…and how are the children? A report on the status of the children of Washington County and their families
2015 edition
Washington County Coalition for Children Washington County Coalition for Children
1
Who we are and how we got here
Some of the Coalition’s accomplishments • 5 major statistical reports on our children’s well being • An on-line Children’s Behavioral Health Directory • 12 Annual Children’s Issues Forums • 9 Holiday Gift Drives for Teens • 90+ trainings for area providers on children’s mental health issues • Proven bullying prevention programs in area elementary and middle schools • The Feelin’ Groovy Emotional Literacy Project for more than 500 2nd graders every year • Downloadable podcasts for parents on mental health topics • Annual awards to unsung heroes who care or advocate for the County’s youth • Annual “Chalk It Up Against Bullying” community arts events in downtown Wakefield and Westerly
T
he Washington County Coalition for Children is the region’s advocate for children. We fill a special role: to identify and advocate for the needs of area children. Our members – social service agencies, advocates, parents, providers, legislators, town officials, and volunteers – meet this daunting task in three ways: 1. We ask “How are the Children? and identify gaps in services for children throughout Washington County 2. We advocate for children on every level from town hall and the local papers to the state house 3. We act as a catalyst and facilitator to bring together concerned people and organizations to seek and devise solutions The Coalition began in 2001 as the Washington County Risk Response Team. Frustrated by increasing numbers of children “falling through the cracks,” advocates and nonprofits joined together to fill the gaps in services. The first step was to compare the documented need versus the actual resources available in the County. The result was our first of what were to be several groundbreaking reports: The Status of Children and Families in Washington County: A Comprehensive Needs Assessment. The study cited 39 gaps in services, laying the foundation upon which a better community for children could be built. Since that first report, the Coalition has hosted 12 annual Children’s Issues Forums to discuss the most recent data and to invite community input in developing priorities for action. The Coalition launched – and still maintains – several work groups, all volunteer, to address priorities from children’s mental health to early child care & education to bullying. The Coalition has always been all volunteer except for a part-time coordinator. We are funded by various grants, gifts, and memberships that start at only $10. For more information about the Washington County Coalition for Children, please visit
www.washcokids.org or contact Coalition Coordinator Susan Orban at wccc@washcokids.org or (401) 788-2347
2
Washington County Coalition for Children
Acknowledgements This report would not have been possible without the assistance of the dedicated professionals who shared their time, expertise, and encouragement. We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of: • Rachel Cain and Sam Viner-Brown, RI Department of Health • Eileen Botelho, RI Dept. of Education • Joseph DeSantis, Peg McGovern, & Sean Walsh, South County Community Action • Elaine Dorazio, RI Supreme Court, Domestic Violence Unit • Vincent Flood & Amanda Martin, RI Statewide Planning • Lisa Hildebrand, RI Assoc. for the Education of Young Children/BrightStars • Linda Katz, RI Poverty Institute • Nicole Lagace & Jessica Cigna, HousingWorks RI • John Neubaur, RI KIDS COUNT • Cheryl Watson, South Shore Center/ Gateway Healthcare Special thanks to URI student intern Amanda Dolan, who conducted the preliminary research for this report. Also Stephen and Judi Wood, who provided most of the photographs for this report. Thanks, too, to Rick Schwartz, who provided technical assistance in developing this report, and provided the layout and design.
“. . . and how are the children?” The traditional greeting among the Masai tribe in Africa acknowledges the high value that the Masai place on their children’s well-being. Even warriors with no children of their own respond: “All the children are well” … indicating that life is good, peace and safety prevail, and – despite daily struggles – caring for their children is the Masai’s priority. If only this were true for all the children in Washington County. . . We hope that, as you read this report, you will consider what you or your organization can do to improve the lives of children and families in our community. We invite you to join the Washington County Coalition, whose members constantly seek those changes.
Table of Contents Section 1: Who are our children and families?
Page 4
Section 2: Where do our children live?
Page 11
Section 3: Are our families financially stable?
Page 17
Section 4: Can our families feed their children?
Page 23
Section 5: Who cares for our children?
Page 30
Section 6: Are our children healthy?
Page 39
Section 7: Do our special needs children have services? Page 55 Section 8: Are our children safe?
Page 61
Section 9: How are our teens?
Page 71
Washington County Coalition for Children
3
who are our children and families? 4
Washington County Coalition for Children
County’s child population drops 12% over ten years Every town sees loss in kids
W
hile child population grew 3% across the United States, the number of children living throughout Rhode Island decreased by 10% between 2000 and 2010.
In fact, Rhode Island was one of only three states to lose 10% or more of its child population during the same period.* In Washington County, child population dropped 12% from 28,228 in 2000 to 25,491 in 2010. Towns with the greatest losses in child population included: Narragansett 20%, South Kingstown 14%, and Westerly 12%.
* The Changing Child Population of the United States: Analysis of Data from the 2010 Census, AECF KIDS COUNT Working Paper, November 2011)
Children and youth under age 18, 2000 and 2010 2000 Washington County: 28,882 1,712 1,506
Charlestown
1,589 1,334
Exeter
2,011 1,845
Hopkinton Narragansett New Shoreham
2010 Washington County: 25,491
2,269
2,833
185 163 6,848 6,322
North Kingstown 2,014 1,849
Richmond South Kingstown
5,416
Westerly
4,787 0
6,284
5,406
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 Number of children
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder
Washington County Coalition for Children
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Child population is mostly homogenous 88% of children are white
T
Racial diversity among County children under age 18
Washington County total: 3,025 he child population in Washington County is largely homogeneous. Near1,038/4.07% Hispanic ly nine out of every 10 children – or 88% of 288/1.13% Black the 22,466 children – are White/Caucasian. Reflecting national and state trends, American Indian/ 275/1.08% the Hispanic population in Washington Alaska Native County has nearly doubled since 2000 to Asian 400/1.57% 4%. Though Latinos comprise the largest minority in Washington County, their Native Hawaiian 5/0.02% numbers pale compared to the state, where Latino children comprise 21% of the total. Another race 50/0.20% Children of two races (3.8%) are second, with Asian children third. 2 or more races 969/3.80% Black children and American Indian/ 0 150 300 450 600 750 900 1050 1200 Alaskan Native children are nearly the Number of children/Percentage of total Washington County population same at fourth, but totalling little more Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder than one percent. In all, an estimated 3,025 (12%) of Washington County’s children are ethnic and racial minorities.
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Washington County Coalition for Children
Percent of children living with single parents, 2000 and 2010 2000 Washington County: 20%
2010 Washington County: 25% 18% 20%
Charlestown Exeter
One in four of County’s kids lives with single parent Average still under state’s 31%
C
hildren living with single parents are those who live with a parent without a spouse, male or female. Children living in single-parent families are more likely to live in poverty than children living in two-parent families. Financial stress and child care burdens explain some of the differences.
15% 14% 17% 18%
Hopkinton
24% 24%
Narragansett 19%
New Shoreham
20% 21%
North Kingstown Richmond South Kingstown Westerly
28%
15% 13% 19% 20% 26%
28%
Rhode Island
30% 31%
United States
31%
34%
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Percentage of children
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder
Washington County Coalition for Children
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Children not living with parents, 2010 Washington County total: 1,938
Grandparents fill in when parents aren’t there to raise their children ‘Non-relatives’ edge out other relatives caring for children
W
ho fills in when parents aren’t there to raise their children? Two thirds (66%) are being raised by their grandparents. Of the remaining children not being raised by their parents, 14% live with other relatives and 20% live with nonrelatives.
Charlestown
15 20
141
106
Living with non-relatives=382
Exeter
23
105
82
Living with other relatives=278
Hopkinton
46
24
113
Narragansett
45
38
166
New Shoreham North Kingstown Richmond
Living with grandparents=1,278
183 249
6 57
49
32 16
South Kingstown
81
Westerly
82
353
247 104
152
31
248 83
360 269
434
0 60 120 180 240 300 360 420 480 Number of children Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder
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Washington County Coalition for Children
Rate was 4 per 1000 in 2013 The data in the chart reflects the number of Washington County children under age 18 whose parent(s) are serving sentences with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. There were 103 such children in 2013. These children not only experience disruptions in their living arrangements, but are at increased risk for child abuse/neglect, attachment issues, aggression, financial hardship, and poor academic achievement
Children under age 18 with incarcerated parents, 2009-2013 Number of children with incarcerated parents
Number of children with incarcerated parents drops to fewest in five years
180
162
150
131
143
120
121 103
90 60 30 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Source: RI Dept. of Corrections as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Washington County Coalition for Children
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Children with incarcerated parents as of September 2013 Washington County total: 103 Charlestown
3
Exeter
8
Hopkinton
6
Narragansett New Shoreham
13 0
North Kingstown Richmond
25 0
South Kingstown
20 25
Westerly
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 Number of children Source: RI Dept. of Corrections as cited in 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
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Washington County Coalition for Children
where do our children live? Washington County Coalition for Children
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Schools identify 164 of County’s children as homeless
F
amilies can become homeless due to lack of affordable housing, unemployment, low-paying jobs, extreme poverty, and decreasing government or child support. Domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse and frayed social supports can also lead to homelessness. Children in homeless families are more likely to experience anxiety or depression, childhood asthma, developmental delays, test below grade level in reading and math, drop out of school, or become teen parents.
Homeless students, 2012-2013 Washington County total: 164 high Schools
Chariho
25
Exeter-West Green.
3
Narragansett
5
Block Island 1 North Kingstown South Kingstown
44 15
Westerly
71 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Number of homeless students Source: RI Dept. of Education, Office of Student, Community, and Academic Supports
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Washington County Coalition for Children
Affording a 2 bedroom apartment in Washington County, 2013 Average rent
Can low- to moderate income families afford an apartment in Washington County? No.
I
n 2013, Rhode Island households earning $30,000 or less could not afford to rent an average-priced 2-bedroom apartment in any Rhode Island city or town. In Washington County, the most affordable average rent was $1,081, requiring an annual income of $43,240.
Income needed per year
Income needed per hour
Charlestown $1,652
$66,120
$33.91
Exeter $1,081
$43,240
$22.17
Hopkinton $1,186
$47,440
$24.33
Narragansett $1,219
$48,760
$25.01
New Shoreham
Unavailable
North Kingstown $1,204 Richmond Unavailable
– $48,160
– $24.70
–
–
South Kingstown $1,296
$51,840
$26.58
Westerly $1,100
$44,000
$22.56
Source: 2014 Housing Fact book, HousingWorks RI@RWU
Washington County Coalition for Children
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Affording a single family house in Washington County, 2013 Can low- to moderate income families afford to buy a house in Washington County? No.
I
n 2013, the most affordable town in which to purchase a home in Washington County was Hopkinton with a price of $213,800, but that required an annual income of $66,758. Affordability issues are more pronounced in Washington County given the competition for beachfront properties and the demand for URI off campus housing.
Median Sale Price
Monthly mortgage
Income needed/Year/Hour
Charlestown $289,450
$1,998
$79,925 (Y) or $40.99 (H)
Exeter $299,000
$2,182
$87,274 or $44.76
Hopkinton $213,800
$1,669
$66,758 or $34.24
Narragansett $365,000
$2,492
$99,700 or $51.13
New Shoreham $1,100,000
$6,960
$278,406 or $142.77
North Kingstown $285,000
$2,204
$88,141 or $45.20
Richmond $222,000
$1,732
$69,265 or $35.52
South Kingstown $295,000
$2,190
$87,597 or $44.92
Westerly $269,500
$1,890
$75,601 or $38.77
Source: 2014 Housing Fact book, HousingWorks RI@RWU
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Washington County Coalition for Children
Volatile housing market, stagnant wages contribute to unaffordable homes Prices leap 84% between 2000-05, then drop 39% between 2005-13
I
n Rhode Island, housing rose and fell dramatically, but low income people remained in the same predicament throughout: housing costs grew while their incomes dropped. Consider these statistics: • Between 2000 and 2005, Rhode Island’s median house price grew 84%, peaking at $337,566 • But between 2005 and 2013, prices plummeted and the price of a single family home fell 39% • Despite the eight-year drop, families still had to increase their spending on housing 20% • While housing costs grew, the lowest income renters saw their incomes fall 4%
Comparison of median house sale prices in Washington County, 2003 versus 2013 2003 2013 Charlestown
$299,900 $289,450
3%
Exeter
$279,900 $299,000
7%
$232,500 $213,800
Hopkinton
8% $347,250 $365,000
Narragansett
5%
$800,000 $1.1m
New Shoreham North Kingstown
$285,000 $260,000 $222,000
Richmond
$329,000
15%
$321,500 $295,000
South Kingstown
$267,750 $269,500
Westerly 0
13%
8%
1%
$60k $120k $180k $240k $300k $360k $800k $1.1m Median value of homes
Source: 2014 Housing Fact book, HousingWorks RI@RWU
Washington County Coalition for Children
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38%
Children under age 18 living in homes receiving LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance), 2013-2014 2013 total: 1,614
10% rise in children in homes receiving LIHEAP assistance One year rise: 2013 to 2014
L
IHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps residents living at or below 60% of RI’s median income stay warm in winter through direct payments to their heating vendors. Children served increased 18% in South Kingstown and 19% in Westerly in 2014
2014 total: 1,792 107 126
Charlestown 64 56
Exeter
137 161
Hopkinton
134 145
Narragansett 3
New Shoreham 4 425 410
North Kingstown Richmond South Kingstown
23
41 246
300 457
Westerly
567
0 80 160 240 300 360 420 480 560 Comparison between 2013 and 2014 of numbers of children living in homes receiving home energy assistance through the LIHEAP program. Source: South County Community Action, Inc.
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Washington County Coalition for Children
are all our families financially stable? Washington County Coalition for Children
17
Nearly 4 of 5 of County children have all parents in the workplace
S
eventy eight percent of Washington County children (under age 18) have all parents – either a single parent or both parents - in the work force, up significantly from 68% in 1990. Families with all children in the workforce often need community supports, such as child care and summer camp programs.
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Children with all parents in the workforce, 2010 Washington County total: 78.2% Washington County children
78.2%
All Rhode Island children
Washington County Coalition for Children
74.9%
0 25% 50% 75% 100%
% of children with both parents or their only parent in the workforce Source: 2010-2012 American Community Survey 3-Year Estimates as calculated by RI Statewide Planning
Families with children under age 18 living in poverty Washington County: 6.9%
Charlestown only local town in “double digits” with 11.9% of families living in poverty No town nears state’s 15.3%
T
he good news is that none of Washington County’s nine towns matches the state average of 15.3% of families living in poverty, although Charlestown comes closest with 11.9% The bad news is that one of every 14 families in the region is living under the poverty line, and that’s true for five of the nine towns. Only Hopkinton and Richmond have less than 4% of their families in poverty. Poverty is a key social determinant of health that increases the risk of disability, illness, addiction, and social isolation.
Rhode Island: 15.3%
Charlestown
11.9%
Exeter Hopkinton
5.2% 3.1%
Narragansett
5.4%
New Shoreham
9.3%
North Kingstown
8.8%
Richmond
3.7%
South Kingstown
6.8%
Westerly
6.6%
Wash. County
6.9%
Rhode Island
15.3% 0 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16% Percentage of families with children living in poverty Source: American Community Survey, 2008-2012, American Fact Finder
Washington County Coalition for Children
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Median income for families with children under age 18 Washington County: $92,853 Charlestown
Region’s median family income relatively high Every town exeeds RI median income
W
ashington County towns range in median household (with children under age 18) income from a low of $76,115 (Westerly) to $106,769 (Exeter). In a sign of relative affluence for the region’s children, each of the nine towns surpasses the state’s median income of $72,872. With four towns over $100,000 and three more over $90,000, the Countywide median is a considerable $92,853.
Rhode Island: $72,872 $81,538
Exeter Hopkinton
$106,769 $82,567
Narragansett
$101,375 $104,766
New Shoreham North Kingstown
$100,972
Richmond
$96,813
South Kingstown
$95,177
Westerly
$76,115
Wash. County Rhode Island
$92,853 $72,872 0 15,000 30,000 45,000 60,000 75,000 90,000 105,000 120,000 Dollars in income Source: American Community Survey, 2008-2012
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Washington County Coalition for Children
Core group of families rely on financial assistance, work supports, safety net benefits
R
I’s RIte Works program provides part of a safety net for families with children by providing limited cash assistance and work supports, including employment services, SNAP benefits, health insurance & subsidized child care. RIte Works enrollment has declined significantly with the passage of stricter time limits in 2008. To qualify, families must be living in extreme poverty with incomes below one-half of the federal poverty level. Maximum monthly benefit for a family of 3 is $554 per month.
Number of children in families receiving assistance
RIte Works enrollment down since enrollment changes in 2008
Children whose families received Rite Works benefits, 2009-2013 480
437
400
362
387
320
340
342
240 160 80 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Source: RI DHS INRHODES Database as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Washington County Coalition for Children
21
Children in families receiving cash assistance, December 2013 Washington County total: 362 Charlestown
10
Exeter
12
Hopkinton
23
Narragansett New Shoreham
44 0
North Kingstown Richmond
117 9
South Kingstown
60
Westerly
87 0 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 Number of children in families receiving cash assistance Source: RI DHS INRHODES Database as cited in 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
22
Washington County Coalition for Children
can our families feed their children? Washington County Coalition for Children
23
Local WIC enrollment drops Offers nutrition education/vouchers
24
Washington County Coalition for Children
1400 Number of area families enrolled in WIC
W
IC is a federally funded supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women and children (under age 5) with incomes at or below 185% FPL (Federal Poverty Level). Eligible families receive nutrition education and vouchers they can use in local grocery stores to purchase select food items. In 2001, when the Coalition began tracking data, 1,228 women and children were enrolled in WIC. Enrollment peaked during the Great recession, and has since returned to historic levels, perhaps in relation to a smaller population of children in the region.
Washington County WIC enrollment, 2009-2013 1,404
1350
1,331
1300 1250
1,229 1,225
1200 1,189
1150 1100
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Source: RI Department of Health as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Women and children participating in WIC, September 2013 Washington County total: 1,225 Charlestown
61
Exeter
46
Hopkinton
96
Narragansett New Shoreham
87 5
North Kingstown Richmond South Kingstown Westerly
253 61 232 384 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 Number of children Source:RI Dept. of Health, WIC Program as cited in 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
Washington County Coalition for Children
25
Area enrollment in SNAP steadily rises
Washington County children under age 18 enrolled in SNAP, 2009-2013
SNAP new name for food stamps
26
Washington County Coalition for Children
3600 3,114 Number of children enrolled in SNAP
S
NAP refers to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as Food Stamps). SNAP helps low-income families obtain better nutrition through monthly benefits they can use to purchase food at local grocery stores and some farmers’ markets. Adequate nutrition is important for children because it is linked to all aspects of growth and development with lifelong consequences. SNAP enrollment for children in Washington County increased 32.5% over the past five years, with the highest enrollment to date of 3,510 children in 2013.
3000
3,510
3,457 3,406
2,650
2400 1800 1200 600 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Source: RI DHS INRHODES Database as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Children under age 18 receiving SNAP as of October 2013 Washington County total: 3,510 Charlestown
220
Exeter
113
Hopkinton
234
Narragansett New Shoreham
299 11
North Kingstown Richmond South Kingstown Westerly
841 152 621 1019 0 150 300 450 600 750 900 1050 1200 Number of children Source: RI DHS INRHODES Database as cited in 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
Washington County Coalition for Children
27
Enrollment in subsidized school lunches at 5 year high
Students receiving free/reduced cost school lunches, 2009-2013
Up 1,300 since first tracking in 2001
28
Washington County Coalition for Children
4000 Number of area students receiving lunches
F
ree/Reduced Price Lunch Program helps ensure students from lowincome families can afford to eat at least one nutritious meal every day, during the school week and school year. Enrollment in the program in Washington County has fluctuated considerably over the past 5 years, but 2013 saw the highest enrollment ever: 3,969 children. This is an increase in enrollment of more than 1,300 children since 2001, when the Coalition first began tracking data. At the time, there were 2,636 students receiving subsidized lunches.
3,969 3,899
3900
3,838
3800 3700 3600
3,649
3500
3,536
3400
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Source: RI Department of Education as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Students receiving free/reduced price lunches, 2012-13 2012 Washington County: 3,838
2013 Washington County: 3,968 844 888
Chariho 249 247
Exeter-WG
315 289
Narragansett New Shoreham
15 12 769 820
North Kingstown South Kingstown Westerly
591
640 1055 1073
0 150 300 450 600 750 900 1050 1200 Number of children Source: RI Department of Education as cited in 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
Washington County Coalition for Children
29
who cares for our children? 30
Washington County Coalition for Children
Child care slots by type, 2008-2014 1500
1,455 Age 3-5 slots
1400
Center-based slots for preschoolers increase 11%, while after-school availability falls 14%
1300 1,304
Others stay essentially the same
1000
1,368
1200 1100
900 800
Number of child care slots
L
icensed child care is available in: centers for infants and toddlers ages 0-3, centers & preschool programs for ages 3-5, family child care homes for ages 0-12, and after-school programs for ages 6-12. Access to stable, affordable, high quality child care is essential for parents to maintain employment. Child care slots in all categories in Washington County have fluctuated over the past five years: Center-based slots for ages 3-5 have increased by 145 slots or 11%, while after-school slots have fallen 116 slots or 14%.
1,449
1,343
812 AFTER SCHOOL slots
700 600 500
705
728 609
583
under Age 3 slots
696 652
583
611
522
400 300 200 100
FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME SLOTS
155
136 114
137 138
0
2009 2010 2011 2013 2014
Source: RI DCYF as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Washington County Coalition for Children
31
Early care and education capacity, January 2014 Total County Center slots for children under the age of 3 = 611 Total County Center slots for children ages 3-5 = 1,445 Total County Family Home Care slots for children ages 0-12 = 137
13
Charlestown
28
Exeter Hopkinton Narragansett New Shoreham
0 16 17
44 58
0 12 0
22 173
384
22 0 0
28 216
South Kingstown Westerly
63
8
North Kingstown Richmond
74
6
482
46 152 11
322
0 70 140 210 280 350 420 490 Number of early care and education slots available Source: RI DCYF as cited in 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
32
Washington County Coalition for Children
After school program capacity, January 2014 Washington County total slots: 696 Charlestown
60
Exeter
74
Hopkinton
52
Narragansett
60 0
New Shoreham North Kingstown
181
Richmond
88
South Kingstown
50
Westerly
131 0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 Number of after school program slots
Source: RI DCYF as cited in 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Washington County Coalition for Children
33
Jumps from 9 to 52 in one year
B
rightStars, RI’s Quality Rating & Improvement System, ranks licensed child care centers, Head Start programs, preschools, family child care homes, and before/after school programs with 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) stars based on established quality standards. Participation is voluntary. Fifty two of Washington County’s 66 sites (79%) are now participating. Research has shown that quality learning environments can significantly impact children’s skill acquisition and success in school and life.
34
Washington County Coalition for Children
BrightStars participation, 2011-2014 Washington County total: 52 60 Child care sites accepting subsidies
Participation in child care quality program multiplies tenfold in just four years
52
50 40 30 20 10 3
0
9 5
2011 2012 2013 2014 Source: BrightStars online database (www.brightstars.org)
Local sites strive to attain top ranking in BrightStars program
Child care sites BrightStars rankings Washington County sites ranked: 52
Three of 52 reach five star maximum
I
n 2014, RI DHS mandated participation for all sites accepting subsidies, awarding them one “starting star” (★) for meeting state licensing requirements – adding 18 new county sites with one-★ designations. All are now actively engaged in improving their rating Three sites have attained the top rating of five stars: • Sunshine Child Development Center (North Kingstown), a child care site • Charlestown Early Learning Center (Charlestown), a child care site, and • Westerly Public Schools’ Before/After School Enrichment Program.
★★★★★
3 13
★★★★ ★★★ ★★
5 13 18
★
0 3 6 9 12 15 18 Number of sites being ranked BrightStars online database (www.brightstars.org)
Washington County Coalition for Children
35
Distribution of DCYF-licensed sites with BrightStars enrollment, December 2014 Washington County total licensed sites: 66 Charlestown
4
Exeter
4
Hopkinton
4
Narragansett New Shoreham
6 4 BrightStar enrollees
6
Total licensed sites
3
1 1 1
North Kingstown Richmond
Enrolled in BrightStar: 52
13
13
6
3
South Kingstown
17
13
Westerly
9
10
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 Number of licensed child care sites Source: BrightStars online database of participating programs (www.brightstars.org) and RI DCYF online child care provider directory (www.dcyf.ri.gov/day_care_provider.php)
36
Washington County Coalition for Children
After high in 2010, child care subsidies in area drop steadily
Youth receiving child care subsidies, 2009-2013
15% fewer in 2013 than 2010 315
316 Number of youth receiving subsidies
F
amilies working at least 20 hours per week and earning less than 180% of the federal poverty level (FPL) are eligible for a child care subsidy from the RI Department of Human Services. For good reason. Infant care costs rival the costs of in-state tuition at public universities. The average 2013 full-time costs in RI were: • Center-based infant care $12,097 • Center-based preschool care 9,587 • Family child care home 8,715 • Center-based school age care 6,786 The state provided 268 child care subsidies for area youth in 2013, the lowest number in the past 5 years.
308 300
296
292 290
291
284 276 268
268 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Source: RI DHS InRhodes Database as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks and M.M. Bodah, Statewide Survey of Child Care Rates in RI as cited in 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
Washington County Coalition for Children
37
Child care subsidies by town of residence, 2013 Washington County total subsidies: 268 Charlestown
8
Exeter
9
Hopkinton
6
Narragansett New Shoreham
25 0
North Kingstown Richmond
110 8
South Kingstown
43
Westerly
59 0 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 Number of children receiving subsidies Source: RI DHS InRhodes Database as cited in 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
38
Washington County Coalition for Children
are our children healthy? Washington County Coalition for Children
39
1 in 4 of County’s children receives Medical Assistance But nearly 1,500 uptick since 2001
40
Washington County Coalition for Children
Number of area children enrolled in Medical Assistance
M
edical Assistance provides essential health coverage for low income, medically needy populations, including children under age 19, pregnant women, & foster children. Those enrolled in RIte Works and SSI are automatically eligible for Medical Assistance. Enrollment was moderately stable over the past five years – an increase of less than 200 enrollees – with even a moderate decrease in 2013. That masks the successful health insurance outreach efforts of RI KIDS COUNT and the RI Economic Progress Institute responsible for the major increase in the number of children covered since 2001 when only 4,639 children were enrolled.
Children under age 19 enrolled in Medical Assistance, 2009-2013 6200
6,150
6100 6,034
6,087
6000 5900 5800
5,808
5,849
5700 5600
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Source: RI DHS INRHODES Database as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Children under age 19 receiving Medical Assistance, 2013 Washington County total: 6,087 (23.9%) Charlestown
399
Exeter
243
Hopkinton
481
Narragansett New Shoreham
536 28
North Kingstown Richmond South Kingstown
1,383 338 1,045
Westerly
1,634 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 Number of children Source: RI DHS INRHODES Database as cited in 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
Washington County Coalition for Children
41
Washington County women with delayed prenatal care, 2004-2012
But births needing care have not
D
elayed Prenatal Care is defined as care beginning after the first trimester of pregnancy. Early prenatal care is linked with better health outcomes for both mothers and infants. While the number of women in Washington County with delayed prenatal care has decreased with fewer births since we began tracking data, the county rate (% of births with delayed prenatal care) has not (see next chart).
42
Washington County Coalition for Children
Number of women with delayed prenatal care
Numbers drop for women receiving delayed prenatal care 600
514
500
490 400
458
429 383
300 200 100 0
2004- 2005- 2006- 2007- 20082008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Source: RI DHS INRHODES Database as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Women with delayed prenatal care, 1996-2000 and 2008-2012 1996-2000 total: 483 (7.2% of births)
2008-2012: 383 (7.8%)
(Percentages not calculated for towns with fewer than 500 births per year) 29
Charlestown
14 18 22
Exeter
56
Hopkinton
27
Narragansett
25 25
New Shoreham 2
10 62/4.1%
North Kingstown
102/10.0%
26 32
Richmond
56/4.2% 81/8.2%
South Kingstown Westerly
201/14.7%
78/6.8% 13.7%
Rhode Island 9.2%
0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 Numbers (and percentages) of women with delayed prenatal care Source: RI DHS INRHODES Database as cited in 2002 & 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Washington County Coalition for Children
43
Infant deaths show sharp drop in last five-year period
44
Washington County Coalition for Children
38
36
34
Number of infant deaths
I
nfant mortality refers to deaths of children before they reach their first birthdays. “Infant mortality rate� is the number of deaths per 1,000 live births. Infant mortality is associated with maternal health, quality of prenatal care, and socio-economic conditions. Causes include premature births, low birthweight, congenital anomalies, SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), maternal complications, and unintentional injuries. Both the number and rate of infant deaths fell, from 36 and 6.1/1000 during the five-year period 2004-2008 to 20 and 4.1 from 2008-2012.
Infant mortality, 2004-2012
30
33
32
32
26 22 18
20 2004- 2005- 2006- 2007- 20082008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Source: RI DHS INRHODES Database as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Infant mortality, 2008-2012 Washington County total: 20 (4.1/1,000 births) (Rates not calculated for towns with fewer than 500 births per year)
Charlestown
1
Exeter
1
Hopkinton
0
Narragansett
1
New Shoreham
1
North Kingstown Richmond South Kingstown Westerly
6/rate=5.9 2 2/rate=2.0 6/rate=5.2 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Number of infant deaths up to age 1 Source: RI Department of Health, Center for Health Data & Analysis, as cited in the 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
Washington County Coalition for Children
45
County sees welcome drop in births earlier than 37 weeks
Preterm births, 2004-2012
Follows national and state trends
46
Washington County Coalition for Children
525 Number of preterm births
B
irths prior to 37 weeks gestation are considered “Preterm Births�. Multiple birth infants, e.g. triplets, are more likely to be born preterm. A preterm birth can be a major contributor to infant mortality and is associated with physical disabilities, learning difficulties, and behavior problems later in life. Consistent with national and state trends, both the number and rate of preterm births in Washington County have declined from 610 (10.4% of all births) in 2004-2008 to 426 (8.7% of all births) in 2008-2012.
630
420
610 564 519
477 426
315 210 105 0
2004- 2005- 2006- 2007- 20082008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Source: RI DHS INRHODES Database as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Preterm births, 2008-2012 Washington County total: 426 (8.7%) (Percentages not calculated for towns with fewer than 500 births per year)
Charlestown
33
Exeter
18
Hopkinton
33
Narragansett
44 6
New Shoreham North Kingstown
71/6.9%
Richmond
31
South Kingstown
81/8.2%
Westerly
109/9.5% 0 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 Number(and percentages) of preterm births
Source: RI Department of Health, Center for Health Data & Analysis, as cited in the 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
Washington County Coalition for Children
47
Births of low-weight infants drops steadily for five years Reduces serious health risks
Low birthweight infants, 2004-2012
I
48
Washington County Coalition for Children
425 Number of low birthweight infants
nfants weighing less than 2,500 grams (5 lbs. 8 oz.) are considered “low birthweight�. Although low birthweight is often a result of a preterm birth, infants from full-term pregnancies can also be born seriously underweight. Infants with low birthweights face greater risk of illness, disability, and infant mortality than do infants of normal weight. Both the actual number and rate of Washington County infants with low birthweights declined considerably from 2004-2008 (412 babies with low birthweights, 7.0% of all births to families in Washington County) to 2008-2012 (308 babies with low birthweights, 6.3% of all births). That represents a 25% drop in low birthweight infants, and a 10% drop in the percentage of such births.
412
400 375 350 325
381 357 334
308
300 275
2004- 2005- 2006- 2007- 20082008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Source: RI DHS INRHODES Database as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Low birthweight infants, 2008-2012 Washington County total: 308 (6.3%) (Percentages not calculated for towns with fewer than 500 births per year)
Charlestown
18
Exeter
13
Hopkinton
21
Narragansett
23 4
New Shoreham North Kingstown
57/5.6%
Richmond
19
South Kingstown
72/7.3%
Westerly
81/7.1% 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Number(and percentages) of low birthweight infants
Source: RI Department of Health, Center for Health Data & Analysis, as cited in the 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
Washington County Coalition for Children
49
County’s breastfeeding rate nears national target goals Exceeds state average by 15%
50
Washington County Coalition for Children
Breastfeeding rates, 2004-2012 Washington County Percentage of new mothers who are breastfeeding
B
reastfeeding data measures the number of mothers who are exclusively breastfeeding at the time of hospital discharge. Breastfeeding is recognized worldwide as the best method of feeding and nurturing infants for optimal growth and development. Over the past five five-year cycles, nearly three of every four new mothers in Washington County were breastfeeding when they left the hospital. That figure far exceeds the most recent state average of 62%. High breastfeeding rates can be attributed to the work of the County’s two community hospitals with long histories of promoting breast feeding. South County Hospital was the first and Westerly Hospital the third hospital in Rhode Island to receive the “Baby Friendly USA designation, a national honor. Healthy People 2020, a program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [www.healthypeople.gov] has set a target goal of 82.9%.
Rhode Island
80 75
77%
75% 72%
73% 74%
70
% 65 61%
60 55
58% 57%
62%
59%
50
2004- 2005- 2006- 2007- 20082008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Source: RI DHS INRHODES Database as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Percentage of new mothers breastfeeding, 2008-2012 Washington County total: 3,669 (77%) (Percentage of women who were exclusively breastfeeding at time of hospital discharge)
Charlestown
80%
Exeter
75%
Hopkinton
77%
Narragansett
76% 82%
New Shoreham North Kingstown
73%
Richmond
80%
South Kingstown
72%
Westerly
77% 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 Percentage of new mothers in each town who were exclusively breastfeeding
Source: RI Department of Health, Center for Health Data & Analysis, as cited in the 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
Washington County Coalition for Children
51
Drop, then increase for asthma hospitalizations Most common chronic ailment for children of all ages. leads to school absences, hospitalizations
Hospitalizations of children under age 18 for complications from asthma, 2004-2012
A
52
Washington County Coalition for Children
130 Number of hospitalizations
sthma is a chronic respiratory disease that causes periodic episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. Asthma can be life threatening. Asthma is the most common chronic condition among children and a leading cause of their hospitalization and missing school. In 2012, 1 in 10 children in the United States had asthma. Although children are more likely to visit emergency rooms than be hospitalized, asthma is still the third highest cause for hospitalization for children under age 15. The first chart reflects hospitalizations only; the second chart reflects hospitalizations and emergency room visits.
127 118
115 100
122
93
85 70 55
61 2004- 2005- 2006- 2007- 20082008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Source: RI Department of Health as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Emergency room visits and hospitalizations as a result of asthma in children under age 18, 2008-2012 Emergency room visits: 698
Hospitalizations: 122
49
Charlestown
7
Exeter
28
6
61
Hopkinton
15 32
Narragansett N/A N/A
New Shoreham 0 North Kingstown
178
46
Richmond
30
8
South Kingstown
72
15
Westerly
203
25
0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 Number of visits and hospitalizations
Source: RI Department of Health, Center for Health Data & Analysis as cited in 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
Washington County Coalition for Children
53
275 youth underwent emergency mental health evaluations locally in 2013 Six-month study revealed more than half were hospitalized
I
n 2013, South Shore Center reported 275 emergency mental health evaluations were conducted with Washington County youth (168 at South County Hospital and 107 at Westerly Hospital). Typically, youths seen in hospital emergency rooms are in crisis and at risk of harming themselves and/or others. Available disposition data for youth evaluated between January and June 2013 revealed: • 58% required psychiatric or acute residential placements • 53% of those needing psychiatric hospitalization had to “board” in the ER waiting for a psychiatric bed • Of those evaluated but not hospitalized (42%), nearly 90% were referred for outpatient counseling. Another 4% were referred to homebased services and 1% to a partial hospitalization program.
54
Youth Emergency Mental Health Evaluations Dispositions January-June 2013 6-Month Total Washington County Youth Emergency MH Evals = 123
75% (53 of 71) had to board in the hospital ER waiting for psychiatric beds
Washington County Coalition for Children
Outpt Counsel 37% (46) Psych Hosp/Acute Residential 58% (71)
Other 42% (52)
Sources: South Shore Center, Emergency Services
Home Based 4% (5) Partial Hosp 1% (1)
do children with special needs get services? Washington County Coalition for Children
55
11% of County infants and toddlers received Early Intervention in 2013
388
Just under state rate of 12%
380
Washington County Coalition for Children
372
Number of children
C
hildren ages birth to 3, who are developmentally delayed or have a diagnosed condition associated with delays, qualify for Early Intervention (EI) services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). EI enrollment has fluctuated modestly over the past five years, with a high of 386 infants and toddlers enrolled in 2010 and a low of 341 in 2013.
56
Children ages 0-3 enrolled in Early Intervention, 2009-2013 386
374
364 356
361 354
348 340
341 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Source:RI EOHHS as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Early Intervention enrollment by town, 2013 Washington County total: 341 Charlestown
28
Exeter
13
Hopkinton
27
Narragansett New Shoreham
22 0
North Kingstown Richmond South Kingstown
90 6 66
Westerly
89 0 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 Number of children enrolled in Early Intervention Source: RI DHS EOHHS as cited in 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Washington County Coalition for Children
57
% of children enrolled in Special Education by town, 2013 Percent of County children enrolled in Special Education lower than state average
S
chool districts are required under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to identify, evaluate, and educate children ages 3-21 with disabilities. Special education services are important to the long-term success trajectories of children with disabilities Special Education enrollment in Washington County for the 2012-2013 school year was 14.2% of the student population, compared to 17.2% for the state of Rhode Island as a whole.
Washington County: 14.2% or 2,395 students Chariho Exeter-WG
12% 14%
Narragansett
18%
New Shoreham
22%
North Kingstown
13%
South Kingstown
13%
Westerly
17%
Rhode Island
17% 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 Percent of town’s children enrolled in Special Education Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, Office for Diverse Learners as cited in 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
58
Washington County Coalition for Children
Special education enrollment by need, 2012-2013 Washington County total special education enrollment: 2,395 DISABILITY
Autism spectrum
270
Developmental delay
237
Emotional disturbance
177
Health impairment
393 658
Learning disability Intellectual disability
87
Speech disorder Other
443 81 75 150 225 300 425 500 575 650 Number of students enrolled by disability Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, Office for Diverse Learners as cited in 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
Washington County Coalition for Children
59
County vs. State special ed rates by type of disability, 2012-2013
Washington County = 2,395 (14.2%)
Rhode Island (17.2%)
DISABILITY 1.50% 1.50%
Autism spectrum
1.50% 1.75%
Developmental delay Emotional disturbance
1.0% 1.75% 2.25% 2.50%
Health impairment
2.75%
Learning disability Intellectual disability
0.5%
1.50% 2.5% 3.0%
Speech disorder Other
6.0%
0.5% 0.5% 0 1% 2% 3% 4% 5% 6% 7% Percentage of children with specific type of disability Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, Office for Diverse Learners as cited in 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
60
Washington County Coalition for Children
are our children safe? Washington County Coalition for Children
61
Child abuse and neglect rate remains high in County
C
hild abuse describes physical, sexual, and/or emotional harm. Child neglect refers to physical, medical, emotional, and educational neglect, as well as a failure to provide for basic needs. The data reflects the number of victims in “indicated” investigations of child abuse and neglect – requiring a preponderance of evidence that abuse/ neglect had occurred.
62
Number of victims in “indicated” investigations
More than 1,100 children in five years from 2009-2013
Child abuse/neglect victims, 2009-2013 270 258
255
249
240 225
224
224
210 195 180
Washington County Coalition for Children
185 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Source: RI DCYF RICHIST as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Victims of child abuse, 2013 Washington County total: 249 (9.8 per 1,000 children) Charlestown
14/rate=9.3 per 1,000 children
Exeter
6/4.5 per 1,000
Hopkinton
10/5.4 per 1,000
Narragansett New Shoreham
35/15.4 per 1,000 0
North Kingstown Richmond
54/8.5 per 1,000 11/5.9 per 1,000
South Kingstown
45/8.3 per 1,000
Westerly Rhode Island
74/15.5 per 1,000 Statewide rate=14.0 per 1,000 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Number and rate of victims of child abuse Source: RI DCYF RICHIST as cited in 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
Washington County Coalition for Children
63
Partnership wraps support around families facing challenges with their children 136 children, 0-18, take advantage
T
he local Family Care Community Partnership (FCCP) works with families to provide appropriate services and resources, including natural supports (persons and resources that families can access independently from formal services). FCCP services are voluntary, but children have to be at risk of DCYF involvement. Eligible families include those with children with serious emotional disturbances (SED), as well as those at risk for child abuse or neglect. FCCP is also for children leaving temporary community placement and children at risk of foster placement and children at risk with the juvenile justice system.
64
Youth served by FCCP, by age, 2014 Washington County total: 136 Ages 0-5
52
Ages 6-12 Ages 13-18
Washington County Coalition for Children
49 35 0 7 14 21 28 35 42 49 56 Number of children served by FCCP Source: South County Community Action, Inc.
Children supported by FCCP, 2014 Total Washington County youth served: 136 Charlestown Exeter
10 1
Hopkinton
5
Narragansett New Shoreham
7 1
North Kingstown Richmond South Kingstown
32 7 31
Westerly
42 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 Number of children Source: South County Community Action, Inc.
Washington County Coalition for Children
65
Children of all ages witnessing domestic violence incidents Most cases involve ages 0-3
D
omestic violence is the use or threat of force against a current or former partner in an intimate relationship that results in fear and physical/emotional harm. In 2012, police responded to a total of 725 incidents of domestic violence in the towns of Washington County. A reported 459 children were present in 241 or 33% of these incidents. While the impact of domestic violence on all children is significant, young children exposed to “toxic stress� are especially vulnerable.
66
Number of children witnessing domestic violence by age, 2012 Washington County total: 459 Ages 0-3
165 96
Ages 4-6 Ages 7-12 Ages 13-17
Washington County Coalition for Children
117 81 0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 Number of children witnessing domestic violence Source: Domestic Violence Training & Monitoring Unit, RI Supreme Court
806 children witness arrests over five years
T
he most serious domestic violence incidents result in police arrests. From 2008-2012, police data reveal that 806 Washington County children were present during domestic violence arrests.
Children present during domestic violence arrests, 2008-2012 Number of children present during DV arrests
After nearly 20% decline, number of children present during domestic violence arrests on the rise again
175 175
174
168 161 154
161 152
147 140
144 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Source: Domestic Violence Training & Monitoring Unit, RI Supreme Court
Washington County Coalition for Children
67
Domestic violence arrests where children were present, 2012 Washington County total arrests: 174 Charlestown Exeter
9 N/A: Exeter does not have its own police department
Hopkinton
10
Narragansett New Shoreham
31 1
North Kingstown Richmond
35 3
South Kingstown
34
Westerly
44
RISP* Hope Valley RISP* Wickford
4 3
* Rhode Island State Police
0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 Number of domestic violence arrests where children were present Source: Domestic Violence Training & Monitoring Unit, RI Supreme Court
68
Washington County Coalition for Children
Students reporting being bullied, 2012-2013 Most middle schoolers report bullying experiences Half the schools exceed state average
B
ullying is the repeated unwanted, aggressive behavior among children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Bullying includes physical aggression as well as name-calling, rumor spreading, harassment, threats, property destruction, exclusion, and coercion and can occur face-to-face, through rumors and gossip, or via social media. More than half the students at nine of the County’s 10 middle schools reported at least one bullying incident in the past 12 months. Half the schools exceeded the state average of 59%.
MIDDLE Schools
Chariho Middle
55%
Exeter-WG Jr. High
67%
Exeter-WG Metcalf
66%
Narragansett Pier Block Island NK-Davisville
63% 48% 51%
NK-Wickford SK-Broadrock
56% 50%
SK-Curtis Corner
61%
Westerly Middle
63%
Rhode Island
59% 0 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Percentage of student body that experienced at least one type of bullying in past 12 months Source: SurveyWorks! 2012-2013 High School Reports (http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov)
Washington County Coalition for Children
69
Types of bullying reported by students, 2012-2013 Experienced insults or name calling Was pushed, shoved, tripped, or spit on Had rumors spread about
MIDDLE Schools
Chariho Middle
44%
28%
33%
Exeter-WG Jr. High Exeter-WG Metcalf
SK-Broadrock
51% 48% 42%
28%
Block Island
NK-Wickford
46%
33%
Narragansett Pier
NK-Davisville
51%
34%
41% 35%
22%
34%
20%
31% 41%
21% 19%
SK-Curtis Corner
39%
30% 31% 28% 29%
Westerly Middle
47% 37% 48%
30%
Rhode Island
27%
41% 44% 36%
15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Percentage of student body that experienced at least one type of bullying in past 12 months Source: SurveyWorks! 2012-2013 High School Reports (http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov)
70
Washington County Coalition for Children
How are our teens? Washington County Coalition for Children
71
More than a third of County high school students are sexually active Many don’t use contraception
T
his data reflects the percentage of high school students in each town who answered the following questions: • Are you sexually active? • If ‘Yes’, did you use contraception the last time you had sex to prevent pregnancy? Slightly more than a third (34.4%) of 1,507 Washington County high school youth acknowledged they were sexually active. Of those, more than one in five (22.2%), or 335 students reported they did not use any form of contraception the last time they had sex. While all the towns were below the state average in sexual activity, three of nine towns were higher in the lack of use of contraception.
72
Student self reports of sexual activity, 2012-2013
Reported being sexually active high Schools
Didn’t use contraceptives most recently 40.9%
Chariho Exeter-WG
26.1% 24.3%
5.9%
36.7%
Narragansett Block Island North Kingstown South Kingstown Westerly Rhode Island
Washington County Coalition for Children
29.7% 21.1% Numbers too small to indicate
36.5%
18.5% 27.5% 30.3% 24.4% 25.3%
36.3% 37.9%
0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 Percentage of sexual activity and non-use of contraception per town Source: SurveyWorks! 2012-2013 High School Reports (http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov)
Teen births continue to drop Following state and national trends
B
Teen births, 2004-2012 310 300 Number of teen births
irths to teen mothers (ages 15-19) threaten the health, development, and futures of both parents and children. Teen childbearing is strongly associated with poverty, educational attainment, and other disadvantages. Consistent with state and national trends, both the number and rate of teen births have fallen by a third in recent years in Washington County. In 2004-2008, there were 12.3 teen births per 1000 births, with a total of 310 teen births. In 2008-2012, the rate had dropped considerably to 8.6/1000 and 249 total births. In Rhode Island and nationally, fewer teens are sexually active. Those who are are more likely to use contraception, with many more options available to them.
310 302
290 280 270 260 250
273 263 249 2004- 2005- 2006- 2007- 20082008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Source: RI DHS INRHODES Database as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Washington County Coalition for Children
73
Births to teens (ages 15-19), 2008-2012 Washington County total: 249 (8.6%) Charlestown
14/12.2%
Exeter
16/11.4%
Hopkinton
26/21.4%
Narragansett
10/3.9% 1/percentages not calculated for towns with fewer than 500 births overall
New Shoreham North Kingstown
48/10.9%
Richmond
21/19.5%
South Kingstown
45/3.2%
Westerly
68/22.2% 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Number of births to teens ages 15-19
74
Source: RI Department of Health, Center for Health Data & Analysis, as cited in the 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
Washington County Coalition for Children
More than 300 County teens Student self reports of teen dating violence, 2012-2013 report being hurt physically by Washington County total: 311 partners in dating relationships Dating violence also includes emotional and psychological harm
T
een dating violence is defined as the physical, sexual, or psychological/ emotional violence within a dating relationship among youth ages 13-19. Data here reflect high school students responding to the question: • During the 12 past months, did someone you were dating or going out with physically hurt you on purpose? Three hundred and eleven (311) Washington County high school youth answered ‘yes’.
high Schools
Chariho
90
Exeter-WG
15
Narragansett
25
Block Island 1 North Kingstown South Kingstown Westerly
78 41 61 0 15 30 45 60 75 90 Individual reports of teen dating violence Source: SurveyWorks! 2012-2013 High School Reports (http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov)
Washington County Coalition for Children
75
County teens acknowledge receiving sexually explicit photos on phones, email, etc.
S
exting describes the act of sending sexually explicit photos via cell phones or other electronic media. The data here reflects area high school students’ responses to the question: • Have you been sent sexually explicit pictures by text message, email, or a social networking site like Facebook or Twitter? A total of 758 Washington County high school youth reported they had received sexually explicit images.
Student self reports of ‘sexting’, 2012-2013 Washington County total: 758 high Schools
Chariho
190
Exeter-WG
37
Narragansett
78
Block Island 2 North Kingstown South Kingstown Westerly
212 112 127 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 Individual reports of ‘sexting’ Source: SurveyWorks! 2012-2013 High School Reports (http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov)
76
Washington County Coalition for Children
Student self reports of drugs at high school, 2012-2013 Washington County total: 434
Illegal drugs accessible in local high schools
D
ata here reflect high school student responses to the question: • In the past 12 months, has anyone offered, sold, or given you an illegal drug on school property? A total of 434 Washington County high school students acknowledged access to illegal drugs at their public high school.
high Schools
Chariho
101
Exeter-WG
13
Narragansett
35
Block Island 1 North Kingstown South Kingstown Westerly
114 87 83 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 Individual reports of drug availability Source: SurveyWorks! 2012-2013 High School Reports (http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov)
Washington County Coalition for Children
77
Student self reports of illegal prescription drug use, 2012-2013 County youth not immune to prescription drug craze More than 300 admit they have used illegal prescriptions
D
ata here reflect area high school student responses to the question: • Have you used prescription drugs (such as Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, codeine, Adderall, Ritalin, or Xanax) without a doctor’s prescription in the past 30 days? A total of 313 Washington County high school students admitted illegal use of prescription drugs.
Washington County total: 313 high Schools
Chariho Exeter-WG Narragansett Block Island
83 15 26 No information available
North Kingstown
73
South Kingstown Westerly
63 53 0 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 Individual reports of illegal prescription drug use Source: SurveyWorks! 2012-2013 High School Reports (http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov)
78
Washington County Coalition for Children
Percentage of student self reports of substance use, 2012-2013 Alcohol use (current)
Marijuana use (ever)
high Schools 28%
Chariho
35% 20% 18%
Exeter-WG
29%
Narragansett Block Island North Kingstown
34% No information reported No information reported
23%
South Kingstown
25%
Westerly
25%
Rhode Island
32% 34% 35% 28%
36%
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Percentage of students reporting usage Source: SurveyWorks! 2012-2013 High School Reports (http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov)
Washington County Coalition for Children
79
One in four County high schoolers report signs of depression Many have thoughts of suicide
D
epression is a common, but serious illness affecting mood, most often requiring treatment to get better. Nationwide, approximately 11% of adolescents have a depressive disorder by age 18. The data here reflect the percentage of each high school student body’s responses to the following questions: • During the past 12 months, did you ever feel so sad or hopeless almost everyday for two weeks or more in a row that you stopped doing some usual activities? If ‘yes’: • Did you ever seriously consider killing yourself?
Percentage of student self reports of depression, 2012-2013 Admitted signs of depression high Schools 26.7%
Chariho Exeter-WG
12.8%
Block Island
25.1% 11.2% 36.8% Numbers too small to calculate
North Kingstown South Kingstown Westerly Rhode Island
Washington County Coalition for Children
14.5%
5.9%
Narragansett
One in four (24.2%) or a total of 1,058 Washington County high school students who responded to the questions admitted they had experienced signs of depression.
80
Admitted thoughts of suicide
25.2%
10.7% 20.5%
6.2% 13.7% 12.1%
28.8% 29.2%
0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 Percentage of students Source: SurveyWorks! 2012-2013 High School Reports (http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov)
Few County youth placed at RI Training School
Youth in the care or custody of Rhode Island’s Training School, 2009-2013
Community placements found more effective in combating delinquency
50 Number of youth in care or custody
Y
outh age 18 or under who commit crimes are adjudicated to the care and custody of the RI Training School (RITS), including their secure detention facility for minors as well as other community placements Fewer youth are being sent to the Training School because communitybased alternative programs have been shown to be more successful and cost effective than incarceration. As a result, the number of Washington County youth detained at the RITS dropped 56% from 2012 to 2013.
51
50 45
45 40
42
35 30 25 20
20 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Source: RI DCYF RICHIST as cited in 2010-2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbooks
Washington County Coalition for Children
81
Number of youth detained at Rhode Island Training School, 2013 Washington County total: 20 Charlestown
2
Exeter
0
Hopkinton
1
Narragansett
3 0
New Shoreham North Kingstown
7
Richmond
0
South Kingstown
5
Westerly
2 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Number of youth Source: RI DCYF RICHIST, as cited in the 2014 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
82
Washington County Coalition for Children
T
Want to make a difference in the lives of children & families in Washington County? Become a Coalition member, for as little as $10
he Washington County Coalition for Children accomplishes a lot with just one part-time coordinator and a tiny budget. Your very affordable membership and generous donations will be carefully and strategically used. Members can also volunteer on unique projects, like the annual Chalk It Up Against Bullying community arts event, Feelin’ Groovy emotional literacy project in 2nd grade classrooms, promoting Youth Mental Health First Aid, and creating parent podcasts. We offer exciting opportunities to be involved. Contact Coordinator Susan Orban at wccc@washcokids.org or (401) 788-2347.
Washington County Coalition for Children c/o VNS Home Health Services 14 Woodruff Ave., Suite #7 Narragansett, RI 02882
www.washcokids.org
Washington County Coalition for Children
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For prices on one or more printed copies of “and how are the children,� contact Coalition Coordinator Susan Orban at wccc@washcokids.org or (401) 788-2347.
Washington County Coalition for Children c/o VNS Home Health Services 14 Woodruff Ave., Suite #7 Narragansett, RI 02882
www.washcokids.org
84
Washington County Coalition for Children