In this week's round-up, we feature news of a new federal approach to understanding poverty, insights about the adolescent mind, new research on child obesity, and more.
First, though, did you know that Cover the Uninsured Week is right around the corner? March 14-20 is a time to raise awareness about the plight of millions of Americans, including more than a million Texas children, with no health coverage.
The timing is especially apt this year, coinciding with when, news reports suggest, the U.S. House of Representatives is likely to determine the fate of national health reform. One of the most popular ideas in the pending health reform legislation is that most of today's uninsured kids would receive coverage when reform takes effect. Additionally, the law would make it illegal for insurance companies to bar children with preexisting conditions from receiving coverage, and families would be allowed to keep their children on their health plans longer.
Families' economic prospects are likely to improve, as well. Today, the Kaiser Family Foundation reports, 36 percent of uninsured low-income parents go without money for the basics, like food or heat for their children, due to high medical costs. The Congressional Budget Office says health premiums will go down for the vast majority of families, even as more families receive better, more reliable coverage, and some receive subsidies to make it more affordable.
If you agree with us that health reform is a good idea for Texas, we hope you'll contact the office of your Representative in the U.S. House and let them know. To find who represents you, visit http://www.congress.org/.
News and Reports Weekly Round-Up
Child and Maternal Health
3.5.10 New Child Obesity Research Findings (Multiple Sources)
3.1.10 The War on Cavities Begins Earlier (USA Today)
3.1.10 Online Module Focuses on Reducing the Risk of SIDS in Child Care (Healthy Child Care America)
More Health News...
Child Protection
3.5.10 Texas Child Abuse, Neglect Deaths Soar 31 Percent (Dallas Morning News)
3.3.10 Short-Term Cuts, Long-Term Consequences for Kids (NPR)
3.2.10 State Budget Cuts Threaten Child Welfare Programs (NPR)
More Protection News...
Family Financial Security Headlines
3.3.10 Financial Literacy, Schools, and the Path to Better Economic Outcomes in Texas (Texans Care News)
3.2.10 U.S. Plans New Measure for Poverty (New York Times)
3.2.10 Key Texas Food Stamp Official is Reassigned (Austin American-Statesman)
3.1.10 Food Stamp System Changed to Help Texas Food Banks (Associated Press)
More Financial Security News...
Juvenile Justice Headlines
3.5.10 "Pathways to Desistance” Longitudinal Study Supports Community-Based Alternatives for Young Offenders (National Juvenile Justice Network)
3.4.10 TYC Wants Pyote Facility Open Four More Months (Odessa American)
More Juvenile Justice News...
Child Mental Wellbeing Headlines
3.3.10 House Approves Bill to Limit Physical Restraint of Students (Washington Post)
3.2.10 Budget Cuts Shouldn't Include Mental Illness Safety Net (San Antonio Express-News op-ed)
3.1.10 The Teen Brain: It's Just Not Grown Up Yet (NPR)
3.1.10 Expanding and Improving the Children's Mental Health Workforce in Texas (Texans Care for Children testimony)
2.28.10 New Resources on Parental Relinquishment:Keeping Families Intact by Helping Them Access Mental Health Services (Texas Children's Mental Health Forum)
More Mental Health News...
More About Kids
3.3.10 A Closer Look at 2010 Budget Cuts (Texans Care News)
3.3.10 Protect Programs for Kids from the Budget Ax (Texans Care Action Alert)
