A decade after a federal investigation found West Virginia unnecessarily institutionalizes foster kids, our investigation has found the state’s most vulnerable kids are still being left behind.
Mental Health
Like many Black teens across the country, Duchess-Angelica Wright struggles to maintain her mental health. As a young Black woman, a member of the LGBTQ community, and a former foster youth, she faces multiple layers of challenges and has attempted suicide three times. Recognizing that systemic barriers thwart many Black youth like Wright from seeking mental health care, community organizations are stepping In to provide support in trying to stem a swelling crisis.
Living in uncertainty, many Vietnamese immigrants, both undocumented and legal residents, face significant mental health challenges that stem from the complex interplay of historical trauma and fears of deportation. Lan Vũ and her son, Anh, struggle to cope with stress and anxiety over their immigration status ever since the new administration took office.
Foreign-born Latinas are at greater risk for postpartum depression than the general population and are less likely to receive treatment due to cultural and language barriers, among other factors. When Stephany Coronado suffered from depression after the birth of her daughter, she was worried she would be perceived as weak or a bad mother. Her story highlights why many Latina mothers are afraid to speak up or ask for help.
Funded by a city grant, nine unhoused families at Everett Middle School receive a guaranteed monthly income of $1,000 — part of an experimental program aimed at helping families escape homelessness. This financial aid, the school hopes, will help improve students' mental health and academic performance.
Thousands lost their homes in the January 2025 Los Angeles fires, among the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in California History.
Losing one's home, belongings, and community, along with the threat to personal safety and the safety of loved ones, can have a major impact on survivors' mental health. Studies show higher rates of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, which can last for years.
Clarigent Health shut down after an Enquirer probe found no proof its AI suicide risk app worked. Schools and courts reported issues, and experts raised concerns over accuracy and ethics.
Many grieving children lack support, risking mental health and academic struggles. Efforts are growing to expand grief resources and connect kids to care.