Clark County’s family shelters, created from former motels, are keeping unhoused families together, diverting thousands of children from foster care and saving millions by addressing housing as prevention.
Children & Families
In Washoe County, families who accept county-paid motel rooms when shelter beds run out are automatically referred to child welfare. Critics say the policy can deepen fear and stigma — and highlights how scarce affordable housing pushes families closer to CPS.
Autistic youth face a significantly higher risk of suicide, often at younger ages, highlighting the need for better screening, mental health care, and community education.
Kevin Walker is charged with aggravated battery and official misconduct for allegedly throwing a handcuffed 15-year-old boy to the floor in December 2023, causing a head injury.
Child welfare leaders declare victory when “kinship families” step up: Fewer children go into costly foster care and more kids stay with people they love. In truth, relatives say, child welfare agencies hand them the bill – and blame them when they can’t afford it.
Oregon’s “Momnibus” legislative package looks to improve outcomes through multiple supports, including expanding access to doulas.
Wisconsin has shown that it’s cost-effective and completely possible to keep families together by stabilizing their housing. That’s not the only promising development in the field.
Across Southern California, Chinese immigrant mothers are raising young children amid sky-high childcare costs, thin safety nets and deep stigma around mental health — leaving many exhausted and isolated.
Chinese immigrant mothers in Southern California seeking care face language barriers, billing fights and fear of using public benefits. Many instead are turning to community clinics and informal networks.
Even deeply attentive parents may miss signs of suicidal distress in autistic kids and teens, as they often differ from those shown by neurotypical youth.