children

The Texas Legislature at least partially implemented less than a third of recommendations from the state's 2024 Children's Behavioral Health Strategic Plan, according to a recent report. Many of the recommendations focus on increasing access to services that keep children in their homes or communities instead of institutional settings.

Last year, Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed funding for a summer food assistance program despite Texas's high rates of food insecurity, citing concerns over matching federal funds. Advocates want the state to reconsider, highlighting concerns about how food insecurity rates are expected to increase when students are on summer break.

The Department of Homeland Security wants to eliminate guidelines around what public benefits can be considered in a "public charge" determination. Experts and advocates warn it could lead to a "chilling effect" in migrant communities.

Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital Dr. Peter Hotez shares his thoughts on changes to the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule. He also offers advice on where parents can go for credible guidance on whether and when to get their children vaccinated.

For children younger than 6 years old, the bill proposes upping child endangerment from a misdemeanor to a felony.

Texas officials say food stamp benefits, which go to 1.7 million children, would not be distributed in November under an extended shutdown.

More than a million low-income mothers and children in the Midwest and Great Plains rely on a national food assistance program. The Trump administration says it will help provide temporary funding to keep the program afloat, but food advocates say it's a short-term fix.

Research shows the model can benefit multiple generations by bringing them together to participate in ongoing, mutually beneficial activities. Oklahoma officials are looking to expand the programs to accommodate the state's aging population.