLUNTEERING/306120015/Foster-care-kids-need-help-they-age-out-system" target="_blank">Foster care kids need help as they age out of system</a><br />News-Press, Florida – June 11, 2013<br />Setting up a new apartment and living independently is challenging for a new graduate with a new job, but if you’re one of the roughly 113 children a month aging out of the foster care system in Southwest Florida the challenge can be even more daunting. The Children’s Network of Southwest Florida provides independent living training each month for 100 to 125 people turning 18 and preparing to leave the foster care system, according to Aimee McLaughlin.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.wvgazette.com/News/201306160050" target="_blank">School health centers seen as way to reduce teen pregnancy</a><br />Gazette-Mail, Charleston, WV – June 16, 2013<br />West Virginia can lower its teenage pregnancy rate by adding more school-based health centers, getting parents more involved, teaching comprehensive sex education in schools and by reducing its poverty rate, the head of a reproductive rights group said Friday.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wltx.com/news/national/article/239612/399/Conference-Held-to-Prevent-Teen-Pregnancy-" target="_blank">Conference Held to Prevent Teen Pregnancy</a><br />WLTX, Columbia, SC – June 13, 2013<br />The South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy is holding their annual conference this week in Columbia. The two day conference is designed for teen pregnancy prevention professionals, and others who work with young people.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130611/NEWS/130611016/New-Mississippi-law-address-teen-pregnancy" target="_blank">New Mississippi law address teen pregnancy</a><br />Clarion Ledger, Mississippi – June 11, 2013<br />Starting in July, healthcare providers will be required to comply with a new Mississippi law targeting teenage pregnancy prevention. In an effort to address Mississippi’s high teenage pregnancy rates, lawmakers have passed House Bill 151 which mandates that umbilical cord blood be collected from some mothers under the age of 16. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-20265542501328755212013-06-10T10:00:00.000-04:002013-06-10T10:00:02.309-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/06/high-school-graduation-rate-hits-40-year-peak-in-the-us/276604/" target="_blank">High School Graduation Rate Hits 40-Year Peak in the U.S.</a><br />The Atlantic – June 6, 2013<br />The nation's high school graduation rate is approaching 75 percent, its highest rate in 40 years, according to a new report from Education Week. Of course, that good news must be tempered with a sobering statistic -- an estimated 1 million students will fail to graduate this year, a loss of 5,500 students for every day on the academic calendar. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.ibj.com/goodwill-to-open-four-more-dropout-recovery-schools/PARAMS/article/41771" target="_blank">Goodwill to open four more dropout recovery schools</a><br />Indianapolis Business Journal, Indiana – June 6, 2013<br />Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana will nearly double its number of adult education schools in August and thinks it has only scratched the surface of the potential market for this new breed of schools.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.exponent-telegram.com/region-sees-dramatic-decline-in-dropout-rates/article_2a3b85ee-d085-11e2-9d65-0019bb2963f4.html" target="_blank">Region sees dramatic decline in dropout rates</a><br />The Exponent Telegram, Clarksburg, WV – June 8, 2013<br />ED options programs, credit recovery, meetings with superintendents and graduation coaches are being credited for helping some area school districts reduce their dropout numbers by more than 50 percent, officials say.<br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20130609/ARTICLES/130609860/1016/OPINION02?Title=Lawmakers-debate-dropping-age-for-trying-some-accused-as-adults" target="_blank">Lawmakers debate dropping age for trying some accused as adults</a><br />BlueRidgeNow.com, North Carolina – June 9, 2013<br />When Johnathan Brunson was an impressionable 14-year-old, police nabbed him for stealing a watch and CD player from the local mall in Wilson. The petty theft changed his life. North Carolina is one of only two states in the nation that treats those 16 and above as adults in the eyes of the courts. Teenagers as young as 13 can be tried as adults too, but only if a judge finds reason.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.corrections.com/news/article/33450-in-illinois-a-season-of-restorative-justice" target="_blank">In Illinois, a Season of Restorative Justice</a><br />Corrections.com, Illinois – June 5, 2013<br />It has been a good spring for juvenile justice in Illinois. In a year of great fiscal challenge, the General Assembly approved Gov. Pat Quinn’s proposal to double funding for Redeploy Illinois, a successful program helping teens get services in their communities instead of behind sent away to distant prisons. Legislators also passed a bill to customize Redeploy programs for Cook County neighborhoods and bring the diversion program to the state’s largest county for the first time.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.theeagle.com/news/local/article_d5b77316-eb90-5005-82b8-8097cd1b6c10.html" target="_blank">Foster kids start new life after 'aging out' of program</a><br />The Eagle, Texas – June 7, 2013<br />LeBrone Foster, 18, has lived in at least five homes over the past five years. But now that the teen has graduated and is officially transitioning to adulthood, he has "aged out" of foster care. On Thursday, Voices for Children, a local nonprofit organization that advocates for neglected and abused children, held an "Emancipation Shower" to help ease 10 foster teens' move toward independence with gifts that will be useful in starting a home of their own.<br /><br /><a href="http://realchangenews.org/index.php/site/archives/7876" target="_blank">New law offers support for young people who age out of foster care</a><br />Real Change, Washington – June 5, 2013<br />About 550 people age out of the state’s foster care system every year. Some of them, after being dropped from state services, end up homeless. A new law passed by the Washington Legislature will help ensure that many young people who are too old for foster care will remain housed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/32737-1" target="_blank">Coming of Age: Preparing Ohio's Older Foster Youth for Life</a><br />Public News Service, Columbus, OH – June 4, 2013<br />The years spent coming of age are a critical time in a youth's life, especially for those who must face this time without the support of a stable home environment. In Ohio, the "Connecting the Dots" initiative is helping teenagers and young adults who have been in foster care make a successful transition into adulthood.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.statejournal.com/story/22496537/wv-youth-participate-in-pregnancy-prevention-campaign" target="_blank">WV youth participate in teen pregnancy prevention campaign</a><br />The State Journal, West Virginia – June 4, 2013<br />West Virginia historically has had a high teen birth rate. But last month, youth across the state and country took steps to increase awareness about the consequences of teen pregnancy. As part of National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy's month-long campaign, The Leadership to Prevent Teen Pregnancy Taskforce of West Virginia organized a video contest for middle and high school students.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thecincinnatiherald.com/news/2013-06-08/Front_Page/Black_teen_birth_rate_falls_60_percent_in_10_years.html" target="_blank">Black teen birth rate falls 60 percent in 10 years</a><br />The Cincinnati Herald, Washington, D.C. – June 1, 2013<br />A new report by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention shows that the teen birth rate for African Americans has declined by 60 percent between 1991 and 2011 – a rate 10 percent greater than the overall dip in teen birth rates.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-58021833184059563652013-06-03T08:47:00.002-04:002013-06-03T08:47:20.404-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=904066#.UavjE-v3izx" target="_blank">Edinburg high school dropout recovery program hits milestone</a><br />ValleyCentral.com, Edinburg, TX – May 30, 2013<br />A group of former high school dropouts received their diploma in Edinburg. “The Vision Academy,” a recovery program created by the superintendent of Edinburg CISD, gives dropouts a second chance at a high school diploma. Today, the school graduated its 500th student.<br /><br /><a href="http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/31/how-to-cure-the-college-dropout-syndrome/" target="_blank">How to Cure the College Dropout Syndrome</a><br />The New York Times – June 2, 2013<br />Jeffrey Selingo, the former editor of The Chronicle of Higher Education and currently an editor at large there, is the author of a new book, “College (Un)Bound.” In it, he argues that the higher-education system is both vital to the American economy and “broken.” (An essay adapted from the book was published in the Education Life section of The Times last month.) My exchange with him, edited slightly, follows.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/22712448/article-Cobb--Marietta-high-school-graduation-rates-increase" target="_blank">Cobb, Marietta high school graduation rates increase</a><br />The Marietta Daily Journal, Marietta, GA – June 2, 2013<br />High schools in both the Cobb and Marietta school systems reported increases in the number of students who graduated compared to last year, but only Cobb’s rates were higher than the state’s overall rate.<br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.omaha.com/article/20130529/NEWS/705309881/1694" target="_blank">Gov. Heineman signs juvenile justice reform into law</a><br />Omaha World Herald, Nebraska – May 30, 2013<br />The state embarked on a new approach in dealing with troubled juveniles Wednesday. Gov. Dave Heineman signed into law a major reform bill that shifts the focus from incarceration to treatment for youthful offenders and puts state probation officers in charge of that rehabilitation work instead of state social workers.<br /><br /><a href="http://news.wgcu.org/post/juvenile-justice-dept-brings-reform-plans-fort-myers" target="_blank">Juvenile Justice Dept. Brings Reform Plans to Fort Myers</a><br />WGCU, NPR News, Fort Meyers, FL – May 28, 2013<br />The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice has been taking its plans for reform on the road since last fall, making presentations and soliciting feedback. The DJJ’s Roadmap to System Excellence tour comes to Fort Myers Tuesday evening. The Roadmap reforms involve placing less emphasis on detention of juvenile offenders and more emphasis on community based intervention programs to keep kids out of the system.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20130602/NEWS/306029979?Title=New-law-extends-foster-age-to-21" target="_blank">New law extends foster age to 21</a><br />The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Florida – June 2, 2013<br />Soon after blowing out the candles on his 18th birthday cake, Calub Short left his Deltona group foster home and entered the real world. With no safety net to fall back on, Short used his savings to buy a car and secure an apartment. But he went through those savings fast. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.gbtribune.com/section/1/article/53856/" target="_blank">Aging Out: Gaining a voice</a><br />Great Bend Tribune, Great Bend, KS – May 29, 2013<br />Memorial day weekend is here. Families are getting together for cookouts and camping trips, taking trips to the cemetery to honor their ancestors and loved ones. We often take these ties for granted. In a perfect world, after a child is taken from their family and placed in the foster care system, a loving and understanding foster family would be found to take the child and provide a stable home, and they would remain there until they are reunited with their family or adopted by another. They would also be able to remain in their own community, attend the same school they always had. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world. In recent years, initiatives by several non-profit have focused on bringing these inequities to the attention of members of Congress. <br /> <br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://billingsgazette.com/news/opinion/mailbag/education-can-help-prevent-teen-pregnancy/article_e87093de-0477-5e26-8345-355f5d021c55.html" target="_blank">Education can help prevent teen pregnancy</a><br />Billings Gazette, Montana – June 2, 2013<br />In Montana, we saw 5,272 teen pregnancies in 2011. And Montana is one of only three states whose teen birth rates did not decrease from 2007-2010. Teen pregnancy is typically affected by a range of factors, including access to accurate, comprehensive information on sexual health from parents, teachers, doctors and other adults, access to birth control, what they hear from friends, media and the Internet, and other risky choices.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-84387388633328526022013-05-28T09:30:00.000-04:002013-05-28T09:30:00.738-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://savannahnow.com/news/2013-05-26/new-magic-johnson-dropout-recovery-program-opens-savannah#.UaPvUYLue3o" target="_blank">New Magic Johnson dropout recovery program opens in Savannah</a><br />Savannah Morning News, Savannah, GA – May 27, 2013<br />A new charter school program designed to get dropouts to graduate has opened in Savannah. The Magic Johnson Bridgescape learning center will serve students in grades nine through 12 who have dropped out or are at risk of quitting school. <br /><br />
<a href="http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_499c91b0-c673-11e2-9653-001a4bcf6878.html" target="_blank">Perry signs bill for dropout prevention programs</a><br />Valley Morning Star, Harlingen, TX – May 25, 2013<br />Gov. Rick Perry over the weekend signed into law a bill allowing public technical colleges like Texas State Technical College to partner with public junior colleges to administer high school dropout prevention programs.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dailymail.com/News/201305200162" target="_blank">Curriculum aims to stem dropouts</a><br />Charleston Daily Mail, West Union, SC – May 21, 2013<br />Every other Friday this year, Doddridge County High School students have ended class two hours early. The school's 374 students divide into groups and spend the rest of the day making their visions come to life. The school is filled with the sounds of power drills, sizzling grease and music composed by the students themselves. <br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.wral.com/changes-proposed-for-nc-s-juvenile-justice-system/12488348/" target="_blank">Changes proposed for NC's juvenile justice system</a><br />WRAL, Raleigh, NC – May 27, 2013<br />Legislators, advocates and prosecutors are talking about changing a century-old law that calls for lawbreakers to be prosecuted as adults starting at age 16 — a measure that remains in effect in only one other state in the country.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dotnews.com/2013/house-votes-move-17-year-olds-juvenile-justice-system" target="_blank">House votes to move 17 year-olds into juvenile justice system</a><br />Dorchester Reporter, Massachusetts – May 23, 2013<br />The House unanimously passed legislation Wednesday that would move 17-year-old offenders into the juvenile justice system in Massachusetts, ending the practice of routinely incarcerating 17-year-olds in adult corrections facilities.<br /><br />
<a href="http://journalstar.com/legislature/lawmakers-agree-on-funding-for-overhaul-of-nebraska-s-juvenile/article_efc12d87-5c6e-55e4-ad96-e94085f308cd.html" target="_blank">Lawmakers agree on funding for overhaul of Nebraska's juvenile justice system</a><br />Lincoln Star Journal, Nebraska – May 22, 2013<br />Nebraska lawmakers moved Wednesday toward committing $14.5 million in new spending as part of a massive overhaul of Nebraska's juvenile justice system.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20130522/LOCAL/305229968/1002/LOCAL" target="_blank">Foster care housing project dawns</a><br />The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN – May 22, 2013<br />A long-standing south-side eyesore felt the blows of the wrecking ball Tuesday to make way for housing to help young adults who have aged out of the foster care system.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.clevelandbanner.com/view/full_story/22682926/article-%E2%80%98Aging-out%E2%80%99-doesn%E2%80%99t-end-foster-care?instance=homefirstleft" target="_blank">‘Aging out’ doesn’t end foster care</a><br />Cleveland Daily Banner, Ohio – May 27, 2013<br />The goal of foster care is to give children a permanent home, but that does not always happen before they reach the age of 18. Some children reach their teenage years and hit the brink of adulthood before that happens. These teens are said to have “aged out” of the foster care system. But recent years have seen more and more transitional resources being made available for these children to learn how to be live successfully on their own. <br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://wtvr.com/2013/05/23/cdc-teen-pregnancy-declines-across-the-country/" target="_blank">CDC: Teen Pregnancy declines across the country</a><br />CBS 6 WTVR, Richmond, VA – May 23, 2013<br />A new report from the Centers for Disease Control found all states are seeing a record low number of teenagers giving birth. The most dramatic declines are in the mountain states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and Utah. Their teen birth rate numbers fell by 30% or more. The biggest difference was for Hispanic teenagers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-52135601186862420992013-05-20T09:06:00.000-04:002013-05-20T09:06:09.361-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Ala-video-highlights-dropout-prevention-efforts-4529072.php" target="_blank">Ala. video highlights dropout prevention efforts</a><br />San Francisco Chronicle, Montgomery, AL – May 19, 2013<br />At the end of a movie, it's rare to see an entire audience sticking around in the darkened theater to watch the credits. Stranger still — hearing the crowd cheer and applaud as the names of the cast and crew appear on the screen. The film is a collaborative effort between Montgomery public high school students, some of whom have been at risk of becoming dropouts themselves, and a group of Alabama State University students and graduates who served as mentors.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cbs42.com/2013/05/16/birmingham-students-graduate-as-a-part-of-drop-out-recovery-program/" target="_blank">Birmingham students graduate as a part of Drop Out Recovery program</a><br />CBS 42, Birmingham, AL – May 16, 2013<br />For many students, economic factors, personal obstacles and peer pressure push a high school diploma farther down on their list of priorities. One group of Birmingham students is bucking that trend. On Thursday, they reaped the rewards of taking charge of their own lives. More than 140 students received their diplomas from the Birmingham City Schools Drop Out Recovery program.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/local/chesterfield/article_018a361b-0fee-530d-9f9f-adcebcbbad58.html" target="_blank">Chesterfield program helps students plan for future</a><br />Richmond Times-Dispatch, Chesterfield, VA – May 20, 2013<br />Lee Bryson, a senior at Chesterfield Community High School, sat in front of a computer Thursday afternoon like a true teenager. Slouched in his chair and seeming to pay little attention to several adults, he was more interested in the game on the monitor than anything the adults could offer. But Bryson was doing exactly what he was supposed to — playing a game of chess against the computer with total focus.<br /><br />
<b>Juvenile Justice </b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://journalstar.com/legislature/overhaul-of-nebraska-s-juvenile-justice-system-clears-second-hurdle/article_04188702-11b8-5e08-92ef-26cd338f4d20.html" target="_blank">Overhaul of Nebraska's juvenile justice system clears second hurdle</a><br />Lincoln Star Journal, Nebraska – May 15, 2013<br />The cornerstone bill of a proposed overhaul of Nebraska's juvenile justice system appears headed for passage by state lawmakers. The bill (LB561) by Omaha Sen. Brad Ashford was given second-round approval Wednesday on a voice vote. It faces one more round of consideration.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/government-and-politics/senate-oks-bill-for-arrested--year-olds-to-be/article_1d65cc68-bce8-11e2-a92c-001a4bcf887a.html" target="_blank">Senate OKs bill for arrested 17-year-olds to be sent to juvenile court</a><br />Pantagraph.com, Springfield, IL – May 14, 2013<br />The Illinois Senate approved legislation Tuesday that would send all 17-year-olds charged with crimes in Illinois first to juvenile courts. The measure, which was approved by the House in April, now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn’s desk. Currently, 17-year-olds charged with misdemeanors are handled in juvenile justice courts while 17-year-olds charged with felonies are prosecuted in adult criminal courts and sent to adult prisons if incarcerated.<br /><br />
<a href="http://journaltimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/county-examines-juvenile-detention-program/article_3dd0dcf8-c144-11e2-b006-001a4bcf887a.html" target="_blank">County examines juvenile detention program</a><br />The Journal Times, Racine County, WI – May 20, 2013<br />Racine County is in the early stages of looking for ways to improve its juvenile detention program, after receiving a grant from a private foundation. The state’s Office of Justice Assistance selected Racine County in January to receive an Annie E. Casey Foundation grant as part of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative.<br /><br />
<b>Foster Care</b><br /><br />
<a href="http://delaware.newszap.com/centraldelaware/122524-70/dsu-grad-seaford-native-aims-to-help-foster-kids" target="_blank">DSU grad, Seaford native aims to help foster kids</a><br />Delaware Newszap, Dover, DE – May 19, 2013<br />Christella Amose St. Juste knows first-hand the challenges that youth in foster care face. Ms. St. Juste, who graduated from Delaware State University with a criminal justice degree on Sunday, lived in foster homes growing up. Now she is determined to go to law school and work with foster kids — she knows that there is a big need for advocates.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.whptv.com/news/local/story/May-is-foster-care-month-in-Pennsylvania/Hno6YzHN-EuGoeX9-3Rnww.cspx" target="_blank">May is foster care month in Pennsylvania</a><br />CBS 21, Pennsylvania – May 13, 2013<br />At an awareness event today in Harrisburg, “Walk a Mile in a Foster Child’s Shoes,” the department was joined by the Pennsylvania State Resource Family Association; Together as Adoptive Parents; and country music star, Jimmy Wayne. Shoes were placed on the capitol steps representing the 14,000 children in the foster care system in Pennsylvania. The shoes will be donated to the Salvation Army.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://newsfixnow.com/2013/05/17/online-dish-pregnant-boys-featured-in-teen-pregnancy-prevention-campaign/" target="_blank">Pregnant Boys Featured in Teen Pregnancy Prevention Campaign</a><br />
NewsFix, Chicago, IL – May 17, 2013<br />Expect the unexpected. That’s exactly what you’ll get as you walk by a shocking new Chicago billboard campaign, featuring images of pregnant boys. The Chicago Department of Public Health says it chose the unusual images because it wanted to help reduce teen pregnancy and get young boys’ attention. After all, it takes two to tango.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2013/05/16/4526913/teens-take-center-stage-in-manatee.html" target="_blank">Teens take center stage in Manatee County pregnancy prevention</a><br />
Bradenton Herald, Bradenton, FL – May 16, 2013<br />Teenagers have a long reputation for ignoring the sage advice of parents, educators and other adult authority figures while eager to listen to their friends and fellow youths. Now this peer-to-peer communication is working well in Manatee County's ongoing effort to stem teen pregnancy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-67755314247660500562013-05-13T08:40:00.003-04:002013-05-13T08:40:21.222-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition <b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ktvq.com/news/program-working-to-keep-native-american-kids-in-school-202210/#_" target="_blank">Program working to keep Native American kids in school</a><br />KTVQ, Browning, MT – May 12, 2013<br />The 2013 Building a Grad Nation annual update shows that more than one-third of Native American high school students drop out of school. Twenty-six communities across Montana have joined in on the Graduation Matters initiative, in an effort to combat such problems.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.local15tv.com/content/fightingback/story/Fighting-Back-Decreasing-the-Dropout-Rate/9fA1AyZ81E-_N1dsoFXXIg.cspx" target="_blank">Fighting Back: Decreasing the Dropout Rate</a><br />NBC15, Mobile, AL – May 10, 2013<br />A recent study looked at areas where over the years there have been spikes in crime. What criminologists and sociologist found was in areas where there were higher levels of unemployed and uneducated youth, there was a huge increase in theft and violence. In our Fighting Back series, we show you how the Mobile area education foundation has developed a program to decrease the high school dropout rate and put these teens to work at the same time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ky3.com/news/ky3-new-freshman-wing-at-branson-high-school-expected-to-improve-graduation-rate-20130509,0,4818461.story" target="_blank">New Branson H.S. 9th grade center could help improve graduation rates</a><br />KY3, Branson, MO – May 9, 2013<br />The new Ninth Grade Center at Branson High School is more than a new wing. Educators say it's a new model for learning. They think it's a $6 million investment that will keep freshman on the right track.<br /><br /><b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2013/may/11/fewer-memphis-juveniles-are-transferred-to-adult/" target="_blank">Fewer Memphis juveniles are being transferred to adult court</a><br />The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, TN – May 11, 2013<br />More juveniles charged with crimes are being given a chance to turn their lives around, dodging transfer to adult court where prison is a common outcome, according to court statistics. During the past decade, the number of transfers peaked in 2008, when 225 youths were sent to the Criminal Justice Center at 201 Poplar to face trial on felony charges, according to a study of Shelby County Juvenile Court statistics.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/05/12/Weinland-Park-program-shows-at-risk-kids-better-options.html" target="_blank">Program provides option for Weinland Park youths in trouble with law</a><br />The Columbus Dispatch, Columbus, OH – May 13, 2013<br />Seated in a car parked beneath mounted surveillance cameras, two special-duty police officers waited outside D&J Carryout on the corner of N. 4th Street and E. 8th Avenue. Their goal on Friday was simple — talk to young people about a new program that aims to steer them away from drugs, gangs, vandalism and other problems that have plagued the Weinland Park neighborhood for years.<br /><br />
<b>Foster Care</b><br /><br />
<a href="http://www.wdde.org/43650-markell-foster-kids-age-out" target="_blank">Gov. Markell helps launch national initiative for kids aging out of foster care</a><br />WDDE 911.FM, Delaware – May 6, 2013<br />Governor Jack Markell is pushing to extend care for foster kids after age 18 as part of a nationwide campaign to help them transition to adulthood. Markell helped launch the campaign – “Success Beyond 18” – in Washington DC Monday at a meeting of the National Governor’s Association.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.yourpublicmedia.org/content/wnpr/advocates-look-increase-foster-care-age-18-21" target="_blank">Advocates Look to Increase Foster Care Age from 18 to 21</a><br />Your Public Media – May 9, 2013<br />May is Foster Care Awareness Month, and as WNPR's Ray Hardman reports, advocates are pushing to extend foster care from 18 to 21 years old. According to a report released today by the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, 18-year-olds that age out of the foster care system are more likely than their peers to drop out of school, experience homelessness, and end up in jail. <br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/new-sex-ed-app-helps-teens-find-birth-control-article-1.1338363" target="_blank">New anti-teen pregnancy app from city health department helps youth get advice, find clinics for birth control </a><br />Daily News, New York, NY – May 8, 2013<br />It's sex ed for the 21st century.<br />The city's health department on Wednesday unveiled a first-of-its-kind sex education app geared towards teens to help lower pregnancy rates. The colorful app — called Teens in NYC Protection+ — was designed with input from youngsters and includes details on where to get free birth control, STD screening and other health services.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2013/05/11/Bill-to-lower-barriers-to-pregnant-teens-education/UPI-18591368302516/" target="_blank">Bill to lower barriers to pregnant teens' education</a><br />UPI.com, Washington, DC - May 11, 2013<br />A U.S. Senate bill would help states and local school districts support pregnant and parenting youth who face challenges staying in school, legislators say. In a nationwide survey, 33 percent of female dropouts and almost 20 percent of male dropouts reported that becoming a parent was a major factor in their decision to leave school.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-21976217732197221152013-05-06T09:00:00.000-04:002013-05-06T09:00:16.084-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition <b>Education</b><br />
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<a href="http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/04/29/new-arlington-isd-learning-center-tailored-to-help-dropouts/" target="_blank">New Arlington ISD Learning Center Tailored To Help Dropouts</a><br />
CBS 11, Arlington, VA – April 29, 2013<br />
Students drop out of high school for a lot of reasons: financial issues, pregnancy or just being negatively influenced by the wrong people. Now the Arlington Independent School District and City of Arlington have teamed up to tell dropouts “its never too late to learn.”<br />
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<a href="http://www.newstribune.com/news/2013/may/05/academic-center-strives-help-struggling-teens-grad/" target="_blank">Academic center strives to help struggling teens graduate</a><br />
News Tribune, Jefferson City, MO – May 5, 2013<br />
Robert Taylor-Bey was 13 years old the first time he met Deanne Fischer, principal of the Jefferson City Academic Center. Unfortunately, it was because he was in Jefferson City Public School District’s Suspended Student Classroom, better known as “SSC.” “I always got suspended,” he remembers. “I had a lot of anger issues.”<br />
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<a href="http://www.mydesert.com/article/20130504/OPINION04/305040017/We-re-determined-increase-rate-college-eligibility" target="_blank">We're determined to increase rate of college eligibility</a><br />
MyDesert.com, Palm Springs, CA – April 4, 2013<br />
In the Palm Springs Unified School District, our high school graduation rate continues to increase, while our dropout rate is decreasing. This year, in collaboration with the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP), through its Workforce Excellence Oversight Committee, a regional plan for College and Career Readiness has been developed, and a multiyear implementation is under way among the valley’s three public school districts and colleges.<br />
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<b>Juvenile Justice</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2013/05/02/gov-deal-signs-juvenile-justice.html" target="_blank">Gov. Deal signs juvenile justice reforms</a><br />
Atlanta Business Chronicle, Georgia – May 2, 2013<br />
Gov. Nathan Deal traveled to a youth detention center in Dalton, Ga., Thursday to sign an overhaul of Georgia’s juvenile justice system aimed at improving outcomes for young offenders and saving money.<br />
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<a href="http://jjie.org/nebraska-juvenile-justice-reform-amendments-pass-committee-vote/" target="_blank">Nebraska Juvenile Justice Reform Amendments Pass Committee Vote</a><br />
Juvenile Justice Information Exchange, Nebraska – April 26, 2013<br />
The Nebraska Legislature has pushed forward a proposed piece of juvenile justice reform legislation, following a judiciary committee re-write, the Omaha World-Herald reports. Legislators approved amendments Tuesday to Legislative Bill 561.<br />
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<b>Foster Care</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/05/01/3375542/bill-extending-foster-care-to.html" target="_blank">Bill extending foster care to age 21 goes to Gov. Rick Scott for signature</a><br />
The Miami Herald, Tallahassee, FL – May 1, 2013<br />
The Florida House passed a bill Wednesday giving young adults in state custody the option of remaining until age 21 – three years longer than in current law – to reduce their chances of ending up homeless, jobless or in jail. The measure (SB 1036) passed the House 116-1 after the Senate unanimously passed it last week. The Senate named the bill the "Nancy C. Detert Common Sense and Compassion Independent Living Act," after its Senate sponsor.<br />
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<a href="http://www.newsroomamerica.com/story/361340.html" target="_blank">Presidential Proclamation - National Foster Care Month, 2013</a><br />
Newsroom America – April 30, 2013<br />
As a Nation, we have no task more important than ensuring our children grow up healthy and safe. It is a promise we owe to the hundreds of thousands of youth in foster care -- boys and girls who too often go without the love, protection, and stability of a permanent family.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heraldandnews.com/members/news/frontpage/article_df0dff4c-b47e-11e2-ab16-0019bb2963f4.html" target="_blank">Leaving the foster home behind</a><br />
Herald and News, Klamath County, OR – May 4, 2013<br />
A Klamath County resident for 20 of the past 23 years of his life, Allen has been a foster child since he can remember. At 21, he “aged out” of the system, leaving the Oregon foster care system behind. Allen is now offering his time locally to turn the tide against what he sees as a system failure. Working with Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, he’ll be speaking about his experiences with a group of Klamath County foster children preparing to live on their own.<br />
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<b>Teen Pregnancy </b><br />
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<a href="http://www.wdam.com/story/22134368/governor-bryant-declars-may-teen-pregnancy-prevention-month" target="_blank">Governor Bryant declares May Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month</a><br />
WDAM 7, Mississippi – May 1, 2013 <br />
Governor Phil Bryant attended a Community Town Hall Meeting Wednesday to promote his Teen Pregnancy Prevention initiative. When Governor Bryant took office reducing teen pregnancies in the state became one of his top priorities. In 2010 the state by far had one of the highest rates in the nation averaging 55 pregnancies for every 1000 teenage girls age 15 to 19.<br />
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<a href="http://www.walb.com/story/22162826/boys-and-girls-club-teaches-teens-to-make-smarter-choices" target="_blank">Boys and Girls club teaches teens to make smarter choices</a><br />
WALB 10, Albany, GA – May 4, 2013<br />
Some Southwest Georgia teens got a lesson about teen pregnancy. In recognition of National Teen Pregnancy Prevention month, the James Wilson Boys and Girls club in Albany had a teen maze about life choices. The maze had different stations showing teens the consequences of making good and bad choices in life. <br />
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<a href="http://www.fox47news.com/news/local/205582711.html" target="_blank">Teen Pregnancy Prevention Day Efforts Taking Place in Mid-Michigan</a><br />
Fox 47, Michigan – May 1, 2013<br />
Thousands of teens in mid-Michigan will be taking an online quiz, and it's not for math class. Organizations around the state will encourage teens ages 12 to 19 to visit Stayteen.org for the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. "That quiz is going to challenge them to think about what they'd do in the moment. through a bunch of interactive scenarios," said Amber Arb, a Planned Parenthood Community Outreach Educator.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896174.post-30284640862607641192013-04-29T09:00:00.000-04:002013-04-29T09:00:03.201-04:00This Week's News: Youth in Transition<b>Education</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130426/BETTERLIFE03/304260151/Kentucky-s-Appalachian-Challenge-Academy-offers-dropouts-chance-complete-schoolhttp://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130426/BETTERLIFE03/304260151/Kentucky-s-Appalachian-Challenge-Academy-offers-dropouts-chance-complete-school" target="_blank">Kentucky's Appalachian Challenge Academy offers dropouts a chance to complete school</a><br />The Courier-Journal, Harlan, KY – April 27, 2013<br />After dropping out of high school in Clay County, David Bowling spent his days smoking pot, abusing pills and avoiding a troubled home — all the while edging closer to a dead-end future in a corner of Appalachia where jobs are scarce. But today, the 17-year-old has a buzz cut and a pair of fatigues and rises at 5 a.m. in a spartan, military-style bunk dorm at the foot of a mountainside.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/24/4618786/biloxi-schools-making-graduation.html" target="_blank">Biloxi schools making graduation a mission</a><br />Sun Herald, Biloxi, MS – April 24, 2013<br />Biloxi High senior Antonio Barnes dreams of seeing his name in lights one day. Graduation isn't an option for him, he said. It's a requirement to reach his goal. Community leaders, students and school officials have formed a task force aimed at seeing every Biloxi senior walk in the graduation procession.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myplainview.com/news/article_bcf6f270-af8c-11e2-9dd1-0019bb2963f4.html" target="_blank">Houston High to celebrate 1,000th graduate </a><br />MyPlainview.com, Houston, TX – April 27, 2013<br />Houston High School reached a major milestone on April 11 when 17-year-old Antonio Espinoza, son of Roland and Norica Rodriguez, became the campus’s 1,000th graduate. Houston High School was established as an alternative campus in 1999 to meet the needs of students who are identified as “at risk” and struggling to complete coursework in a traditional school setting.<br /><br />
<b>Juvenile Justice</b><br /><br />
<a href="http://jacksonville.com/news/2013-04-27/story/juvenile-justice-reforms-set-hit-high-gear" target="_blank">Juvenile-justice reforms set to hit high gear in Georgia</a><br />The Florida Times-Union, Atlanta, GA – April 27, 2013<br />Even before Gov. Nathan Deal signs a comprehensive juvenile-justice bill into law this week in Dalton, state and local governments have begun putting the pieces into place. After seven years of effort by lawyers, advocates and legislators, reforms are on the way to becoming law that will fundamentally change how delinquent children are handled. <br /><br />
<a href="http://journalstar.com/legislature/proposed-overhaul-of-nebraska-s-juvenile-justice-system-is-advanced/article_8de1cfb2-a0df-57e6-b134-68a3429ca2cc.html" target="_blank">Proposed overhaul of Nebraska's juvenile justice system is advanced</a><br />Lincoln Journal Star, Nebraska – April 23, 2013<br />The cornerstone bill of a proposed overhaul of Nebraska's juvenile justice system was given first-round approval Tuesday by state lawmakers. "We have … come to a critical point in time and cannot wait to enact meaningful juvenile justice reform," said Sen. Brad Ashford of Omaha. "What we have now is simply not working."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Big-Brothers-Big-Sisters-Program-Taking-on-Court-Referred-Juveniles-204584221.html" target="_blank">Big Brothers Big Sisters Program Taking on Court-Referred Juveniles</a><br />ABC KCRG, Cedar Rapids, IA – April 24, 2013<br />The national Big Brothers Big Sisters organization is reaching out to kids already in legal trouble. And the Cedar Rapids-East Central Iowa chapter is joining that effort by now accepting kids referred by juvenile courts. Charles Pierson, CEO of the national Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, came to Cedar Rapids on Wednesday to announce the local effort to help juveniles in legal trouble.<br /><br /><b>Foster Care</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.paramuspost.com/article.php/20130424114411594" target="_blank">KidsPeace Launches Online Resource for Foster Care Teens</a><br />The Paramus Post, Paramus, NJ – April 24, 2013<br />New portal goes live for National Foster Care Awareness Month with anonymous counseling to aid teens with unique issues. To kick-off National Foster Care Awareness Month next month, KidsPeace today launched a new web portal to provide foster care teens with a dedicated online resource to discuss and cope with issues relevant to their unique experiences.<br /><br /><b>Teen Pregnancy</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.kttc.com/story/22051541/2013/04/23/austin-presentation-aims-to-lower-teen-pregnancy" target="_blank">Austin presentation aims to lower teen pregnancy</a><br />NBC KTTC, Austin, MN – April 23, 2013<br />Teen pregnancy rates in southeastern Minnesota are among the highest in the state. And to help shed light on the issue, a married couple from the Twin Cities will speak at Austin High School on Wednesday about preventing teen pregnancy. <br /><br /><a href="http://nbclatino.com/2013/04/25/strong-latino-support-for-sex-education-and-birth-control-says-new-poll/" target="_blank">Strong Latino support for sex education and birth control, says new poll</a><br />
NBC Latino – April 25, 2013<br />Nine out of ten Hispanics think sex education should be taught in the nation’s high schools and middle schools, and almost 90 percent say teen pregnancy prevention is as important as doing well in school, says a new national poll of over 1,000 Latinos over the age of 18. Moreover, more than half of those polled thought avoiding teen pregnancy is even more important for Latino teens than other groups.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0