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Report: Social Programs Help Young Parents Succeed

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Parenting can be a challenge for the even most financially secure, but the hardships can be even greater for young parents.

A report out Tuesday from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, called "Opening Doors for Young Parents," stressed the need for increased programs to support people between the ages of 18 and 24 who have children.

Trevor Storrs, head of Alaska Children's Trust, noted the median family income in the state is $23,000 a year. But, he said, programs designed to help parents struggling financially are often the first on the chopping block in the state budget. "It is so believed that it's individuals that are taking advantage of this system, that are accessing these services. And it's not," Storrs said. "We know that it is these young parents who are accessing programs like housing assistance, food assistance, daycare assistance, that help them fill in the gaps and be successful."

The report found about 11,000 children in Alaska have young parents. Only 54 percent of these children live in low-income families - well below the national average of 69 percent. But Storrs noted 4 in 10 parents face jobless spells because they can't find quality, affordable child care.

The report recommended states provide increased access to child care, housing and employment opportunities. Rosa Maria Castaneda, senior associate with the Casey Foundation, said states need to build their capacity to support infant and child care. She said the vast majority of the children of young parents are ages 0-3. "They're the most vulnerable population and need strong attachment to their parents and need stability in terms of care," Castaneda said; "and yet the provision of care is least available and most expensive for those early years."

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