Connect for Kids / Child Advocacy 360 / Youth Policy Action Center - CFK Articles, Parenting

“I knew I Had to Be a Better Parent” – True Stories of Local Supports

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:37:03 -0500

Here’s a personal glimpse at the importance of local programs for children and families, as three stressed-out parents share how they found help and education in support groups. The California-based Children’s Advocate reports.

Extending Learning: Will We Ever Get it Right?

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:10:25 -0500

I had a few hours to read, so I pulled out the folder into which I cram all of the things that catch my eye and might make good material for a column. Here’s what I read recently:

KIDS COUNT 2008: A CFK Overview

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:47:35 -0500

To make positive change for kids, you need to know where things stand, what’s working and what needs to be improved. The annual KIDS COUNT Data Book offers both data and context for 10 indicators of child well-being—and drills down to a state and local level. This year’s essay offers a “roadmap for reform” in juvenile justice. CFK summer intern Maria Allen attended the June 2008 launch event in DC and has this overview.

"We are Speaking Up" - Parent Voices Activists Push for More Child Care Funding

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:15:04 -0500

Quality child care matters for kids and parents—just ask single mother Marla Campos, who spends $900 a month for child care. Although her two daughters are eligible for state-subsidized child care, they are among the more than 360,000 kids nationally who are stuck on state waiting lists because there isn’t enough funding. In California, the parent-led activist organization Parent Voices is working to change this.

A“Ticket to Work” for Transitioning Youth – and Those Working With Them

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:12:55 -0600

If you work with teens with disabilities, you’ll want to know about the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work (TTW) program. Its Youth Transition portion offers funds for organizations that help students receiving Social Security disability benefits find employment. Is it right for you? Melody Goodspeed, Youth Transition Specialist for TTW answers some common questions about the funding.

Choosing Care for a Child with Special Needs

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 15:00:00 -0500

Finding quality, affordable child care can be difficult for any parent. For those with a special needs child, it can also be a very confusing and emotional experience. Rebecca Freshour looks at what the law says, and what parents need to know to find care for their children.

Marriage as Anti-Child-Poverty Program

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 14:15:09 -0500

Congress recently allocated $750 million over five years to promote marriage and fatherhood initiatives among low-income groups. As a result, federally-funded marriage promotion programs are springing up around the country, including in Washington, DC. Roshin Mathew, an Emerson Hunger Fellow working with Connect for Kids this year, wondered about the connection between marriage promotion and better lives for low-income children. Here are her findings, and her thoughts.

The Downside of Girl Power?

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:10:22 -0500

By many measures, girls are on a roll. In terms of academic achievement, college attendance and completion, and the opportunities that are open to them, girls are poised for success. But some experts see worrying signs that girls are also facing new pressures—and responding with violent behavior usually associated with boys. Andrea Grazzini Walstrom takes a look at the issue.

Returning Soldiers Bring Joy, Stress to Families

Tue, 16 May 2006 11:31:58 -0500

It�s a perennial struggle for military families, but one that is hitting home for more and more of them as soldiers rotate back to the home front from Iraq and Afghanistan: the sometimes painful adjustments that come with the return of a long-absent parent. Rebecca Freshour looks at some of the issues.

An Expert Prediction: Parents Face Long Odds in Supreme Court Case on Special Education

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:52:06 -0500

Pete Wright, an attorney with decades of experience in special education law—and his own memories of standing up before the U.S. Supreme Court to argue a case—attended oral arguments last week in the most recent special education case to reach the highest court. Wright shared his impressions with Connect for Kids Editor Susan Phillips.

Online Safety, Updated

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:47:40 -0500

Last month Connect for Kids reported on Teenangels, young volunteers who help their peers understand the importance of Internet safety. What other efforts are underway to help protect children and youth from being exploited through social networking online? Cecilia Garcia reports.

Teens Help Teens Stay Safe Online

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:03:32 -0500

While parents worry about potential dangers to their children lurking in our web-surfing, IM-ing, text-messaging culture, their efforts to help can be hampered by their own lack of knowledge. The Teenangels program—which trains young people to protect their peers online—is one way around that problem. Tamekia Reece takes a look.

Detroit's Tough Times Spur Effort to Help Schools

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:52:19 -0500

The national spotlight is shining on Detroit, as Superbowl XL roars into town. But after the glitz and glitter are gone, nearly half of the children in this beleaguered city will still be living in poverty, and Detroit will still be hard-pressed to provide basic services they need. Connect for Kids' Cecilia Garcia looks at how one nonprofit organization, Communities in Schools of Detroit, is trying to pick up the slack.

Putting the Brakes on Sports

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:16:13 -0500

Teamwork. Friends. Healthy exercise. That's the upside of organized sports and activities for kids. But what about the downside? Loss of family time. Stress. Weekends in the car. Andrea Grazzini Walstrom decided to take action to reclaim at least part of each precious weekend. Walstrom talks about the birth of Balance4Success, the group she started in Minnesota.

In Need of Leave

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:26:18 -0500

Caring for a sick child or bringing home a newborn baby can be daunting responsibilities. Worries about lost income can add to the stress. Rob Capriccioso reports on how paid family leave programs can help.