LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- A new report released today by the United Way of Greater Los Angeles reveals alarming statistics for L.A.'s children. The report, titled "From Cradle to K: Ensuring Success by Six for all L.A. Children," examines the needs of children and families in Los Angeles, addresses how those needs are being met or missed, and suggests action steps to improve as parents and communities. The report also reveals key findings and other vital trends affecting L.A. County's zero to five population.
The report was introduced during a 9:30 a.m. community forum hosted by the Los Angeles Times, at its Harry Chandler Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles.
Distinguished panelists discussed findings and ways to improve conditions for L.A.'s future. Panelists include First Lady Sharon Davis, State of California; Chief Bernard C. Parks, Los Angeles Police Department; John P. Puerner, publisher, Los Angeles Times; Yolie Flores Aguilar, executive director, Children's Planning Council; Dr. Neal Halfon, UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities; and Dr. Karen Hill-Scott, co-founder, Crystal Stairs and commissioner, Children and Families Commission.
"This report is vital to the future of Los Angeles, and we are honored to have such distinguished leaders help us address these key issues," said Joseph Haggerty, president, United Way of Greater Los Angeles. "This report reflects a necessary 'call to action' for the community to protect our youth and give them the best possible tools to lead our County into the future."
The "Cradle to K report" is a first-of-a-kind, comprehensive analysis that highlights important facts about birth trends, family life, education, children's health and safety, childcare issues, school readiness, and child abuse in L.A. County. The report examines the needs of families and children in the greater Los Angeles area and how those needs are being met or missed, and action steps to improve as parents and communities.
Key Findings from Cradle to K Include:
-- Poverty is the single greatest predictor of children's failure to
achieve in school.
-- 28% of L.A. County children under six are below the poverty
level, the highest child poverty rate of all California
counties and far above the U.S. average of 19%
-- A mother's education is the best predictor of school success.
-- 36% of women giving birth in L.A. County have less than high
school education and 56% are foreign born
-- A strong parent-child bond is crucial for development of
motivation, self-control, and the ability to care for others.
-- Nearly 50,000 reports of child abuse for children under six
were received in L.A. County in 2000
-- Access to health care for children has improved greatly due to no
or low-cost health insurance programs.
-- 222,000 children under the age of six are still not covered
by health insurance
-- 90% of a child's brain development and the emotional foundation
for being able to form healthy relationships are established by
age 3, long before school age.
-- Families are largely "on their own," often with little
guidance or community support during the most critical years
of early childhood
United Way of Greater Los Angeles' donors help nearly 4,000,000 people every year in L.A. County. By examining the trends with community leaders and donors, United Way has shaped a vision for the future around three of the most pressing issues affecting the quality of life in Los Angeles County. They are: Learning for Living (Educational Attainment), Bridging the Gap to Self-Sufficiency (Economic Empowerment), and Building Healthy Communities (Health & Safety). For more information on the United Way, and to access a free unabridged electronic copy of this report, please visit our Web site at www.unitedwayla.org.