Mathematica gives good marks in its report to Congress on the State Children's Health Insurance Programs (SCHIPs) that offer health care coverage to children in families with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level and beyond. In almost all areas examined—outreach, enrollment and access to services—the programs are succeeding. In the 10 states studied, programs were put in place quickly, and overall, families were satisfied with the ease of enrolling children, many of whom remained enrolled for 12 months, depending on the state.

Texas schools lose a student every four minutes. Since 1986, 2.2 million Texas students have dropped out -- leaving the state with an estimated net loss of $500 billion, according to the 2004-05 attrition study by the Intercultural Development Research Association. The study includes attrition data for each Texas county, as well as components of strong school holding power.

Children are especially vulnerable to environmental hazards, and that means care should be taken in returning them to areas that have been flooded by the recent hurricanes, says the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). While many advocates urge youth involvement in middle- and longer-term rebuilding efforts, the AAP cautions against the involvement of kids and teens involved in clean-up activities.

Another new KCMU issue brief compares various proposals to extend Medicaid coverage to Hurricane Katrina survivors -- including a bill sponsored by Senators Grassley and Baucus, the Administration's Medicaid waiver initiative, and a waiver granted to the state of Texas.

This documentary focuses on the struggles facing Texas children with mental illnesses, including the obstacles and painful choices facing families with a loved one suffering from mental illness as well as the daily struggles of mental health advocates, service providers and policymakers trying to help youth get appropriate treatment.

How well are Texas high schools doing? That depends -- if you count the number of students identified as dropping out in one year, the numbers look pretty good. But, according to the Intercultural Development Research Association, a think tank that concentrates on graduation and attrition rates, Texas schools are failing to graduate two out of every five students. Attrition rates are much higher for Hispanic students (49 percent) and African American students (44 percent).

The only national Latino organization that focuses exclusively on children, NLCI focuses on the healthy and complete development of Latino children. Be sure to visit the resource page.