16
KIDS COUNT IN NEBRASKA 2011 REPORT
kids in foster care are less likely to be enrolled in Head Start or other early childhood programs – leaving them with an even greater disadvantage.59 In Table 1.3, the number of young children who entered out-of-home care in 2010 is broken out by age. In addition, the table shows whether the entrance to care was the child’s first removal from home or a subsequent removal.
Conclusion Whether we concern ourselves with future crime rates or the workplace skills needed to maintain global competitiveness, we as Americans simply cannot afford to ignore our youngest residents. We have an opportunity to invest in those very important years between ages 0 and 8. Once those years pass, the chances of successful intervention begin to dwindle. We as a state and as members of our communities owe it to our children to ensure that their early lives include all the supports necessary to learn and develop on schedule. The following solutions improve children’s lives today so that they grow up to be educated, productive and able to contribute to our world. • Ensure access to health care for children, beginning with restoring access to prenatal care for all low-
Table 1.3: Children Entering Out-of-Home Care by Age (2010)
income pregnant women. Poor birth outcomes can
Age
well as problems with behavior, social-emotional
First Removal
Removed Previously
Total
lead to long-term physical and cognitive disabilities, as
<1
218
9
227
health, and development.60 Further, uninsured children
1
190
27
217
face 1 in 7 odds of not having visited a doctor in more
2
147
25
172
than 2 years.61
3
111
38
149
4
126
49
175
5
103
33
136
6
72
43
115
7
75
43
118
8
65
32
197
1,107
299
1,406
Total
Source: State Foster Care Review Board. Note: Ages are as of December 31, 2010.
• Increase resources dedicated to early childhood education. Nebraska is ranked 39th in the nation for resources dedicated to early childhood.62 Investing in the early years is smart policy because the earlier in life investment occurs, the greater the payoff. “Invest ments made from birth to age five yield the highest return. The later the investments are made, the lower the return on investment.”63