Issue Briefs & Alerts

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Here’s the place to find short, easy-to-read reports that provide a more
in-depth look at a variety of topics concerning Indiana youth. Staff members summarize
existing data from all points of view, and present key findings, model programs, and useful
resources.

The IYI Data Team sends Issue Briefs and Issue Alerts via email.
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2009

Homeless children – those who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence – face numerous barriers to academic and developmental success. They are likely to be ill more often, have more behavioral problems, and fare worse academically than their housed peers. The number of Indiana youth who are homeless is increasing, particularly with increased foreclosure rates and joblessness affected by the economy.

For the latest research on this trend, plus services to help Indiana’s homeless youth, check out the latest IYI Issue Brief: Homeless Youth in Indiana.

The tireless efforts of youth workers who are dedicated to the well-being of children and youth were recognized during national “Thank a Youth Worker Day,” on November 5, 2009. Read some of the statistics on youth and youth workers in IYI's November Issue Alert "Thank You, Youth Workers."

More on this topic:
IYI Monthly Column
IYI WFYI Interview
IYI Radio Show

With the recent release of 2008 poverty data, it is clear that the recession is affecting the already rising rate of child poverty in Indiana. Between 2004 and 2008, Indiana showed a 23 percent increase in the percent of children living in poverty. Other factors for the increase are detailed in the Issue Alert "Child Poverty Increasing in Indiana."

The national debate on health care reform provides an opportunity to examine the
state of insured children in Indiana. Reform could affect not only the number of children insured, but also the quality and accessibility of health insurance for children. Data show the benefits of health insurance extend beyond ensuring payment for doctors visits and prescriptions. Key facts, the numbers of insured children, public health insurance and more are covered in the latest Issue Alert: "Children's Health Insurance in Indiana."

About one in five teens have sent or received a nude or sexually suggestive image - 'sexting.' And consequences for sexting range from humiliation to felony charges. In a technological world where anything can be copied, forwarded, or uploaded; parents, teachers, and youth workers are struggling to monitor the use of new technologies while teaching children how to use them responsibly and ethically. Children's failure to appreciate the related consequences, and the difficulty of regulating sexting all make the trend especially dangerous to the well-being of today's youth.

For the latest research on this trend, plus tips for preventing and confronting sexting behaviors, check out the latest IYI Issue Brief: Teen Textuality.

More on this topic:
IYI Library Bibliography: Healthy Relationships and Social Skills
IYI Library Bibliography: Technology and Youth Programs
IYI Webinar: Teen Textuality: What Youth Workers Need to Know about Sexting
IYI Kids Count Radio Shows: Sexting and Youth Issues with Walt Mueller
IYI News Release: Flirting with High-tech Trouble: Sexting is a Growing Problem among Adolescents
IYI Monthly Column for September

Successful fundraising depends on making a persuasive case for your program, and making an effective case depends on reliable data.

A free IYI Issue Alert, “Turning Data into Dollars,” describes how to use objective data about children and youth to convincingly make your case to donors and grantmakers. This quick, user-friendly guide includes two samples of case statements from grant proposals – a general description without data and a compelling description strengthened with data.

Other tips include how to support statements with facts, how to use data to make comparisons and how to properly source your data.

Bullying is a growing problem in Indiana. Since 2003 the percentage of students who have been threatened or injured with a weapon on school property has increased significantly, from 6.7% in 2003 to 9.6% in 2007. Recent data shows that about one in every ten Indiana children comes face-to-face with a weapon at school every year. Given the alarming increase in bullying, and its potentially lifelong implications, it is critical for our children’s sake that parents, teachers, school staff and administrators all recognize and learn how to help solve the problem. Learn more in the April 2009 Issue Alert:
"When Push Turns to Shove: How to Help Bullies and Their Targets."

This Issue Alert was made possible in part by funding from Clarian Health, the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Lilly Endowment.

More on this topic:

IYI Webinar (Free): "Surviving the Hive: Sanely and Successfully Interacting with the Adults in Your Students’ Lives"
IYI Library Bibliography: Bullying and Bullying Prevention
IYI Radio Show: "Bullying"
IYI Monthly Column: "Bullying"
WFYI Interview

African American children are no more likely to be abused or neglected than white children; yet in 2004, they were twice as likely to enter foster care and tended to remain there an average of 9 months longer. This disproportionate representation of African Americans in youth services has generated concern in Indiana. In collaboration with the Indiana Commission on Disproportionality in Youth Services, this January Issue Alert "Minority Youth: Overrepresented & Underserved in Indiana's Systems" is an overview of the research in four youth serving systems and suggests action steps for youth workers around the state.

Descargar la versión en español: "Juventud de minorías: Exageradamente representada e insuficientemente atendida en los sistemas de Indiana."

More on this topic:
IYI Monthly Column
IYI Radio Show
WFYI Radio Interview

2008

Mentored children are less likely to use drugs and alcohol, have higher school attendance rates, and are less likely to hit someone than their peers. IYI’s December Issue Update "Mentoring: A Significant Return on a Small Investment" gives a snapshot of positive outcomes from mentoring programs in Indiana and links to resources and best practices for teachers, mentors, and parents.

IYI's Issue Alert “From Birth to Bankruptcy - Teaching dollars and sense to Hoosier kids" examines the financial literacy levels among Indiana youth and offers recommendations and resources to help advance their money management skills. The alert is a practical reference for youth workers to encourage financial literacy skills in children of all ages.

More on this topic:
IYI Monthly Column:
Failing Financial Literacy
Kids in this Economy
IYI Radio Show
Kids Failing Finances
IYI Audio Conference and Webinar
Teaching Hoosier Kids Financial Literacy

The students who have the longest journey toward economic self-sufficiency –
low-income students – face challenges far beyond finances in achieving academic and career success. Those challenges are outlined in, "Low-Income Students and College Success: More than Money." The report explores national research on low-income students and outcomes from Indiana's Twenty-first Century Scholars Program, which provides funding for low income students to attend college.

More on this topic:
Audio Conference:
Low-Income Students and College Success
Radio Show:
Low-Income Students and College Success
IYI Monthly Column:
MORE THAN MONEY: Low-Income Students and College Success

2007

Since 2000, Indiana has experienced increases in indicators that show a growing number of Hoosier children are suffering from hunger: percentage of children living in poverty, public school students receiving free or reduced-priced lunches, and households with children under 18 receiving food stamps. “The New Face of Hunger: The Working Poor” reports that nearly one in seven Hoosier households suffer from low or very low food security.

More on this topic:
IYI Monthly Column:
Indiana Children are Still Hungry

While homicide makes headlines, suicide claims more youth in Indiana aged 15-19. "Suicide Surpasses Homicide as # 2 Cause of Death among Hoosier Teens" looks at several factors that place Indiana above the national average for teen suicide.
Funding for the Issue Alert was made possible in part by Riley Hospital for Children.

More on this topic:
Audio Conference:
Preventing Hoosier Teen Suicide
IYI Monthly Column:
Youth Suicide in Indiana

Diabetes is the second most chronic disease affecting children, but the test for it is not part of routine physicals given to school children. That means Indiana's educators and youth workers must know the warnings signs of diabetes to spot children with the disease and work with parents to manage the condition while children are away from home, says the Issue Alert, "A Top Health Concern for Indiana Kids: Know What to Look For; Know What to Do."
Funding for the Issue Alert was made possible in part by Eli Lilly and Company.

More on this topic:
IYI Monthly Column:
Diabetes: A Major Concern for School Aged Kids

2006

Issues and Answers Full-day Kindergarten: As Indiana lawmakers work through proposals for full-day kindergarten, the Issue Alert "Is the School Bell Ringing for Full-Day Kindergarten" looks at the pros and cons of kindergarten children attending school for a full day.

Gender Gap: Math and language test scores for Hoosier boys and girls do not show much of a gender gap in achievement, but our Issue Alert "Showdown at Gender Gap Academic Battle of the Sexes: Trumped Up or True?" shows there are disparities in several indicators that paint a troubling picture for boys.

While student math scores are rising, Indiana’s reading scores are declining. That’s according to our Issue Alert,
"Can Your Child Read This? For Too Many Hoosier Kids, the Answer is ‘No’," which examines reading levels among Indiana youth and offers recommendations. Learn how summer reading can make a difference.

Our Issue Alert, "Babies Who Smoke: Indiana Among Worst in Nation for Smoking During Pregnancy," addresses the prevalence of smoking among Hoosier
mothers-to-be and offers recommendations to confront the epidemic. Eighty-eight of Indiana’s 92 counties report maternal smoking rates higher than the national average.