Family Connection Partnership News

FCP Report Features Community Efforts to Engage Vulnerable Youth
by Naja Williamson
Senior Writer

If children are our future, what opportunities are in place to ensure they will succeed? Does the future look bright for children facing a multitude of challenges and obstacles?

The Annie E. Casey Foundation recently published a 2004 Kids Count essay, Moving Youth from Risk to Opportunity. The essay highlighted a critical national issue of preparing challenged youth for long-term success and giving them hope for the future.

In response, Family Connection Partnership announces the publication of Georgia Kids Count Issue Brief: Moving Georgia Youth from Risk to Opportunity, which takes a look at Georgia youth under age 18 who are vulnerable for entering adulthood unprepared. These vulnerable teens are at risk of dropping out of high school, becoming teen parents, residing in foster care, and being involved in the juvenile justice system.

The Casey essay describes national trends and noteworthy investments for these youth. The Georgia brief uses Kids Count and other data to describe their status in the state. It highlights a few of the investments taking place at the state and local level, including initiatives in youth development and leadership, truancy intervention, juvenile detention alternatives, teen parenting programs, second chance homes, wraparound services, after-school networks, and community involvement programs.

To receive your free copy of Georgia Kids Count Issue Brief: Moving Georgia Youth from Risk to Opportunity, e-mail communications@gafcp.org.

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