New Map Documents Record Number of Youth Courts
Youth courts give young people (generally charged with non-violent and minor offenses) trial by a judge, jury, and attorneys of their peers. Research shows that this positive peer pressure can help kids turn their lives around and get assistance before they're in too deep. The federal youth court program is running in more than 1,200 sites across the country -- that's a record.

In honor of Youth Service Day (see below), here's an oldie-but-goodie from Network, outlining how Youth Courts can be effective service-learning tools. 

National & Global Youth Service Day Materials
Find toolkits, tips for getting involved or getting something started locally, and curriculum guides online.

Kids' Share 2007
If the federal budget were cut and served like an apple pie, "children might be fighting for crumbs by 2017," says a new Urban Institute report.

• Read the report
• Read the new interview with co-author Adam Carasso

• Where do our Tax Dollars Go? The short answer: defense, social security, and health care. 

• State Income Taxes Burden Low-Income Families: at least 10 states have levied new taxes on low-income families this year

• 2007 Earned Income Tax Credit Outreach Kit

Communities In Schools Recommends a Stronger NCLB
On March 28, 2007, Communities In Schools National President Dan Cardinali testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on bolstering parent and community engagement in the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act reauthorization.  He stressed that the best teachers and strongest curricula, while vital, may fail to reach students who come to school hungry, sick, or lacking critical family support. For more information, contact Bob Seidel at seidelb@cisnet.org.

• Read the testimony

• Read the Recommendations to Congress/Policy Agenda

New Campaign to Reduce Teen Pregnancy
Nearly half of Latinas become pregnant before age 20, interrupting many young women's dreams of starting college or a career. Unprotected sex also poses health risks. The National Council of La Raza and the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy are partnering on a new education and outreach initiative aimed at Latino teens and young adults.

New Site: Teen Health Rights
The National Center for Youth Law offers a new website to help California adolescent health care providers understand the laws that affect their work, with a focus on reproductive health.

Not Their Parent's MD: Why Teens Need a Doctor of Their Own
(From the CFK Archives) Most parents recognize that their adolescents need a measure of privacy and independence. Yet the idea of a medical specialty devoted to teens is unfamiliar to many. Historian Heather Prescott argues that this lack of awareness contributes to a serious shortage of age-appropriate health services for American teenagers.

Drug-Free Communities Grants
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy is offering up to $100,000 to community coalitions to prevent youth alcohol, tobacco, illicit drug, and inhalant abuse.  Deadline: April 17, 2007.

Domestic Violence Children's Program
The Avon Foundation is offering grants from $10,000 to $50,000 to nonprofit organizations that help children who have been exposed to domestic violence. Deadline: May 1, 2007.

Affordable Housing Awards: Now Showing
Enterprise Community Partners and MetLife Foundation are offering awards to community-based or local nonprofit organizations that excel in property and asset management or provide housing to people with special needs. First place is $35,000. Deadline:  May 4, 2007.

America's Promise Accepting Applications for Youth Partnership Team
The America's Promise Alliance Youth Partnership Team is looking for about 15 students (ages 14 to 22) to serve on the Team. They will act as spokespeople and trainers, and help to raise awareness about the Five Promises.