Every Kid Counts Collaborative Presents Its Findings
By Carlton R. Van Lowe
WI Contributing Writer
Thursday, December 14, 2006

  
The D.C. Kid Counts fact book is like an annual census or United Nations Development Report for the children of Washington, D.C. Its authors hope that the city government will use the information presented to steer the city’s government priorities for the children of the District.
  
At a recent meeting at the Urban Institute in Northwest, the D.C. Kids Count Collaborative presented the book’s findings, which showed that some conditions had improved for the city’s children, some had worsened.
  
The fact book uses five indicators to measure the well-being of the District’s children: readiness for school, success in school, engagement in meaningful activities, family health and successful transition to adulthood.
  
The data compiled for 2006 showed that there were reductions in the number of children receiving free and reduced lunch, criminal trials for minors, child abuse cases, death to young adult deaths and HIV/AIDS cases. However, the report found setbacks in homelessness, prenatal care, vaccination rates and poverty rates.
  
The data also showed that enrollment in charter schools increased 4 percent, and that charter school students tested higher on standardized test in five of seven grade levels.
  
Noting an increase in homelessness for the fifth consecutive year, officials evaluated a segment of D.C. youth that is living on its own but has not yet been emancipated. This specific population concerned the Collaborative’s officials because – while there had been a decrease in unemployment among District youth – poverty and homeless rates increased in 2006, suggesting that city government has a challenge ahead of it in tackling the problem.
  
The size of the population of unemancipated youth, officials said, was a consequence of parental drug use, shifts in family structure, domestic violence, living in a disorderly environment and instances of neglect and abandonment.
  
Howard University professor Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley proposed some solutions in dealing with the unemancipated population. She said the city needs better respite care, more community intervention and mentorship programs, increased family support and social workers in schools.
  
"It’s like the District has the building blocks in place, but we could do a better job of coordinating all of those services and marshaling our resources and our funding so that it aligns correctly," said Eshauna Smith, executive director of the D.C. Association of Youth Advocates. "So that a young person can get everything they need so that they can get comprehensive access to services."
  
Audience member Dr. Michael Williams addressed some of the data presented from the standpoint of unemancipated youth on the street. "I’m not surprised but I am saddened. It speaks to the need to look at the various aspects of their lives, their mental heath, their physical health, emotional well-being, their school. Where do these kids eat?" he asked. "There are multiple pieces that go into that behavior and to change it we have to look at the entire picture."