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.
Inglewood’s program had been chain-sawed by financial challenges and the pandemic, but Joseph Jauregui built it back up – and his students are winning scholarships
“The recommended ratio is one school psychologist per 500 students,” a representative from the Texas Association of School Psychologists said. “In Texas, we’re seeing numbers more like one psychologist for every 2,500 to 3,000 students.”
Federal rollbacks are leaving farmers and schools struggling, but local investment is helping Tucson’s program endure.
Sacramento County uses Black “cultural brokers” to help Black families navigate CPS and keep kids out of foster care. The program reunites families but is fighting for long-term funding.
