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AUTHOR Leask, Linda, Ed. TITLE Kids Count Alaska Data Book, 2001. INSTITUTION Alaska Univ., Anchorage. Inst. of Social and Economic Research. SPONS AGENCY Annie E. Casey Foundation, Baltimore, MD. PUB DATE 2001-00-00 NOTE 121p.; For the 2000 Data Book, see ED 451 897. AVAILABLE FROM University of Alaska-Anchorage, Institute of Social and Economic Research, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508. Tel: 907-786-7710; Fax: 907-786-7739; Web site: http://www.kidscount.alaska.edu. For full text: http://www.kidscount.alaska.edu/2001db.htm. PUB TYPE Numerical/Quantitative Data (110) Reports Desckiptive (141) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC05 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Academic Achievement; *Adolescents; Alaska Natives; Asian Americans; Blacks; Child Abuse; Child Neglect; Child Welfare; *Children; Demography; Dropout Rate; Early Parenthood; Elementary Secondary Education; Juvenile Justice; Mortality Rate; One Parent Family; Poverty; *Social Indicators; Substance Abuse; Tables (Data); Trend Analysis; Violence; *Well Being; Whites; Youth Problems IDENTIFIERS *Alaska; Arrests; *Indicators

ABSTRACT This Kids Count Data Book examines statewide trends in the well-being of Alaska's children. The statistical portrait is based on key indicators in six areas:(1) infancy, including prenatal care, low birth weight, and infant mortality;(2) economic well-being, including child poverty, children with no parent working full-time, and teen births; (3) education, including dropout rates, teens not in school and not working, and school achievement;(4) child safety, including child death rate, teen violent death rate, child abuse and neglect, and child injuries;(5) juvenile crime, including arrests for violent crimes; and (6) juvenile crime. Following an introduction describing the uniqueness of Alaska and summarizing the report's findings, the report details the indicators in the areas mentioned above. Among the findings, the report indicates that Alaska fared better than the national average for babies born with low birth weight, infant mortality rate and percentage of teens who drop out of school. Alaska was at, or near the national average for percentage of children living in poverty, percentage of single-parent families, and births to teens. Alaska fared worse than the national average for percentage of children with no parent working full-time, teen violent death rate, child death rate, and percentage of teens not in school and not working. The report concludes with suggested family resources and information on the indicator data sources. (HTH)

Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. EDUCATIONAL RESOURCESOffice of Educational INFORMATION ResearchU.S. andDEPARTMENT Improvement OF EDUCATION PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND MinororiginatingreceivedThis document changes from it. the havehas person been been orreproduced made organization to as )(CENTER (ERIC) DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY documentPointsimprove ofdo reproduction view not necessarilyor opinions quality. representstated in this Aloonew3lhge5TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES official OERI position or policy. INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) Alaska 2001 ry *lat BEST COPY AVAILABLE CCICikAr Alaska 2001 Data ook UniversityPrepared by of Institute Alaska Anchorageof Social and Economic Research (ISER) WebEditor:LeadProjectStudy Designer/Researcher: Researcher: LindaDirector: Team Leask Virgene Claudia Molly Hanna,Lampman, Ridout ISER Department of Psychology, UAA 4 CallStudentGraphic Kids Assistant:Designer: Count Alaska: E.J.Clemencia David, 907-786-7710 AmayaDepartment Merrill o Webof Psychology, site: www.kidscount.alaska.edu UAA 5 cZI::,,,,6 The Casey Foundation also nationalTheKids national Count Kids is programCount a nationwide Web collects site: program www.aecf.org and publicizes funded by information the Annie E.about Casey the Foundation. well-being of America's children. sponsors state programs, including Kids Count Alaska. Learn more at the CHANGES IN 2001 OTHER CONTRIBUTORS HealthAlaska andDepartment Social Services of ACIMMYTLEOGRIEMITS wasdirector,saw majorunable Norman changes, to continue Dinges, when working. sufferedthe long-time a stroke projectIn and2001, the Kids Count Alaska project team Alaskadataorganizations book. Department for their of help in preparing Kidsthis Count Alaska thanks many people and NancySectionLaurelDivision Weller Wood of of Epidemiology Medical Assistance whomembertionsCount took over ofAlaska over the the asproject onpast interim track. year team Dr.directorhave since Lampman's been theand invaluable. beginning,kept contribu-Our Kids special She thanks to Claudia Lampman, a Health and Social Services MattDivisionElvinSection Anderson Asay of of Community Public Health Health andAlaska Early Department Development of Education Kelly Howell workedpermanentwhen closelyMs. Hannaproject with subsequently anddirector. advised Virgene becameWe Hanna,the also thank the Annie E. Casey OfficeDianeDivisionRobert DiSanto ofButtcane of the Juvenile Commissioner Justice CecilyResearchErikChild McCormick Care Skoog-Moore Analyst Subsidy Program ADVISORYmonths,Foundation, as weCOUNCIL for re-built its help our and project patience team. in recent KateDivisionStaceyOffice Heitkamp Goade of PublicFetal Alcohol Assistance Syndrome Other Agencies and Organizations ChildCatherine Care Subsidy Schumacher, Program MD programin 1995, anand advisory select council helped guideInWhen thethe comingthe Kids year, Count the Alaska new project program director, began indicators specific to Alaska. SectionSusan-Merrick,DivisionCraig Kahklen of of Maternal, Public FAS Assistance SurveillanceChild, Family Project Health AnchorageEllenStephen Vickery, Tower, AccessFracture Alaska MD to and Health ComprehensiveOrthopedic Care Coalition Clinic improvewillestablishVirgenecollect, help Hanna, athisus present, new think data advisorywill about andbookand be publicize asking howcouncil. our we Alaskans information othercanThat continue councilefforts to help about to DivisionRandyHealthMartha Moore andMoore, of EmergencyPublic Section Assistance Medicalof Community Services RogerAlaskaGregHealth Williams, WithingtonInsuranceDepartment Research Association of Labor and Analysis,(ACHIA) AlaskaEllis,the well-being who program has oftaken from Alaska's an the interest start children. and in thewho Kids continuesWe Count especially thank State Senator Johnny DeborahBureauToddDenali Mosher of SmithKidCare Vital Statistics University of Alaska Anchorage LegislativeStephanie Affairs Martin, ISER to review the data book. 8 BureauStephanieDivisionMaryAnn of of VandeCastleVitalWalden Family Statistics and Youth Services John Petraitis, Department of Psychology 9 3 INTRODUCTION 87 CONTI-EMITS INFANCY HighlightsIntroduction 1714 InfantBabiesPrenatal Mortality with Care Low in Alaska Birth Weight 222119 ECONOMIC WELL-BEING Children LivingWith No in ParentPoverty Working Full-Time 282725 HealthChildBirthsChildren Careto Insurance Teensin Families Headed by Single Parents 32302934 EDUCATION Teens NotWho in Drop School Out and Not Working 413937 CHILDREN IN DANGER School Achievement 4742 ChildTeenChild Violent Injuries DeathAbuse Death inRate and Alaska Neglect 49565250 ,K)) JUVENILE CRIME IN ALASKA Juvenile Crime in Alaska I_ 0 6361 1 5 Introduction 4 2 Highlights NURODUCT[TON WHAT'S UNIQUE ABOUT ALASKA? Alaska's huge size, geographic isolation, somelack adequate still rely water on honey and sewerbuckets. systems, In the and past 20 changesbutunlikeArctic likewise climate,any and other hazardous dangerouswith and state. vast It conditionsroadless is stunningly sudden expanses always weatherbeautiful, atmake hand. it adaptedisyears, thatenormoustation statemany systemssystems and areasand federal thatongoingin of many Alaskaare agencies very job. rural require expensivePart placesbuthave of specially builtthe toproblem it'ssani- build an muchofaremountains lakes hundreds of and the and rivers. stateof glaciersmiles isBecause underlain of cover coastline Alaska large by and permafrost isareas. so thousands farHalf There north, the terrain in Alaska is tundra, and high,areand scarce.operate. partly At because the same it's sotime, expensive costs of to living getIncomes sup- are in most villages are low, and jobs mistakeevenpermanently then, to manygrant frozen statehoodAmericans ground. to thought a place itso was farAlaska a became a state only in 1959and remainandplies maintaininghouses to importantsmall, are remote also schools, sources high. locations. community Wildof food. fishCosts andfacilities, of gamebuilding resourcenorth,that withrelied industries. so on few military people, activities and a fragile and economya handfulToday, largelyof as a result of North Slope oil drownotherverydren incold hazards. orAlaska dieweather, in Alaska'sface fires dangerous some more children special frequently waterways, and risks adolescents thanposed andWhether chil- by living in cities or villages, all chil- nearareas.ofanddevelopment, the fiveAnchorage, Nearlygrowth times 70 Alaskahasthe percentFairbanks, beenjobs has itin of had threea Alaskans andhandful 40 timesJuneau. years of livethe ago.urban inpeople Mostor Nativearedeathdren elsewhere. rates atare especially far The above child highU.S. death averages.risk and of teenbeing violentRural hurt childrenwho are mostly Alaska aboutgeographyurban theareas, same and and climate,amenities despite mostthe and state's nowservices growdifferent as upSo other witha majority of Alaskan children live in serioussuicidesuicide.youngor killed people injurywereIn in severalaccidents. the inamong ruralleading regions, Andareasthose causes asuicide commit 19staggering and of and death underor attempt attemptedshare andin the of andvillagesmanyAmerican dozens children with accessible fewer enjoy. than only 100 residents.by air orBut waterMost there are also hundreds of small gramtorslate 1990s.of uses children's nationwide; well-being and (2)the otherKids CountmeasuresIn pro-this data book, we look at (1) the indica- 8 munities.onmuchChildrenresidents different ofliving thesethe lives inroad villages small fromsystem. isolated are those AlaskaMany inplaces bigger villagesNatives. lead corn- still 14 13regionsandthat American thatreflect of illustrate a conditionsstate colonies. twice the sharp theAlaskan size differences of children the original among face IIKTIRODUCril (ON What Size are Alaskan Communities? 10097 villages or fewer with residents . Barrow Northernmost community in U.S. Largest oil field in North America Beaufort Sea 01-1000 residents 197 nixes will 4 cities10,000 with residents more than Chukchi Sea 0 Prudhoe Bay 51 places1,001 towith 10,000 residents Red Dog mine Total: 349 communities 0 Largest zinc0 producer in world Record U.S. cold 80F 0 3 miles Littlefrom Russian Diomede territory Island 0 Kotzebue 0 0 0 0 - o 0 0 0 Largest community duringNome 0 0 St Lawrence Island 1898 Gold Rush 0 0 00 0 ° 0 O AnchWoas;ailg.I.E4-1::::(" Palmer Southern terminal, 0 Alaska pollock harvests from Bering Sea make up 30 percent of all U.S. fish landings ° Bethel 0° 00 0 0 Kena .1 0 ; .IN 0 Vald trans-Alaska pipeline 0 -42,.1, State capital Bering Sea 0 00 0° ° --.0 Dillingham 0 0" 0 Homer , °CookCook Inlet SewardOcean terminal of Alaska Railroad Prince William Sound 0 0 0 0 ezJuneau0 0 0 Pribilof Islands World's largest red Bristol Bay 0 0 r #6 U.S. commercial fishingFirst commercial oil and gas discoveries in Alaska \ andCapital early during territorial Russian periods Sitka 0 0 Ketthikan World's largest fur seal colony salmon run port in value of landings cto 000 0 0 Largest dties Gulf of Alaska Only federal Metlakatla Westernmost community in U.S 00 O OtherRegional communitiesMajor centersRoads Indian reservation in Alaska Aleutian Islands Unalaska in#1 value of landings U.S. commercial fishing port --- Trans-AlaskaAlaskaRivers Railroad Pipeline 1 7 9 RN-TrECOLUCTOGN WHAT IS KIDS COUNT ALASKA? nationwideCasey Foundation, effort, sponsored to collect by and the publicizeAnnie E.The Kids Count Alaska program is part of a ALASKA'S CHILDREN BY AGE AND SEX, 1990 AND 2000 Total Male1990 Female Total 2000 Male Female areeconomicinformation to: status. about The children's goals of health,Kids Count safety, Alaska and Present additional indicators important ChildrenUnderTotal by AgeAlaska 1 Population Number 11,963 550,043 Percent 6.6% 289,868 6,109 260,175 5,854 Number 9,953 626,900 Percent 4.9% 324,112 5,089 302,820 4,864 whereto Alaska available Report regional figures for indicators, 1510-145-91-4 42,93951,50844,014 7,652 23.9%28.6%24.5% 4.3% 22,33326,54322,616 4,021 20,60624,96521,398 3,631 56,00655,57441,15810,534 27.6%27.4%20.3% 5.2% 28,81828,28721,199 5,373 27,18827,28719,959 5,161 statusto help of Alaska's children childrenCreateBroadly an distribute informed information public, motivated about the Total181716 18 and under 179,939 7,0697,4537,341 100%3.9%4.1% 93,129 3,8343,8873,786 86,810 3,2353,5663,555 202,968 10,589 9,3259,829 100%4.6%4.8%5.2% 104,258 4,8315,1915,470 98,710 4,4944,6385,119 ALASKA'S CHILDREN BY REGION ANDAlaska's RACE children andEnhance families efforts to improve the lives of Alaska's Children By Race, 2000 [gtviOeta-rRI/Icge (18 and Under) and 11% Children of Hispanic Originc arefacing divided page byshow age, how sex, Alaska's race, and 203,000 region. childrenThe geography,adjacent table climate, and the economy, map on and the level AK. Nativeb 19.5% 7,029 10,676 Anchoragearemoreof development still urbanized quite and therural); differ(although adjacent the in Gulfeach Mat-Su areas Coastregion of Borough theregion of boroughAlaska. are cba PersonsNativeIncludes Hawaiian of other Hispanic Native Alaskaand origin otherAmericans; are can Pacificsmall. be of numbersIslanders any race. of other Native Americans in 1990 2000 Juneau,Northern,Southeastincludes is also many regionandlocated). Interiorfishing (where The communities,regions Southwest,the state mostly capital, as have does the Source: U. S. Bureau of the Census 10 andfishing;thetionsmaller, Interior). mining,of Fairbanks thescattered Northern as The does Southwestandcommunities theregion the Interior. surrounding has depends (withoil development theheavily area excep- in on 18 NITERODUCTIMIN Anchorage RACIAL COMPOSITIONWhite OF CHILDREN, BY64% REGION, 2000 Alaska Native 7%8% (In Percentages) Black 7% Asian/PI 7% Two / More Races 14% 9% NorthernInteriorGulfMat-Su Coast 68%75%83% 8% 83%14%11% <1% 6% <1% 2%5% 10% 7%8% 0Matanuska-Susitna0MunicipalityBoroughs0Gulf Coast and Census ofRegion Anchorage Borough Areas, by Region SouthwestSoutheast 62% 9% 82%21% <1% 4%1% 13% 7% °InteriorValdez-Cordova RegionDenaliKodiakKenai Peninsula-Borough Borough Island Census Borough Area Northern 5% PERCENTAGE OF ALASKA'SLIVING CHILDREN IN EACH REGION, 2000 0NorthernYukon-Koyukuk NomeSoutheastFairbanksRegion Census FairbanksNorth AreaCensus Star Census BoroughArea Area 0 SoutheastCityHainesNorthwestNorth Region and Slope Borough Borough Arctic Borough Borough of Juneau Wrangell-PetersburgYakutatSkagway-Hoonah-AngoonCityPrinceKetchikan and of Borough Wales/OuterBorough Gateway of Borough SitkaCensusKetchikan Census Area Census Area Area a Borough °SouthwestLakeDillinghamBristolBethelAleutians Region and CensusBay PeninsulaWestEast BoroughCensus AreaBorough Census AreaBorough Area Gulf Coast 12% Wade Hampton Census Area MUnicipality of Anchorage . Southeast 1% 1° 40% Total Children (18 and Under): 203,000 u. r') .. Note: These regions are the same as those the Alaska Department of Labor uses for reporting population and employment. 21 ii RNIIROMICURON How DOES ALASKA COMPARE WITH U.S.? ABOUT THE INDICATORS betterinfant than mortality, the U.S. and average high-school in 1998 dropouts (seeAlaska's facing were rates of low-birth-weight babies, Total5Number dropouts teenagers of Dropouts 16-19 X 1,000 = 10 dropouts Multiplier are worth emphasizing at the outset.A few important points about the indicators Alaskawereotherpage). among stood measuresincludingBut the Alaska'sat abouthighest childthe in nationalthe and nation.the teen norm.teen death On birth several rates rate 5005 dropouts teenagers X perteenagers 1,000100 = teenagers 1 droppercent out of specificindicationsness of particularmeasures of social ofprograms. programconditionsIndicators performance.They ratherdon't are measurethan broad the effective- agesINTERPRETING(ADAPTED or rates FROM per THE 1,000 UTAH INDICATORS orKIDS per COUNT 100,000. 1999 Using DATAThe BOOK) indicators are presented as either percent- regionschildrenEFFECTS have(18 OF SMALLand just under) 10,000 POPULATION live or in 15,000 Alaska. children SomeKeep in mind that only about 203,000 recentfor the data period when 1995-1999. available.NotRegional all We areas indicators used or morecommunities are mostly within averages a amongallowsratesand usindicators. percentages to compare Generally groupsare simply orwe track userates atrends. smallerperKeep 100 in mind that the base rates differ smallbreakand those numbersthem numbers down have by get implicationsRates sex, much race,for mostsmaller or forage.Those indicators statistics: when youare based on a small ORGANIZATION OF THE DATA BOOK Nextonregion ashave pages a whole. the 14same through indicator 16we levels highlight as the eventsbase100,000) (the and rate afor larger per less 100) commonbase for (rates the events. mostper 1,000 common Thisor allows us to present the rates in whole thatThenumber Alaska'stable of oneventsactual theteen events.canfacing violent make Sopage death aa bigsmall shows, changerate change infor in1998 instance, thein the rate.was Childrentors:thesome book. Infancy, of thein Then Danger,data Economic we discussed present and Well-Being,Juvenile fivein more sections Crime. detail Education, of later indica- in unfortunatelyindicatorfractions.numbers, asForwhich a widespread. instance,percentagebecause are easier we In presentto contrast, understand povertythe the poverty num-than is Alaskatrendthenumberbased rate rate graphon ofgoes fluctuates40 teen foractual up violentteen or deathssharplydown, violent death. statewide.it from deathcan That's sharplyyear (page why, Ifto that year. 50),change on thethe helpsofsection. special shed Several programs light sectionson the or otherindicator. also informationinclude descriptions thatNotes for the indicators are at the end of each inmuchbers numbers of smaller, children per so who100,000. we die present each yearthe childare (mercifully) deathWe ratecalculate rates by taking the number of fluctuateminimizesmallerwhich sharply chance meanswith variations, small thatIn any changes the given weregional use inregion, numbers. 5-year rates numbers alsoaver- To of events will be even ingdependingteenagersthenumberincidents total ofnumber inage high-school any 16-19 ongiven of thechildren in category thedropouts),baseby state), in the(for 100, and dividingcategory example, multiply-1,000, it (all bytheor samplesagesthen, for thedrawnmost rates offrom ourare a regionalbasedSomesmall, ofgeographically-dispersedon indicators.the small indicators numbers. But are even based on samplesand 12 amongshows100,000. different500 droppedThe calculations,example out of in school. theif 5 next teenagers column ic accuratelyifpopulation they're not likerepresent carefully Alaska's the aredrawn entire especially and population. weighted subject to to error, OWCIMM ALASKA AND U.S. AVERAGE, 1998 NATIONAL KIDS COUNT INDICATORS RateU.S. No. of Cases U.S. Alaska Rate No. of Cases Alaska Rank in U.S. Alaska PercentageInfantBabiesAlaska mortalitywith ofLowBetter teens rateBirth Than(ages (per Weight National1,00016-19) live who Average births) drop out of school 9.0%7.27.6% 1,487,000 298,208 28,371 7.0%5.96.0% 3,000 593 59 9th7th BirthsPercentageAlaska to At teens orof Nearsingle-parentchildren (per National1,000 living girls families Averagein 15-17)bpovertya 3027%20% 14,113,1009,371,000 173,231 2527%16% 23,00032,000 386 22nd19th TeenPercentageChildAlaska violent death of Worse death childrenrate (perrateThan with (per100,000 National no100,000 parent children Average teensworking 1-14)d 15-19)d full-timec 26%2454 18,958,000 13,04210,638 307429% 60,000 4540 42nd40th41st povertyaPercentage Based inon Alaska. theof teens U.S. notCensus in school Bureau's and poverty not working threshold figures, which are not adjusted for Alaska's higher living costs and may underestimate 8% 1,306,000 10% 4,000 37th cb TheBeforebecausethat nationalprevious 1993, the definitionKids thisdefinition. indicatorCount of program full-time measured added employment the this indicator does not in itstake 1999 into data account book. different We have employment not calculated patterns regional in ruralbreakdowns Alaska. for Alaska rate of births to teenage girls 15-19. The Alaska regional figures later in this book are based on program;Note:Source:d Remember Alaska our Annie regionalfigures that E. Caseythese in figures this Foundation, table may may be baseddifferKids Countonfrom different laterData figuresBook, years 2001.andin the are regional sometimes graphs. measured The figures differently. above are from the national Kids Count rates are based on small numbers of deaths and can therefore fluctuate sharply from year to year. ilillaa,111511LITS beingsome alarmingof Alaska's news children about and the teenagers health and in Thiswell- recent data book has some good news and Infant(Deaths Mortality per 1,000 Down Births) In All Regions Annual1989-931995-99 Average Ourtimes. contribution The information is pulling comes it all from together many andsources. t90 33 8.9 RLO 9.7 saferwilllooking help and at Alaskanshealthier trendsto forthink tell children. aabout story how that to we make hope life Alaska 7.0 Anchorage 6.8 Gulf Coast7.2 5.3 ailInterior 6.8 Southeast 6.8 Northern Southwest VIOLENTINFANT MORTALITY, DEATH, AND CHILD BIRTH ABUSE, RATES TEEN DOWNFigures from the Alaska Bureau of Vital (RateTeen Birthper 1,000 Rates Girls Decline 15-19) Among All Races 024 ServicesStatistics showand the improvements DivisionInfant of mortality Familyover the anddropped 1990s. Youth in all regions between 71 86 S22 65 98 46 19991992 nearlyinthe the early Northernhalf. and the region,late 1990s.Teenage where The girlsrates biggest of dropped all drop races was bybecame much less likely (SubstantiatedChild Abuse Down Rates Among per 1,000 All Races Children under 18) White 35 AK. Native Black Asian/PI Alaskabetweenbyto about have Native 20half babies and amonggirls. 30 during percent White the amongand1990srates Asian Black girls dropped and and 162 32.6 21.6 1996-00Annual1992-95 Average childrenall dropped1990s.races betweenclose Abuse by aboutto of the10 White beginningpercent.25Rates percent and of Still, substantiatedBlackand and therates ofchildren end Alaska of of childabuse the Native abuse declined among Fewer Teens Dying Violently, But Rates Still High White 7.7 AK. Native Black 5.O Asian/PI 5.6 remainrate down high amongmore than NativeFewer 25 percent andteenagers Black from died children. the violently, early to with the statewide (Accidents, Suicides, and Homicides per 100,000, Ages 15-19) Y.A 297 232 Annual1995-991989-93 Average abovetheNorthernSouthwest late the 1990s. national region,saw (Still, substantial average.) theAlaska's rate All declines. droppedrate regions remains In 20 except the percentfar the 025 91 68 100 14 but was still nearly three times the state average. 96 Alaska Source: Alaska Department of HealthAnchorage and Social Services, various divisions Interior Nor hem Southwest 27 JUVENILE CRIME DOWN POVERTY WIDESPREAD AMONG CHILDREN children came from families receiving publicOn average statewide, 20 percent of school HilGHLEGNITS Qcomirilwilan) AlaskaJusticeviolenting all showfrom typescrime thethat of remainedearly overallcrime) to thewasjuvenile high; late down see 1990s. crime pagethroughout (But(includ- 63.)Figures of the Alaska Division of Juvenile urespublicdren foris assistance.the each percentage of Alaska's The frommap 53 onfamiliesschool page districts. 27that shows relyOne onfig- measure of poverty among Alaska's chil- andtricts,thereassistance 50 was with to 60ain lesshuge thepercent than 1999-2000range 5in percent amongsome. school inthe a state's fewyear. districts Butdis- inpart the to late changes 1990s. in ThoseAlaska's changes juvenile made justice informa-Analysts system attribute the improvement at least in (Rate of Individual Juveniles Committing Crimes, Per 1,000 Juveniles 10-17) Juvenile Crime Down in the 1990s Annual1992-1996 Average andemphasizedtion encouragedabout juveniles juvenile community more accountability readily involvement. available; for crimes; VA 47 36 46 VA 58 76 76 58 61 ofSource: Juvenile Alaska Justice Division 1996-2000 INJURIES, SUICIDES HIGH IN RURAL AREASThe Alaska Department of Health and Social Anchorage LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH ANDMa -Su Gulf Coast Interior Northern Sou beast Southwest Falls Alaska Services reports that from 1994-1998, rural chil- North Slope Borough CII Suicides/Attempts (seehurtdren pageorwere killed 57). two by Theto injuriesthree map timesshows: than more urban likely children to be SERIOUS INJURY, 1994-98,,---- (Ages 19 and Under)/-' 1 1Cararuck/Motorcycle:ATV and Snowmachine accidents accidents Fairbanksunderof death in andthe North seriousNorthwest StarSuicides injury Borough, Arctic, amongand suicidetheNorton those Interior, attempts Sound,19 and the were the leading cause Norton Sound Northwest Arctic Interior (Rural)Fairbanks North Star Borough allaboutand were the 20 Yukon-Kuskokwim. among percent those of injuriesFalls ages were 15 andThey to the deaths;19. accountedleading virtually cause for of injuries in much of Yukon-Kuskokwim Mat-Su BoroughPrinceCopper William River/ Sound SouthcentralInabout the 22Mat-Su percent and SoutheastBorough, of deaths Alaska,car and and serious accountingtruck accidents injuries. for Anchorage c;2 combinedaccidentscaused with thewere all-terrain most the leading injuriesaboutOn vehicles the Northcause and Slopeof snowmachines26 deaths percent.and inand the Bristol Bay area, Aleutians/Pribilofs Bristol Bay Kodiak Kenai Peninsula Southeast 20injuries percent among of serious children, and accountingfatal injuries. for more than r-)8 Source: Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, CHEMS 9 15 RIGHLEGHTS (COMMUTED) haveHEALTH translated INSURANCE into ever-more COSTS SOAR expensive healthFor American families, soaring medical costs ESTIMATED MONTHLY HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS, U.S. 2001 Alaska CARE FORAVERAGE A FOUR-YEAR-OLDAT CHILD ANNUAL -CARE COST CENTERS, OF medicalnationwideinsurance, costs with just are inpremiums far 2000 above and upthe 2001. roughly U.S. And average. 20 in percentAlaska, SeeFamilyIndividual detailed notes, page 34. ±$600±$232 $650-$825$270-$700 OtherKodiakAnchorage States 2000 $7,150$6,019 parents'knowchildren that employerslack most health are or coveredinsurance through either (seegovernment pagethrough 35).We pro-their We don't know for certain how many Alaska stateWilliamSources: and M. U.S.federal Mercer, Agency employers Inc.; For Anchorage Health in Alaska Care Access Research to Health and Quality,Care Coalition; MEPS; DefenseSource: KarenFund, TheSchulman, High Cost Children's of Child Care RuralUrban $2,556-$6,034.$3,380-$8,121 anceThetograms. carry tablefor But coverage,Alaska shows as costs and estimated even rise,U.S. if itfamilies employers getscosts harder of in health 2001.pay for a families insur-share. thirdadjacentchild ofcare those table through familiesshows). state-runMore wereAbout thanprograms either a 4,200 in Alaska 2001 families(as received subsidized ALASKA FAMILIES RECEIVING SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE,a the Families,Puts Quality 2000 Care Out of Reach of Many mothersCHILD of CARE young COSTS children AND move DEMAND into the laborThe need for child care keeps rising, as more wereleftreceiving the simply welfare welfare low-income rollsbut or hadThe recentlyfamilies.number most of families receiving Families receiving welfare December 2000 2000 AND 2001 972 December 2001 755 Percentchange23% widewhatthatforce recipients andwe nationwide currentlyin Alaska. get jobs.know and asPages about welfare 32 child and reform care 33 discuss nation-requires andaboutsubsidized 2001because 12 percent child care between therose stateabout 2000 TotalFamilieswithin the thatwith previous left low welfare incomesd years 2,208 605 3,040 442 +12%+38%-27% $6,000$7,000 in Anchoragein Kodiak, accordingChild-carein 2000 and forto more thea pre-school Children's than child cost more than thatenrollSubsidyincreased had more Program,been funds low-income on for waiting allowing the Child families lists. it toCare bFamilieschildalncludes care receiving onlysubsidies state-administered welfare through but the also Alaska working programs. Division of Public Assistance. 3,785 or doing "work activities." They receive 4,237 tabletheDefense top in end theFund. topof theThat right-hand range put Alaskain cornerother costs states shows). at (asor nearthe qualifydFamiliesAlaskacThese Departmentfor with familiessubsidies incomes haveof when Education belowpriority funds 85 inandare percent the availableEarly Child of Development. theCare through state Subsidy median the program Program, family cited incomeadministered in note can b. by the aboutinworkers 2000less the in same Alaska, than as parkingtelemarketers, earningChild-care lotabout attendants workers according$7.90 areper and among hourto the the lowest paid AlaskaSources:Subsidies Department Alaska range Division from of Education 25 of to Public 97 andpercent Assistance; Early of Development the cost of care. 16 careAlaska workers Department to haveAlaska of special Labor. and child-care 28 other states education. do not require child- 0 3l 32 abies Wit Low airt renatal Care i Infant 1V- Weight33AL skartality nkir,k,AITAL CAW 11N1 ARAsm theDEFINITION Kessner index to classify prenatal careThe as Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics uses Births inUnder Alaska, 15 1995-1999, By Age0.2 and Race of Mother%113.8% 15 -17 18-19 (Total Births: 50,115) paredquarterthe latewith of1990s, about White com-one and intermediateadequate, intermediate, and the inadequate or inadequate. categories Both are the 7.3% Black inBlack Anchorage women. were Pregnant women firsthealthconsidered trimesters, professionals "less and than atat adequate" leastleast nineonce care. times during during Pregnanttheir women who see doctors or other 44-4.3%.4.8%Asian/Pacific Islander womennatalobtainmuch care more adequate elsewhere than likely pre- toin theirtrimesters,at"adequate" least pregnancies,entire once andpregnancies,prenatal during at leastare care.their classified four are firstThose moreclassified or as whosecond times having see as during havingdoctors "inter- Less ThanPercentage Adequate ofBy Mothers AgeCare, By Receiving Age Source: Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics By Race Anchorage received adequate prenatal care nant80the percentstate. women More of in preg- than duringmediateconsideredthan thefive care." first times to Those or have throughoutsecond "inadequate"who trimesters, don't their see pregnancies,prenatal doctors or fewer care.at all are (5-Year Average, 1995-1999) 18.4 Less than Adequate r n Intermediate Inadequate CoastSoutheastaboutbetween 70and 1995percent areas,Interior, and 65in 1999, andpercentthe Mat-Suabout compared in 50the and percent Gulf with in SIGNIFICANCE Women who get adequate prenatal care, eat Now. 7.1 the Northern and Southwest areas. Overall, the share of Alaska women infantunborncanwell, help and mortality children, protect don't smoke, and theiras welllow own drink, birthas health reduce orweight.' use and the illegal that Womenrisk of drugsof their 3.5 4.2 2423.3 aboutwhoreadygivenage got 25in accessthatlittle percent1999 many or to(see no highermedical rural prenatalpage Alaskansthan 20)notcare. care the U.S.was surprising,don't aver- have earlyproblems.'identifywho visit prenatal risks doctors Pregnant andcare earlylearn and teenagers moreinhow their tolikely are pregnancieshelp less to prevent smokelikely can tohealthand get Source:All Ages Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics <15 15-17 18-19 20+ hereCHANGE are not IN comparableCLASSIFICATION to data in previ-The data on prenatal care presented betweenDATAto have premature 1995 and or 1999, low-birth-weight about 1 in 10 babies.' to Moreteenage than 50,000 babies were born in Alaska care.failedteenagers Roughly to see were halfhealth much of professionalspregnant less likely teens tooften get17 andenough.adequateAlaska under Native and Asian women were less unknown.forStatisticsous mothersdatabooks, changed Previously, whose because its level method the the of bureau prenatalAlaska of classifying included Bureau care is of databirths Vital Aboutpercent)mothers.quate 3 prenatalorinMost Alaska10 motherswere care Native born in obtained the tomothers White late 1990s,less (24mothers thanpercent). but ade-(67 34 womenNativeadequatelikely than women got prenatal Whiteless and than andcare. a thirdadequate Black Nearly of womenpregnant prenatalhalf of to pregnantAsian obtaincare in calculatingmother'scare.to 1995-1999,those Now, mothersstatus theprenatal thebureauof under prenatalbureau care excludes "inadequate" mothers excluded care iscases unknown.received. 1,074 prenatalwhere births theFrom in 35 19 Var CAME ilw A ThanPercentage Adequate of PrenatalMothers Care,Receiving By Race Less (5-Year Average, 1995-1999) _a QcomirrirmED) PERCENTAGE OF MOTHERS RECEIVING LATE OR NO PRENATAL CARE,* 1999 U.S 3.8% Alaska 4.8% Less than Adequate [ I Inadequate *Care only in third trimester or not at all. 9045.6 ri3.8 Intermediate ASource: Decade Annie of City E. andCasey State Foundation, Trends (1990-1999) The Right Start For America's Newborns; 3.5 2.8 3.5 thelargelyAlcohol national because Syndrome average. the (FAS)estimated in Alaska rate of toFAS beThe nearlyamong best three Alaska current times Native information the nationalbabies (foris average. nearly the period ten That's times 1995-1998) shows the rate of Fetal FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME IN ALASKA Percentage of Mothers Receiving Less All Races Source: Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics White AK.Native Black Asian/Pac.Isl mationtheand dangersa wide about rangeof FAS drinking of in non-profitAlaska, while see: pregnant; groups www.hss.state.ak.us/fas are andThe working (2)Alaska help to Departmentchildren (1) better with educateof FAS.Health womenFor and more Social about infor- Services, Alaska Native organizations, Than Adequate Prenatal Care, By Region (5-Year Average, 1995-1999) Less than Adequate I I Inadequate I I Intermediate BABIES BORN WITH FETAL ALCOHOLOR AT-RISK SYNDROME OF FAS, (FAS) ALASKA AND U.S. AVERAGE (Per 1,000 Live Births, 1995-1998) 5.3 5.6 6.8 WhiteMother's Race Number 5 FAS N/Ab Rate Number 74At Risk of FASa Rate 2.7 5.1 2.7 U.S.AllAlaska Racesc Averaged Native 5546 0.51.44.8 505390 40.912.6 Alaska Anchorage Source: Alaska of Bureau Vital Statistics Mat-Su Gu f Coas Interior Northern Southeast Southwest bTooaThese few are cases babies to thatcompute met thereliable preliminary rate. case definition for FAS but were not confirmed cases. 20 36 dU.ScNumbers average, of BlackRace 1998, ofand as some reportedAsian/Pacific FAS babiesby National Island is not babies Instituteknown. reported with FAS too small to compute reliable rates. Source for Alaska: Alaska Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Surveillance Project on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 37 Women who smoke during Percent1gail1 of Alaska 5 voring Babies Low with BERTH ERGOT 8% Percent of Babies With Low Birth Weight Trend 1985 - 1998 Pregnantpregnancydon't(12.1to have smokepercent) teenagers infantsare nearly (7.2 thanof arepercent). lowtwice those much birth as who likely moreweight Low Birth Weight, By (5-YearRace Average, 1995-1999) 4%6% Alaska likelypregnant to smoke women.' than are older 2% borneducated to low-income women, andwho poorly in turn are Small babies are more often 5.7 24) 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 don'tcare.thuslikely receiveWomengain to lack enough inadequate healthwho weighteat insurance poorly prenatal when and and All Races White AK.Native Black Asian/Pac. Is! DEFINITION Infants born weighing less than 5.5 lbs 11111111111111Source: 2001 National Kids Count Data Book DATAalso more likely to have small babies!' usethey're alcohol pregnantand or other thosedrugsare who Percent of Alaska Source:Babies Alaska with Bureau of Vital Statistics ofweight.(2,500 residence, grams) Regional not are the dataclassified infant's reflect as placethe having mother's of birth. low placebirth pounds,Alaska in a 1998rate significantly weighed less lower than 5.5than theApproximately 1 in 5 babies born in Low Birth Weight, By RegionCia(5-Year Average, 1995-1999) disordersthanisSIGNIFICANCE 20 fortimes those related greater born to for atlow normallow-birth-weight birth weight.4weight were In infantsThe fact, the risk of death during the first year of life Alaskalowernational than were average. Alaska's about Only twice for sixthis as states indicator.likely had to be rates ofInfants born to Black mothers in 5.7 4.0 51.5 riskU.S.second ofin many1998.5leading developmental, Small cause babiesof infant are physical, mortality also at increasedand in the inlow the birth Anchorage weight andthan Gulf other Coast babies. regionsRates of low birth weight were highest Alaska Mat-Su Interior Southeast cerebralmentalbehavioral retardation, palsy, problems and learningblindness, later indisabilities.° languagelifeincluding delays, and lowest in the Southeast and Southwest. Anchorage Source: Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics Gulf Coast Northern 39 Southwest 21 RN IYAN7r o&UAL DM (Deaths Before Age 1, Per 1,000 Live Births) Infant Mortality Rate Trend 1985 1998 Ten Leading Causes of Infant Mortality in U.S., 1998 (Rate per 100,000 Live Births) 12 U.S.Alaska Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Preterm/Low Birth Weight Birth Defects 71.6 104.0 157.6 8 i -a Maternal Pregnancy ComplicationsRespiratory DistressPlacenta, Syndrome Cord Complications 24.4 32.934.1 4 Hypoxia/Birth Asphyxia AccidentsInfections 11.7 19.1 20.7 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 Pneumonia/Influenza I I 11.2 DEFINITION The infant mortality rate is the number of IIIIIIIIIIISource: 2001 National Kids Count Data Book DATA Between 1995 and 1999, 7 of every Source: National Center for Health Statistics(Per 1,000 Live Births, 5-Year Average, 1995-1999)Infant Mortality Rate By Region livedeathsof births.infant among Infantresidence, infants deaths undernot are death. 1recorded year, per by 1,000 place Northernratetheir1,000 was first infantshighest regionsbirthday. born in and Thethe in lowest SouthwestAlaskainfant in mortality diedthe and Gulf before ea thetimedardSIGNIFICANCE U.S. indexlow in of 2000.of 6.9 community deaths The three per health, most1,000 common livereached birthsThe causesan infant in all- mortality rate, which is a stan- rateAlaskaCoast. among InfantNative White mortality infants infants. was among nearly Black twice and theIn 1998, Alaska ranked 7th in the 7.0 Cal almostDeathrelatedof infant Syndrome halfto mortalitybirthlow of allbirth U.S. (SIDS)together weight, infant defects, and deaths.9 Sudden disorders account Not Infant sur- for percentnation6 infant on improvement this deaths indicator, per since 1,000 with 1990. approximately live birthsa 44 Alaska Anchorage Mat-Su Gulf Coast Interior Northern Southeast Southwest 22 tocatedmorehigherprisingly, neonatal likelyand for infantto mothersintensive tolive be mortality in unemployed communitiesliving care.'° rates in povertywho areand without significantly poorly access edu-are 40 Source: Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics 41 (Rate perInfant 1,000 MortalityLive Births, Rate1995-1999) by Race ENFANT Vflommun Qcmrumum) 7.0 4.a All Races Source: Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics White AK. Native Black Asian/Pac lsl (SHARE OF CHILDREN, 19 TO 35 MONTHS, WITH RECOMMENDED SHOTS*) IMMUNIZATIONS BY AGE TWO beeneffortsforkilled atchildren or scores to above immunize by of the thechildren, national time toddlers, they're the average. federaland two since years andTo 1998 state protectold. the governmentsBegining share children of in two-year-olds fromthe recommend late polio, 1990s, diphtheria, immunizeda seriesAlaska of steppedand immunizationsin Alaskaother up diseases itshas that in the past crippled and *Including all recommended doses of DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis); polio; MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and Sources:andHib for(Haemophilus older 2000 children Annual influenzae, Stateattending Surveys type public band meningitis). schools. CDC/NIP Additional2000 Immunization immunizations Registry are Annual required Report. for children in child-care facilities 4 3 23 ENoNoras 12Preliminary'A.ENDNOTES (pressMinino release). and FORData B. INFANCY for See:L. 2000,Smith SECTIONVolume (2001). 49,Deaths: Number smokpreg.htmhttp://www.cdc.govinchs/releases/Olnews/'1990s, VolumeT.J. (press 49, Numberrelease) 7. See: Matthews. Smoking during pregnancy in the and2 S.20011010.htmlhttp://www.hhs.govinews/press/2001pres/ B.Ventura, Hamilton J. Martin, (2001). S. Births: Curtin, Final F. Menacker, Data for 99_07.pdfhttp://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nysr/nvsr49/nvsr4 D.L. Hoyert, (annualSee E. Arias,notereport) 3. B.L. Smith, S.L. Murphy, 9_01.pdfhttp://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr49/nvsr4http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2001pres/20011010.html1999. See: (annual report)(press release), or http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr49/nvsr499mortality.htmhttpVolumeand K.D.://www. 49, Kochanek. Numbercdc gov/nchs/releases/01(press Deaths:8. release)See: Final Data facts/ for 1999, http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/releases/00facts/state-NationalVariations and inStateS. Teenage Ventura, Trends. Birth S.See: Curtin,Rates, 1991-98: and T.J. Matthews. section'°9_08.pdf See Kids on (annual infantCount mortality. Datareport) Book 2001, page 14, 4_06.pdfhttp://www.cdc.govinchs/datainvsr/nysr48/nvs48brt.htm See Kids (press(annual Count release) report)Data Book or 2001, pages 13-14, LinkedInfantsection Mortality BirtIVInfanton percentT.J. Statistics Matthews, of Death low-birth-weight from Data S. the Curtin,Set, 1998 Volume Period, andbabies. M. 48, MacDorman. nvs48_12.pdfhttp://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr48/infantmo.htmhttp://www.cdc.gov/nchs/releases/00facts/Number 12. See: (press(annual release) report) 24 No.BenefitDecisions,"Low'T. Bereczkei, 2, Birth pp. Analysis," 183-205. andWeight, A. Future Hofer, in Maternal Human Reproduction: and Nature,Z. Birth-Spacing Ivan Volume(1999). A Cost- 11, 44 Children in :Families HeadedChi ren With No Parent Chit 111 re Livingorking in yF Births TO Single 13),11-Time rents ver -y a Health Insurance Child Care eens 117 Medicaid, or food stamps) in each of Alaska's 53 CHILDREN LIMING IN ROMENTI 30% Percent of Children Living in Poverty Trend 1985-1998 inlivingand oldfederalrural isn't Alaska, poverty livingadjusted where costs threshold. for incomesAlaska'sare especially But arehigher that also thresh- high cost of schoolreceiving districts public during aid.Statewide, Districtsthe 1999-2000 20 withpercent the school of most students stu-year. lived in families 20% DMUS ME DEES withaccuratelypossiblelower. some The changesanalysts reflects census inquestioning povertybureau its measure isnationwide. considering whether of "poverty," it anddentsAnchorage Juneauwere near andDistricts the nearby state across average.areas, western Fairbanks, and interior Alaska had 10% Eral=r-13.-1=1DCHELasal:114=1Alaska inassistance poverty. can The also map be shows considered the shares as living ofChildren whose parents rely on public alsofamiliesanywhere the areasreceiving from where 30 topublic 60income percent assistance. is lowest.of students These inare 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 Alaska(Temporaryreceived school some Assistancechildren form of whose publicto Needy parents assistance Families, liesless receivingthan 10 percent publicA offewassistance. their districts, students in different from fami- areas of the state, had DEFINITION Source: 2001 National Kids Count Data Book City districts shown by o symbolShare of School Children With Parents Receiving Public Assistancea (Among 53 School Districts, 1999-2000 School Year) Near State AverageLowest Shares (16-25 (15percent) percent 1=1 or less) CI measuredchildren under by the 18 U.S. living Bureau in poor of thefamilies, Census'sThe as trend data above show the percentage of Galena b Highest Shares (26-62 percent) Statewide Average, 1999: 20% 1-- -1 poor.anpoverty annual (Figures threshold. income since below In 1997 1998, $16,530 are a notfamily comparablewas ofconsidered four withto O olca Tanana 26% HennaFairbanks 7% North Star 12% nowearlier using figures, a different because datathe Kids source.') Count program is Nome 17% 52c:: 27%Delta/Greely Skagway 2% SIGNIFICANCE Growing up poor in the U.S. generally Kashunamiut St Marys 47% Yupiit t3a Haines 25% Juneau 13% Chatham 20% childlifemeans healthier care, doing schools withoutand saferadequate with a lotstrong of things academic food, that reliable makestan- Lower lCuskoltwim Dillingham 15% Anchorage Valdez 9% Cordova 11% Hoonah 15% Pelican 22% Sitka 11% Petersburg 15% Wrangell 22% Southeast DATAdards, quality medical care, and much more. UnalaskaOPribilof Islands7% 21% Bristol Bay 3% 17% Kake 30% Klawodc 21% 14%GatewayKetchikan Island 20% dren nationwide lived in poor families.At In the end of the 1990s, close to 1 in 5 chil- Aleutian Region 7 bGalena school districtAleudans includes East about 21% 3,000 correspondence students from throughout the state alncludes those receiving Temporary Assistance, Medicaid, or food stamps Craig 16% Hydaburg 370/ Annette island 33% Alaska, the share was lower, as measured by the 8 Sources: Alaska Division of Public Assistance and Department of Education and Early Development /1 927 CSSUMIEN WPM No NERIRMIT- WO° img TULL ir11WILE LIMITATIONS OF INDICATOR IN ALASKA 40% WithPercent No of Parent ChildrenAlaska Working Under Full-time Age 18 Trend 1990 -1998 someandgood stability measureshortcomings of of families the ineconomic Alaskaparticularly nationwide, well-being it hasAlthough this indicator provides a 24%32% U.S. U samplesdiscussedrural Alaska. taken earlier from (on small, page 12),geographically- small First, it is based on a sample. As we 16% 8% scarceespeciallydispersed in many populationssubject of Alaska'sto error. like Alaska'ssmall rural areAlso, full-time, year-round work is DEFINITION AND SIGNIFICANCE 0% 90 Source: 2001 National Kids Count 91Data Book 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 the main sources of income for commercialAlaskaruralplaces, families. Native including fishing villages. or hundreds constructionSeasonal of jobs remote are like often atherchildren relatively parent under newhas 18a Kids full-time, living Count in year-roundhouseholdsindicator, estimated job.whereThis This nei- indicator is estimates the percentage of Departmentthroughincomes huntingalso of get Fish anda big and fishing. share Game ofThe estimatestheir Alaska food Manythat in rural families that depend on seasonal DATAonechildrenback full-time to 1990. who workinglack It's anthe indication stabilityparent. of of having the number at least of personAlaskainthe rural 1990s, to wouldnorthern, buy.' annual have western,harvests cost more ofand wildthan interior fish$2,000 andareas per game of entin Alaska was employed lived in householdsat a full-time, where year-round neitherIn job,par-1998, an estimated 30 percent of children mayincomeearnings provide they from getan seasonal incomefrom harvests workthat is and effectivelyof fishthe "in and Forkind" equiva-game some rural families, the combination of 28 questionnationalforcompared 2000 figurethisput with Alaska'sestimate at26 28. percent Butforfigure Alaska.a nationwide.number at 43 percent of analysts Estimates and the 50' foringlent in parent.to this that indicator. Butprovided that way by havingof life isa full-timenot accounted work- from school, child care, and work; and of Cilm-Loman EFAIMILIES nil 1E SliNGLE TARIRKar§ Percent of Families Headed 30%by Single Parents Alaska Trend 1985 1998 W"1111111.-. responsibilitiescarrying out the of dozens raising of children. other dailyBy far the majority of single parents 24%18% U.S. II fatherslinealsoare women, andteenagers of get their andlittle whochildren. many or live no single supportbelow mothers the from poverty the are 12% 6% beingasby likelysingle raised to parents be in sexually two-parent turn 16, active theyfamilies.4 as are those twiceAnd by the time children being raised 0% 85 Source:i 200186 87 National Kids Count Datai Book i 88 i 89 i 90 i 91 i 92 i 93 i 94 i 95 i 96 i 97 I 98 parentfamilyDATA families.households That in Alaskaproportion were is single- aboutIn 1998, an estimated 27 percent of mayorfamiliesDEFINITION fathers), be relatedheaded with to bychildren the single parents underparents by 18. birth, (either The adoption, childrenThismothers indicator measures the percentage of theat 24familiesthe shareU.S. to national 27 on in headed percent thisAlaska average, indicator. by nationwidedeclined single so ButAlaska parents from while from ranksa increasedhigh the1990 22ndshare of to 29 1998, frominof childrenor SIGNIFICANCEmarriage. living with single parents in the OverU.S. the past 40 years, the number of percent in 1993 to 27 percent in 1998. oftenmillionhas more lack in than 1960the economictripled, to 19.8 increasing million and social in from 1999.3 support 5.8 Childrentwo- who grow up with just one parent welfareworkaspotentialparentClearly households morereformsthey to households earn are more. doingcan havewith moreAnd under twono whenreadily one parentsrecent single to provide. share nationalhave parents the the schedules;difficulties of arrangingcoordinating transportation child care with to and work rt.) 2 Daum Tro TEENS (Births per 1,000 Girls ages 15-17) TrendTeen 1985Birth Rate 1998 morethreeolder monthslikelywomen to ofto smoke pregnancy.get prenatal and to They're givecare inbirth alsothe to firstTeenage mothers are less likely than amongracebirths and among Alaska's other teenage characteristics. teenage mothers girls 15-19 Thein Alaska, birthdropped rate Theby tables on page 31 show trends in publicproblemsarepremature at risk money later ofor developmentallow-birth-weight spentin life.8 for The teenage cost and infants, to parentsbehavioral society, who and in wasamongabout down 14 Blackamong percent teenagersnearly girls from of 1995-1999. all races, one but The third. most trendIn 1999, birth rates were highest among DATAannuallytheir children, in the wasmid-1990s.9 an estimated $15 billion andbetween.girls,Alaska Asian with Native But ratesgirls remember, girls amongin Alaskaso and Blacklowest there aand aresmallamong Asianfewer change White girlsBlack in 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 Source: 2001 National Kids Count Data Book every1998.are declining1,000 In Alaska girls across 15-17 the rate the having wasU.S., significantlybabies with 30 in ofThe good news is that teen birth rates ersthe innumber Alaska of arebirths unmarried, can affect and birth that rates. propor-More than three-fourths of teenage moth- CountDEFINITION Data Book, show the birth rate per The1,000 trend data above, from the national Kids national17 dropped and the 19 Alaska percent birth between rates among1990 and girls 1998. 15- lower,22nd at on 25 this per indicator 1,000, ranking in 1998. Alaska Both the teenbirthsandfromtion 1999.increasedbirths about in Alaska Teenare 75 slightlyto birthsoverall, girls78 percent whoinmake andrecent have betweenroughlyup years, aboutpreviously 1 1995 growing1 in in 6 10 SIGNIFICANCEhigher,girls 15 becauseto 17. The they regional include rates girls in 15 Alaska to 19.Most are teenage mothers are unmarried, haven't tives,domnation?pregnancies use, declines Analysts effective that in seemshaveteen long-acting sex,cited to beand increased sweeping contracep-changing con- theWhat accounts for the downturn in teen (Rate per 1,000 Girls 15-19, 5-Year Average, 1995-1999)had babies. Birth Rate for Teens, By Region old,ofeitherfinished their children financial children. high bornschool, or By socialto theteenage,and timesupport aren't they'resingle likely from mothers8 tothe to receive 12fathers years who throughattitudes1,000 19,hadtoward anbabies average premarital annually of about sex.w from 51 1995 perIf we look at Alaska girls ages 15 nit older,likelynever marriedfinishedto be living mothershigh in schoolpoverty who aregraduated.5 than 10 thosetimes born moreChildren to of single mothers are also more alsoteenageinthrough the high Northern girls1999. in the having But Southwestregion, the babies. rate with wasregion, The nearly much rate where 1 was higherin 10 50.6 TaW woe No teenstolikely be andout to become ofearly school twenties.6 teenage and unemployed Theparents children themselves in of their teenage lateand werebetweenabout in 75 the 1995per Mat-Su, 1,000 and 1999. girls Southeast, hadThe babies lowest and Gulf rates Alaska 30 jailmothers during areadolescence about three and times early more adulthood.' likely to go to kJ 4 teenageCoast regions, girls. at about 40 per 1,000 AnchorageSource: Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics 5r Mat-Su Gulf Coast Interior Northern Southeas Southwest Emma Tro -ams QcoN-TilNumn)

Total Number of Girls 15-19 BIRTHS PER 1,000 ALASKA TEENS (15-19), BY RACE* 1999 1995 Birth Rate 1998 1999 Percent Change 95-99 ' BlackAlaskaWhite Native 16,287 5,0651,080 41.294.398.3 50.436.9 86 64.885.535.0 -31.3%-13.0%-15.1% TotalAsianSource:*Teens and of HispanicPac/Isl. origin can be of any race. Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, Annual Report, 1995, 1998, and 1999 23,470 1,038 55.653.0 48.447.5 47.846.2 -14.1%-12.8% TRENDS IN BIRTHS TO ALASKA TEENS 1995 1998 1999 Percent Change 95-99 Percent(perBirth 1,000 rate of for femalesteen younger births ages teensthatto 15-17)unmarried are repeat teens births 18.0% 74.8% 30.6 20.3%75.8% 26.4 78.3%16.8% 26.5 -13.5% -6.5% 4.6% Source:Teen births as a percent of all births Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, Annual Report, 1995, 1998, and 1999 11.1% 11.1% 11.3% 1.7% 31 CIILLO C SIGNIFICANCE The need for child care nationwide is huge... whoU.S.the biggest heldIn 2000, jobs worries the and share foralso working ofhad American children parents women under acrossGetting 6 the good, affordable child care is one of Working Women with Children, U.S., 1999* With children overunder 6 6 78%60% Home of non-relatives Who Cares Other-For Children Under 6 21%While Mothers Work? 30%Day-care centers requiredhowreform,Addingwas doublelong towhich them people the what demandtosince canbeginit had the collect for workingbeenlate child welfare1990s in care theor has looking 1970s."benefitsis welfarelimited for and It is one Source:of*Specific the See biggest notefigures a. forcosts Alaska for are working not yet available parents... from the 2000 census. 1% 48%Parent or other relative importantevidencework while that in they're determining what childrenreceiving how learn benefits. well before they doageAdvocates later 5 is for children say there is increasing Average Annual Cost of Care for a Four-Year-OldAnchorage At Child-Care Centers, 2000 $6,019 Anchorage Day Care and Public CollegeChild-Care Tuition Center Costs (Annual Average) $6,019 startlingdrenthatin school. even are beinghow thoughBut littleEducation cared more is foractually and Weekoutside more known" recently their pre-school homes, about reported chil-the "it is OtherKodiak States RuralUrban $2,556$3,380$7,150 $6,034$8,121 Source: See note b. University of Alaska, Tuition* of books*Includes for twotuition, semesters. fees, and costs $2,769 biggestschoolquality children." ofexpenses and the forunmet working demand parentsin for care Alaska ofWe pre- do know that child care is one of the But caring for children is one of the lowest paid occupations... Median Wage Per Hour, Selected Occupations, 2000 Alaska U.S. toamongand have nationwidewhile thelittle lowest or no paidspecific child-care and child-careare typically workers education. required are ParkingTelemarketersTheaterChild-Care Ticket-TakersLot Attendants Workers $8.18$7.91$7.78$6.41 $7.69$7.43$9.06$6.61 Source: See note c. b)aa) New SOURCESNationalKaren Window Schulman, Council FOR on FIGURES Child of Children's Jewish Care, 1999.Women, Defense Opening Fund, With few child-care education requirements... Alaska Special Education Required for Child-Care Workers, 2000None* Laborc) OutTheAlaska Statistics.ofHigh Reach Department Cost of of Many Child of Families, CareLabor; Puts U.S. 2000. Quality Bureau Care of Other States6728 states states ChildSome6-20None hours, Developmentearly-childhood child-care Associate developmenttraining (CDA) orcourses Certified Child Care Professional (CCP) 32 See:2002:d) Education hap Building ://www.edweek. Week Blocks on For the orgisreportsSuccess, Web, Quality January Counts 2002. 58 *But Alaska is undertaking a professional development program for child care workers; see box on facing page. 1 state 4-year2-year college vocational degree course Source: See note d. 59 DEMAND FOR CHILD CARE IN ALASKA moneyto Needy that Families was available (TANF) because program ALASKA FAMILIES RECEIVING SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE CH no CAM comninumn) childhow many care infamilies Alaska2000 and received doesn't 2001, exist.state-subsidized and thoseWe do figures Completeknow information on the demand for program.TANFwelfarethere caseload. werereform In fact, no has Bywaitingmost reducedearly of liststhe2001, thenearly for the TemporaryState-Administered Assistance) UNDER STATE-RUN PROGRAMS, DECEMBER 2001 Number Percent of Total canalsogive get workingorus subsidizedsome idea doing ofchild shifting some care "work directlydemand. activities" throughFamilies the that are receiving welfare benefits but percentplygram3,500 low-income infamilies wereDecember families served families. 2001 thatby weretheJust had pro- 13 sim-left inworkingwelfareFamilies work benefitsactivities2 receivingor participating and 2,552Families receiving 755 100% 30% alsoAlaska2001, working Division 755 families had of subsidized Public receiving Assistance. child welfare care. In benefits DecemberThat and numberwelfare ofwithin families the previousreceiving year.welfare Between 2000 and 2001, the SubsidyChild Care Program3 receivingLow-income child-care families child care Number Percent of Program Program,receivingamounted welfareadministered to about and 30 also percent by working.the Alaskaof all the Department familiesA second program, the Child Care Subsidy benefitsthedropped numberbottom and by subsidized ofofnearly thefamilies table one-quarter, child shows.in the care Child And as subsidies pastwelfareFamilies year4 within that left 3,482 442 100% 13% shareof ingEducation ofless child than and care 85 Early percentcosts Development, for of working the state families subsidizesmedian earn- a bytransitioningCare more Subsidy than from Programa quarter. welfare that droppedwere organizations.'Figures do not include assistance programs administeredfamilies5Other by Alaska low-income Native non-profit 3,040 87% havegram.welfareincome. been Other lessLow-income on than low-incomewelfare, a year familiesor get have familiesthat priority beenthat have offin this longer maybeen pro- never off droppedgiven that substantially the welfare caseloadsince the haslate These changes make sense, It'ThiswithNative'The pays totalchildrenis non-profitanywherea programstate-administered receiving from organizations)of the 25 benefits Alaska to 97welfare percentbut Departmentin Decemberliving caseload of withchild of (excluding2001 adultsEducationcare was expenses not 5,902, cases receivingand Earlyfor includingadministered families benefits. Development. 1,085 whose by cases programthan a yearcan funding. get subsidies if there's enoughAs of 2000, many low-income families were welfare1990sand did so many more families than a year who ago. left During the same periodfrom does'Thesethis4Familiesincome program. not families is have 85within percent enough may the or firstor funds may less year notofto ofsubsidizethe have transitioning state ever median child received carefrom family forwelfare welfare allincome. qualifed benefits. to work families, haveIf the priority program these in childtheon waitingstate care transferred program lists for fromthe about subsidy the $13 Temporary millionprogram. to Assistance Butthe then everfamilies2001theDecember been (who number on 2000 welfare) may to of Decemberor low-income mayincreased not have by families get lower priorityCHANGES than those IN whoNUMBER have just OF moved FAMILIES off welfare. RECEIVING SUBSIDIES, DECEMBER 2000 TO DECEMBER 2001 help child-care workers get increasedALASKA training SYSTEMIn 2000, FOR Alaska EARLY established EDUCATION a program to DEVELOPMENT (SEED) childprogramgovernmentmakesnearly care 40sense, in percent.for late added givenlow-income 2000, That moneythat to change thesubsidize familiesto state the also FamiliesOther low-income receivingthat left welfare welfare families within and working a year +38%-27%-23% www.eed.state.ak.us/EarlyDev/and education. For more information, see: 60 that had been on waiting lists. andSources: Early Alaska Development Division of Public Assistance; Alaska Department of Education 61 33 limmram hisuuNciz costsroseas medical an of average medical costs of careand nearly insuranceand 20insurance percent premiums arefrom even keep2000Families higher rising.through across than Nationwide, 2001. elsewhere." the U.S.In Alaska, are premiums worried about how they'll pay for health care, HOW MUCH DOES INSURANCE COSTAND WHO PAYS? Estimatedu.s.d Monthly, Premiumsc, 2001 Alaskae arechildrenfamilies most andinand Alaska. atleast criteria likely On forthe to government facinghave affordable page weprograms Ontalk access this about that topage health whichpay we medical look care.children atRemember, coststhe in availability Alaska for and cost of health insurance for FamilyIndividual Who Pays Family±$600±$232 Insurance Premiums? $650-$825$270-$700f coveragesomeallas youemployees look at ofthe can't those share afford firms of employers toor payagencies their offering willshare necessarily offamily the premiums.insurance carry family plans, that not Anchorage Businesses, 2001 (Among Employers Offering Insurance) ESTIMATED EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR FAMILY COVERAGE WHOPrivate OFFERS Employers HEALTH-CARE OfferingSmall COVERAGE? Family Businesses Plans (Fewer than 50 employees) U.S.a 47% Employee pays all 38% shareBusinessEmployee/32% cost Private Businesses, U.S. 1999 20% 30% Anchorageb Alaskaa I I 30% 42% Business pays all 19% Unknown11% Sources: See note a for U.S. figure;Alaska Public Employers, 2001 ±5% 30% Large Businesses (MoreAnchorageb than 50 employees) Alaskaa u.s.a 84% 97%97% Source: See note b Alaskapublic estimate employers. based on figures from major governments nationwide offer family healthThe insurance. federal and state governments and virtually all the larger local Government Employers Offering Family Plans aNotes U.S. Agency for figures: for Health Care Research and Quality, Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Includes all Medicaid (including Denali Kid Care)Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that pays medical costs for low- Other Sources of Health-Care Coverage SeptemberSource:bbusinesses Businesses Anchorage that2001. offering offer Access at least to "majorbasic Health health medical," Care insurance.Coalition, coverage, HealthFigure which Insurancefor excludes Alaska Benefits dentalis 1997; and Survey, U.S. vision figure care is benefits. 1999. Kidandincome pregnantCare. Americans. Children women in The eligible;families program thatearning was expansion expandedup to 200 in Alaskapercentin 1997 is ofto called themake federal Denali more poverty children Baseddpercentagec CoverageEstimated on 1999 of variesnational costs figure sharply reimbursed, average from underMedical premium and different Expenditurecoverage for plans.private of Paneldental,Premiums businesses Survey, vision, depend offering adjusted and prescriptionon health theby annualsize insurance of drug averagethe costs.deductible, in 2001. increases the Indian Healthguideline Service income can qualify for Denali KidAll Care, Alaska if they Natives meet otherare eligible criteria. for Indian Health Service programs. Basedeofin Estimated healthEmployer-Sponsored on insurance(1) range survey of costsof monthly private Health nationwide premiumsbusinesses Plans in2001, for2000 in Anchorage,plansWilliam (8%) offered and M. conducted 2001Mercer by public (11%), Inc. by and Anchorageas private reported employers Access in National to in Health Alaska. Survey Care 34 TheseIHS programshospitals orare clinics. not "health Still, insurance,"they provide because medical they coverage. are offered only at 62 oftenCoalition,f A have few Septemberthe group choice plans 2001;of basichave and thecoverage (2) same figures premiumat lower from rateslarge for individuals orpublic supplemental employers or families. coverage in Alaska. at higherPublic rates.employees 63 HEALTH COVERAGE FOR ALASKA'S CHILDRENWe know that most children in Alaska have at Indian Health ServiceAlaska programs. Native childrenThe 2000 are eligible for Who is Uninsured? HLEARSH.In general, Alaska NYLITUNCLE children are most likely to QcoNTranumn) can'tdon'tinsuranceleast qualifysomeknow or medical just forunder howgovernment governmentcoverage, many have programs. either programs. no insurancethrough But health andwe AlaskaNativeDenalidrenfederal wereNative.'* Kid childrencensus enrolledCare Aboutreported programsare inalso 37,600 the 50,000covered inMedicaid 2001.15 Native children under chil-andSome as lackinsuranceor insuranceDenali Kidcoverage. if Care theirEarn but parents: not enough enough to todisqualify afford family them for Medicaid throughandestimates under) 2001, that lacked 16as percentcompared health ofinsurance Alaska'swith 14 from percentchildren 1999The of (18 federal Current Population Survey (CPS) coveredrangeButinsurance if ofwe only 10,000 assumethrough by IHSAlaska that their programs somewhere Nativeparents' in children employers.2001, in the that were spread(Businessescan'tbusinessesthat afford risks to withthe buy don't way few Workpolicies largerofferemployees for onhealth employers businessesprobably their aren't insurance own. canable and to and small Denalifiguressmallaccuracychildren sample Kiddon't nationwide. of Care that seem and estimate,program, is to subject Someshow which the analyststo error.effects hasis based question Also,added of the on the cover- athe CPS Job-Basedchildren have and Otheraccess Coverageto health insurance, mostlyManywould ofbe theabout other 5 percent 60 percent of Alaska's (or so) ofchildren. Alaska insurancetherefore facefor family higher coverage.Can't premiums.) afford to pay their share of job-based WhileIndiantheage CPSfor IHS Healththousands classifies programs Service Alaskaof children are programs notNative insurancesince aschildren "uninsured."1999. as servedFinally,such, by anceinsurancegroupciallythrough coverage theplans self-employed, companies.their and for parents' buy children family Parents jobs.16 don't with coverage whohave Some major can'taccess directlypeople, health get to insur- espe-from health insurance. Are self-employed and can't afford to buy family Alaska'stheyCoverage do provide 203,000 Under access children Government to medical(18 and under)care. Programs inSo 2001? what do we know about coverage for Comprehensiveemployed)problems (again, can buy Health these coverage parents Insurance through are Association.'typically the AlaskaBut self- we don't know just how many children Alaska'sunder government-sponsoredchildren had access to medical programs careWe in estimate2001. that perhapsThe Denali 40 percent Kid Care of program (an expan- andknowofthat the adultsleaves thatuninsured nationwide80without percent are coverage. in ofare working the in workinguninsured We families, assume families.18 children sincethat most we about20,000sion of 10 childrenMedicaid) percent in of hadfiscal childrenClose an year enrollment to 2001.1850,800 and That's ofunder.children about were enrolled in Alaska's25Kidaddition percent Carein traditional to of thosefiscal Alaska's covered yearMedicaid children. 2001. under programin That's Denali about C4 65 35 ENONOIrES for'ENDNOTES See a Kidsdiscussion Count FOR ofDataECONOMIC this Book change. 2000, WELL-BEING pages 178-179, 'EducationNew" National Window Council Week on Child on of the Jewish Care, Web, 1999. Women, Quality Opening Counts a anceAssociation1' The pool Alaska that (ACHIA) Comprehensive since 1993 is a state-sponsoredhas Healthprovided Insurance an insur- alter- son,personGame, with Subsistenceharvestsa valueRobert of of $2 516Division, Wolfe,to to$5 664 per Alaska 2000. poundspound. BasedDepartment per on per- per of Fish and Alaska,13See:2002: Costs http://www.edweek.org/sreports Building but of livingin recentBlocks have times For historically Success, costs of beenJanuary food, higher housing, 2002. in employedancegram.niesnative refusepremiums Thosefor people to covered cover. and thatwith are This by private serious most ACHIA is not frequentlyinsurance medical a pay subsidy full prob-compa-self- insur- pro- children.tion on percentK. ofSee A. single-parent Moore,Kids Count A.K. Datafamilies Driscoll, Book with and2001, L. pageDuberstein 21, sec- inothercare,U.S.and Anchorage other average. whichstates. necessities haveFor Thein instance,2000 remainedexception have were hospitalmoved muchreportedis costs higher closerroom of to medical be chargestothan 60the per-in whose(18coverage.insurancelemsor and parents childrenunder) Asand don't of who had early with have havecoverage 2002, major access been about throughmedical refusedto group 20 childrenACHIA. individualproblems health Pregnancy,TheAdolescentLinderberg National Sex,(1998).Washington Campaign Contraception, A Statistical D.C.to Prevent and Portrait Childbearing. Teen of AlaskaSocialcussioncent Anchorage,above and of livingEconomicthe U.S. Trends costs average. Research, in Alaska,Alaska's For University a seePeople summary Institute and of dis- of HealthUninsurance,Medicine,18 National Care, 2001. CommitteeCoverage Academy Available Matters: of on Sciences, theat: ConsequencesInsurance Institute and of of Costs6section R.A. and Maynard. on Social teenSee Consequences (1996).birth Kids rate. KidsCount Havingof Data Teen Book Kids:Pregnancy. Economic2001, pages 16-18, www.iser.uaa.alaska.edu,Native14Economy, That and includes October as Alaska both 2001. Nativechildren or See: call and 907-786-7710.reported some otheras Alaska race. http://national-academies.org Abma,8'Urban See S. J. Nationalnote Ventura,Institute 6. Center Press:WD. Mosher, forWashington, Health S. Statistics,Curtin, D.C. and J. someusedto'Native enrollat expenses more organizations in healthMedicaid, IHS programsfacilities encourage partly and don't. because may eligible cover it can families be http://www.cdc.govinchs/datainvsdnvsr49/nvsr4httppreg.htmTrends ://www.1976-97: in Pregnancy(press cdc. An gov/nchs/releases/Olnews/trend-Update,Volume release) Rates for the United49, Number States, 4. See: adults)Americans16 Nationwide, are coveredunder 65an by estimated(including job-based two children health thirds insurance. andof 36 9 See1°9_04.pdf See note note 6. (annual 8. report) r6 67 Teens Who Drop Sut 68 eens Not In School and Not School Ac 'eve i e t 6 9 orki The Alaska Department of Education compared with 9 percent nationwide. Alaska TEENS Wihrin DROP OUTS 15% Who are High School DropoutsPercent of Teens (16-19) Trend 1985-1998 as gram;graduatinganddropouts Early (2) ifDevelopmentmoved orthey completing (1)out left of classifies theschool an school approved without students district pro- andgradesranked ethnicity 79th through in inthe the 12U.S. 1999-2000varied on this significantly indicator. school year. byThe race dropout rate for Alaska students in 10% Alas U.S. district;programselsewhere;or state andor or (4)(3) areschools wereenrolled not knownsuspended not in approved adult to be oreducation enrolled expelled by the centpercentMore of than Blackof Alaska7 percent students Native of who Hispanic students, enrolled students, and didn't 4.6 6.2com-per- 5% theirdiplomafrom livesschool (or in and thepoverty, equivalent)failed because to return. often their spend lack ofPeople who don't earn a high-school AlaskaWhitepleteatstudents disproportionately that students Native school 1.9 andpercent. was year. Hispanic 3.1 TheInhigh percent relation dropoutrates.students and to among rateenrollment,dropped among Asian out 0% 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 Source: 2001 National Kids Count Data Book DATAgeteducation higher makespaying itjobs. difficult for them to thethrough 1999-2000 12) dropped year, outwhich of Alaskarepresented schoolsAbout close during 2,600to high-school students (grades 9 KidsDEFINITIONof teenagersCount definition 16 through of dropouts: 19 who arethe notpercentage Thein school trend graph is based on the national andbeenaren't Alaska lower in high thanhas school seen the national aand 13 haven'tpercent average graduateddecline since inThe 1985, hasthe share of Alaska teenagers 16 to 19 who est(11.6that7 percent in year. percent)Mat-Su Overall,of the areain 38,790 the the(3.4 Southwest dropout percent).high-school rate region The was students dropout and highest low- Alaskadependingand who are basedhave on whatnot on graduateddifferent information definitions, from is high available. Theschool. dropout The rates by race and region within thosedropout 16-to-19 rate since years 1990. old droppedIn 1998, out7 percent of school, of Alaska Dropouts (Grades 7-12), By Race percentrate in other (see theregions map rangedon page from 40). about 5 to 8 adjacentroughlyincludes figure agesteenagers showing13 through in gradesdropout 19. 7 ratesthrough by race12, (Percent of those enrolled) Dropout Rate 64% 1999-2000 School Year Ill Compared Share with Share of Total Dropoutsof Total Enrollment region among teenagers in grades 9 throughThe 12; map on page 40 shows dropout rates by White 3.1% I becausethandropoutsome the ofthe rates thesestatewide regional in dropouts most rates figure Alaska areinclude inyounger regionsthe students trend than are graph lowerunder16. The HispanicBlackAsian/Pac.Alaska Native Isl. 1.9%6.2% 4.6%7.3% 23% I-7 Share of Dropouts Share of Enrollment 16, who are less likely to drop out of school. 70 Note: Race of 1% of dropouts is unknown. White Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early DevelopmentAK. Native Asian/Pac. Isl.5% 2% 4% I Black Hispanic 71 39 TrEIENS WL DEOP (91,711 (CONInNian) tial.ofRESEARCH droppingunemployment Researchers FINDINGS out of have andhigh alsoreduced school identified areearning higher a number poten-The rates most obvious and severe consequences Percentage of Students Dropping Out of High School, By Region, 1999-2000 droppingelementaryof other issues out.' schools related areChildren to at dropping increased who repeatout risk of of school:grades or attend multiple Interior 7.8% Lowest earlyincreased age.' if they startedAdolescentsTeenagers' smoking odds whocigarettes of live dropping with at an both out parentsof school are are Highest west 11.6% rant, M Matanusk cipalii -Susitna ofBorough Anchorage 3.4% 6.8% allgoingsignificantly U.S. to prison prison. less inmates Approximately likelyHigh-school into 1991drop out weretwo dropouts of thirds school.' areof at increased risk of Statewide Total: 6.7%Gulf toast 6.3% Southeast 5.6% tieswhohigh-school appear participate less dropouts.4 likelyin extracurricularAdolescents to drop out whoofschool school are activi- otherwise or to at high risk but Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development schooltions,be arrested weak are more foracademic crimes.' likelyTeenage skills, to become girls and who drop pregnant.° have out oflow high academic expecta- droping are out more of school.' likely toParents'Teenagers have poor attitudes who grades suffer toward and continuous, toeducation severeinfluence bully- 40 graduatetheir children: are significantly those whose more parents likely expect to graduate.8 them to 72 P73 The share of Alaskan teenagers not MIENS NOS lam' SCHOOL 'AD Noir WOR1UNG 20% Teens Not in School and Not Working Trend 1985 - 1998 RESEARCHpercenttheworking 1990s, in and 1993. butFINDINGS not dropped in school from fluctuated a high of in 12 10%15% -u.s. 11-0-0-1:1-D'El-CCEL0_0;,anAlaska teens?outrisk ofof Researchschoolbeing outwhen suggests: of theythe work reach force their and lateCan we predict which children are at 5% MEM antisocialaren't attached are more to school, likely andto be who unem- are Children who don't read well, who 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 t I t t ployed as teenagers and young adults.9 Teenage boys who used alcohol, teenagers,DEFINITION ages 16 through 19, who areThis not indicatorin measures the percentage of Source: 2001 National Kids Count Data Book Itit quit their jobs.1° Childrenmoremarijuana, likely who or toat cocaine agebe repeatedly nine at have early firedproblems ages or are to whonotEducationincludesschool, have working. noteither both Development working, high-school and (GED) not ordropouts Generalin thediplomas military. and those but It are opportunitiesThosehavein their difficulties difficulties relationships and throughout canlead with reduce to later other their their unemployment." children schooling. educational tend to thathistoriesofdoing development. may anything ofplague unemployment productive themIdle teenagers as they during and get aredisengagement older.a establishingcriticalThis period is a measure of teenagers who are not puttingThat19DATA comparedwere Alaska not working 37thwith nationwidethe orU.S. attending average on this school of indicator. 8 Aboutpercent, in 1998. 10 percent of Alaskan teenagers 16 to 74 41 SC11-11CXM ACKILIMMENT CALIFORNIA ACHIEVEMENT TEST dentsschool nationwide. achievement Students of Alaskan in Alaska students take andScores the stu- on standardized tests compare the Percentage of Alaska Students in 4th and 7th Grades Scoring within the First and Fourth Quartiles on the California Achivement Test (CAT-5) 1999-2000 School Year Top Quartile assessesinCalifornia the 4th reading, andAchievement 7th mathematics, grades. Test, This 5th andwidely-used edition language (CAT-5) testarts. 31.9% 37.3% 31.9% 38.1% 31.7% Bottom Quartile tionstate25 percent ofusing scores scorethe amongCAT-5 in each its can studentsof compare four quartiles. to thethe distribu- nation-Among So a all school-age children nationwide, 21.9% 20.5% 30.7% 24.5% 21.2% 22.6% thanstudentswide 25 distribution percent score in score the in equallowest in the quartiles. quartile,highest quartile, and moreIn any stu- given state, if less than 25 percent of 17.1% scoringmorenationaldents studentsin lower. average.that state are Looked scoringare doing at higher another better and thanway, fewer the relatively are 4th GradeReading 4th Grade Math 4thLanguage Grade Arts 7th GradeReading 7th Grade Math Language7th Grade Arts withstrongestthenational 1999-2000 37 toaverage in 38 mathematics percent school in all year.threeof studentsat Alaska'sareasboth gradetested scoring scores levels,duringAlaska's in were the 4th and 7th graders scored above the getALASKA high-school BENCHMARK diplomas ASSESSMENT until they've AND passedBeginning HSGQE an in 2002, Alaskan students can't Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, Report Card to the Public, 1999-2000 School Year writing,achievement and maththat testalso 3rd,with 6th, sections and 8thinThe reading, Alaska Benchmark Assessment is an wellbottomtop quartile above quartile. the and national only 17 average, to 21 percent with around inReading the 32 scores of Alaskan students were also Alaskalawandachievement mathenacted High sections. inSchooltest 1997, that This Graduation andincludes test it's is known reading,a Qualifyingresult as of writing,the a state studentsschoolsmeasuregraders take.can toof passstudents' use This the benchmark resultshigh-school academic to better providesabilities, exam. prepare anand early 22percent7th percent grades. scoring in the in lowest the highest quartile quartile in both and In4th 21language and to arts, about 31 percent of 4th eachopportunityExamination10th section grade, to while(HSGQE). with pass they're fourthis moreStudentstest in whenhigh opportunities haveschool. they're the infirst tothe pass 42 and23 7th to 25graders percent scored scored in thein the top bottom quartile, quartile. while schoolreceiveschool.another diplomas. certificatesStudentsthree years who ofafter completiondon't they've pass completedthe instead exam Thoseof will highhigh- who fail may continue trying for TEST RESULTS The results of the Spring 2001 benchmark WHAT EXPLAINS THE DECLINE? The decline in proficiency as Who PassedPercentage Benchmark of and Alaskan HSGQEb Students, Tests, By Race,a SCHOOL ACHREVEIMENIr CON-MUTED) students.tests and theThat high-school wasYounger true of exam girls students show:and boysdid better and than older Researchfacethestudents result as they get ofshows gochallengesolder through that could among adolescentshigh be in studentsschool. part 100%Writing80% Spring 2001 -- White Hispanic writingamong childrenproficiency of all inReading races. 6th grade, proficiency and math peaked in the 8th grade, beginningstartwho usearound alcohol of the high ageor school.' marijuana, of 13, or at most the 40%60% 0 Asian/PI 0 Black American Indian betweenproficiency 8th in and 3rd 10th grade.Writing grade, proficiencywhile the sharpest dropped most sharply hashold found part-time that jobs,students and who research work Also, many high-school students 20% 0 Grade 3 Grade 6 Grade 8 Grade 10 0 AK Native math8thdrop grade. inproficiency math Then, proficiency betweenagain increased was 8th betweenand somewhat. 10th 6th grade, and usetowhile be alcohol undergoing andstress,to school marijuana:3 to smoke,are more Otherand likely to Reading100% 80% 3-- White Hispanic lowerreading grades, than theseat writingAt differences all grades, or mathbut were more much instudents the smaller were proficient at searchincreasedadolescent for self-consciousnessa problemsincludingsense of identity andthat the thego 40%60% 0 Black AmericanAsian/PI Indian ingothan Girls and they inwriting. becameall grades In in math, didthe betterhigher girls thandid grades. at boys least in as read- amongcontributealong with some to the poorerstudents." teenage test yearsmayscores 20% 0 Grade 3 Grade 6 Grade 8 Grade 10 0 AK Native well 10thas boys grade. until slippingWhite studentsa bit behind consistently in the had the highest difficultiessuchwith English often as have lower academic achieve- Students who aren't proficient 100%Math80% II White Hispanic gradetheproficiency lowestlevels, proficiencywhile rates Alaskain all ratesthree Native overall. areas, students across had all focusfromlikelyment low-income onscoresandto dropschool out.'5 achievement mayfamilies Older be moremaystudents as lose 40%60% 0 Asian/PI 0 Black American Indian incomeEnglish families;skills are or limited; whoMost have whostudents disabilities come who from are failed low- immigrants; whose activitiesthey become outside more schoo1.16 involved with 20% 0 Grade 3 Grade 6 Grade 8 Grade 10 -0-- AK Native one-quarterthethe high-school writing of and students exam math in intests. 10th these grade. groups Less passed than Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development bHigh-schoolaStudents choose graduation one race qualifying or ethnic examgroup. 79 43 SCHME AGIMVIEmmir (CONIFMU20) tendIMPROVING to have SCHOOLhigher achievement ACHIEVEMENT scores through-Children who attend full-day kindergarten Who Passed Benchmark and HSGQE*Percentage Tests, of Alaskan Spring 2001Students, By Grade and Sex, betteralsoout the less overall elementary likely grades. to repeat grades. Research grades These has and children shown tend to thatare have Writing Grade 3 146.7 GirlsBoys littlechildrenattending education." whose kindergarten parents all have day low especially incomes benefits or Grade 6 160.1 60.3 166.5 179.6 elementaryschoolenvironments also school. have before higher 18 they achievement start elementary scoresChildren in with strong, enriching educational Grade 10 Grade 8 137.8 156.6 176.2 And the very high failure rate among stu- Reading I I Boys whocomedents have from who disabilities low-income have limited highlights or English immigrant the skills, need families, whofor bet- or GradeGrade 6 3 166.3 167.9 174.6 I 1 Girls ter programs to help these students. Grade 10Grade 8 161.4 171.3 172.6 179.4 185.9 Math 11Boys Grade 63 162.1j63.7 [65.7 167 Girls Grade 10 Grade 8 39.739.5 142 146.4 4-4 80 Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development *High-school graduation qualifying exam 81 NOTES' P Ellickson, FOR EDUCATION K. Bui, and SECTION R. Bell (1998). "Does risks"Childhood" L.J. ofWoodward educational peer relationshipand underachievement D.M. Fergusson problems (2000). andand later at-riskLearning" Pennsylvania kids. to learn: Full-dayPartnership kindergarten for Children for (1999). MmoNorEs (2),ofearly high pp.357-380. drug school?" useSee increase Journal note 1. ofthe Drug risk Issues,of dropping Vol. 28 out "ThePsychiatryunemployment."12 R.dynamics Kosterman, and Allied of Journal alcohol J. Disciplines, Hawkins, of andChild marijuana andPsychology 41(2), J. Guo 191-201. initia- (2000). and Leadership,dren"The18 leadL.advantages J. successful Schweinhart 57(1), of 76-77. High/Scope:lives." and EducationalD.P. Weikart Helping (1999). chil- "Confrontingal.,1998 (note A.Bachman the1). Sum, youth N. etpopulation Fogg,al., 1969, and boom:asG. citedMangum Labor in Ellickson, (2001). et 90,lescence."tion:'R. No. patternsE. 3Muuss American(March and and predictors2000), Journal H. D. p. ofPorton 360-66. of Public first (1998). Health,use in ado-Vol. activity'IL.Challenge,market Mahoney prospects participation 44 (5),(2000). of pp.30-66. out-of-school as "School a moderator extracurricular young in the adults." (5thAdolescent"IncreasingH L.R.ed.); Vartanianpp. behavior risk 422-431. behavior andand society: K. among K. Powlishta A adolescents."book of (2001).readings 6Development,development of 71 antisocial (2), pp.502-516. patterns." Child interpretingof"Demand imaginary characteristics age audience differences sensitivity: and in self-reportadolescent implications measuresegocen- for 8Volume K.L.' Youth Alexander, 1, Clips. Issue SeeThe3. D.R. noteAlaska Entwisle, 4. Youth and Data C.S. Project, Horsey "Opportunity'51No.trism." Wang 2 (JuneThe andJournal 2001), to P learn,Goldschmidt of pp. Genetic language187-200. Psychology, (1999). proficiency, Vol. 162, and 9A.Education,tions(1997). Caspi, of "Fromhigh-school B.R.70(2), Wright, first pp. 87-107.gradedropouts." T. E. forward: Entner-Moffitt, Sociology Early founda-of and (2),ment."immigrant Nov-Dec Journal status 1999,of Educationaleffects pp. 101-111.of mathematics Research, Vol. achieve- 93 Americanunemploymentket:PA. SilvaChildhood Sociological(1998). andin "Earlythe adolescent Review,transition failure 63(3), predictors into theadult." 424-451. labor of mar- PalmerincomePredictors"Risk16 L. Shumow,and Quarterly,elementary resilienceof academic D.L. Vol. school Vandell,in 45(2),theperformance children."urban and April J.neighborhood: Posner1999, amongMerrill- pp.309- (1999). low- ofand '°Socio-Economics, dischargesJ.C. Mijares among (1997). 26(4), adolescent "Early 439-458. drug males." use andJournal quits v2 SociologicalbleSteffel331; origins and (1994). inD. Review, neighborhood R. Entwisle,"The Vol. gender 59 K.L.effects" (Dec.'94) gap Alexander, in American math: pp. 822-838. itsand possi- O.L. 45 Child DeatI Rate 84 Child Abuse and Neglect een Cat ld 85 Rent Death lInjurites RAIDE Child DeathTrend Rate 1985 1998 Alaska'sfromsteadily year rate in to fluctuatesrecent year, years,partly sharply butbecause (AgesHow 1-17,Did 5-yearAlaska Average, Children 1995-1999) Die? CEILD 60 Alaska (Deaths per 100,000, Children 1-14) mercifullysmall.whothe number die in ofany Alaskan given So a smallyearchildren is Fire/Burns Causes of Death (In Percentages) Natural 3045 U.S. U. incanchange the make rate in a theof significant deathnumber in a ofdifference given deaths year. 4.3% 28.2%causes 15 year-to-yearfive-yearLooking at period an fluctuations. average helps smoothrate over out a Manner of Death 0 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98Source: 2001 National Kids Count Data Book drendeath averaged rate among 33 Alaskandeaths per chil- From 1995 through 1999, the AccidentsNatural Causes (Number of Deaths, by Age, 1995-1999) 401-451 5-93522 10-17 8842 Total 174104 Percent47.2%28.2% DEFINITION AND SIGNIFICANCE The child death rate is the number of deaths It . Northernof the statemuch and Southwest higher regions in the and varied100,000 significantly children. among But the regions rate OtherHomicidesSuicides 101 280 051 4721 7 3448 9 13.0% 2.4%9.2% andper 100,000injury. Regional children, statistics ages 1-14, are frombased both on the illness lower in Anchorage and Southeast Alaska. Total Source: Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics 63 205 369 100% frominchild's Alaska vehicle place and of and residence,nationwideincluding airplane not crashes, place ofdrownings, death. injuriesInjuries kill most of the children who die (Deaths per 100,000, Children AgesChild 1-14) Death Rate by Region5-Year Average, 1995- 1999 justrestand under to1999 injuries a werethird (see dueof the figure to deathsnatural above). between causes and 1995Among the all Alaska children (through age 17) snowmachines,drenadultschildrenfires, wore poisonings, used could helmets infant beor and savedcarall-terrainwhile seats;gunshot ifriding parents insuredvehicles; wounds. bicycles, and that main- other Many chil- onethe deaths,quarter. and homicides and suicides almostButAccidents with one accounted exception, for nearlyall the half suicides of all DATAfirearmstained smoke and poisons detectors away in homes;from children. and keptAlaska had one of the highest death rates 33 4111 I?? or(throughthanwere accidents. 90among percent age older9) diedof childrenthe from younger natural (10 tochildren causes17). More comparedamong100,000. children with The a ratein national 1998: in the 30average U.S. per has 100,000, of declined 24 per Alaska AnchorageSource: Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistic's Mat-Su Gulf Coast Interior Northern Southeast Southwest 87 49 IfErzN 'Vilmasvir afEnni In 1998, Alaska's rate was 74 Teen Violent Deaths, By Region 200 (Rate per 100,000, Teens 15-19) Teen Violent DeathTrend 1985 1998 asSinceOnlypareddeaths high nine1985,with per as states154 100,000a Alaska's national deaths had teenagers, higherrate rateper has 100,000of rates. 54.gone com- (Rate per 100,000 Teens, 5-Year Average, 1995-1999) MA} 100150 Alaska yearin 1989 fluctuations, and as low we as calculate 70 in 1995. To help adjust for sharp year-to- 50 U.S. violentagefive-yearregional from death rates period.1995 ratewithin through Onamong Alaskaan annual1999, Alaska's over the aver- a 90.7 0.7 0 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 Source: 2001 National Kids Count Data Book tionuseteenagers thenumbers most was currentto 91 calculate per Alaska100,000. our popula- five- (We were*The too lownumbers to reliably of violent compute teen deathsindividual in the rates. Mat-Su, Gulf Coast, and Southeast regions Alaska Anchorage Interior Northern Southwest Other Regions* deathDEFINITION (from accidents,AND SIGNIFICANCE homicides, and suicides)This indicator measures the rate of violent Countsomewhat calculations different for from Alaska.) the national KidsThe violent death rate amongyear averages; the resulting rates are Source: Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics teenagersthatnationalper 100,000more Kids nationwidethan teenagers Count three-fourths Data in ages 1998 Book 15 of resulted fortodeaths 19. 2001 The fromamong reports Alaska'sratesregion. were teenagers From the 1995highest varies through insharply the 1999, by Accidents Rate Per 100,000 By Manner and Region,* 1995-1999Teen (15-19) Violent Deaths, Total Deaths Northern and Southwest regions and Anchorage 1 aol 571 26 deathsaccidents, could homicides, be prevented. or suicides. Many of these Gulflowest Coast, in the and Anchorage, Southeast Mat-Su, regions. Rest of State Alaska 1 461 106 80 beenDATA consistently higher than the national Therate ratefor of teen violent death in Alaska has veryAgain,actual small. remember deaths in thatregions numbers of Alaska of are SuicidesHomicides Rate Per 100,000 Alaska Total Deaths 25 almost 15 yearsbut how much higher varies Accidents accounted for more Rate Per 100,000 1 Total Deaths sharply by year. That's because Alaska's rate is than half of all violent teen deaths in Northern I 20 based on a small number of deaths (40 in 1998), Alaska during the late 1990s. But as Rest of State 1 57 50 deathsso relatively can cause modest fluctuations changes in in the the number death rate. of S8 statehalfperaccidentalthe 100,000 the (57 adjacent rate per inteens)death100,000). figurethe inremainderwas Anchorageshows, only theabout of therate(29 of Source:*The Alaska number Bureau of deaths of Vital by region Statistics is sometimes so small we can't calculate rates. Alaska 341 C9 77 SUICIDE: THE STAGGERING TOLL AMONG ALASKA TEENAGERS TEEN VllorahnT Dram conuanum) likelytional tohomicides be suicides and than suicides. homicides. And theseButNearly the deaths rate half ofare theteen three violent suicide times deaths in more among teenagers in Alaska are inten- TeenSouthwest SuicideNorthern Rate by Region,Alaska 1990-1999 (Per 100,000 Teens 15-19) 38 108 208 Alaskawhere varies teenagers dramatically killed themselves by region, atrace, a rate andDuring of gender. more the than1990s 200 the in rate was highest in the Northern region, Gulf Coast/Southeast Anchorge/Mat-Su Interior Source: Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics20 25 37 InteriorSu100,000. regions, region, This8 times and was doublethe nearly rate the 10in theratetimes Gulf in theSouthwest Coast, Boysrate in committed5 the timesAlaska. Anchorage the suicide rate inand atthe Mat-a much higher rate than girls during the Teen Suicide Rate by Race and Sex, 1990-1999 whilesuicide.among1990sat 80 teenage State percent 61 traumaper girls. of 100,000, actual Girls,registry teen however, nearly data suicides fromfive are in times 1994much Alaska throughthe more wererate likely 1998ofamong 13 to showper attempt boys, 100,000 that 72 Non-Native Native (Per 100,000 Teens 15-19) MaleFemale percentteensteenagers ofkilled suicide to themselvescommit attempts suicide. atwere a Betweenrate among of 110 girls.'1990Alaska per and 100,000nearly Native 1999, teens Alaska are six Native much times more likely than other Alaskan All Races Source:38 Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics Total Suicidecommunities,greater thanPrevention the Governor rate Council of 20 Tony per to Knowles100,000(1) advise amongin Citingthe October governor non-Native the 2001"devastating and established teenagers.the legisla- impact" a of suicides on Alaska families and highintroducedtions.2preventionture onschools Frankways planfederal inofMurkowski, Alaskapreventinginvolving legislation and oneboth suicidenationwide thatof public Alaska's willand agencies provide(2)to U.S.develop develop senators, grantsand suicide aprivate statewide to also elementary prevention organiza- in 2001suicide and warningprogramsMedical1. Martha Services,signs and Moore, ofto Serious suicide.3train Alaska and teachers DivisionFatal Child of and Public Adolescent administrators Health, InjuriesSection inof Alaska,Communityto better 1994-1998. Healthrecognize and Emergency Tragedy,"3. News2. Press from July Release the7, 2001. Office 01218, of OfficeFrank Murkowski,of the Governor, "Murkowski October Amendment1, 2001. Addressing Nationwide 9O 91 51 Cum Amusm AND NEGLECT inotherDEFINITION their adult carephysically guardians AND SIGNIFICANCE hurt or or mentallyor endanger children failChild to abuse or neglect exists when parents or mayshowmeasurereports have the concerning DFYS's numbersuffered workload; of abuse.the individual same unduplicatedchild. children Total reports whoreports abusedtheDFYSreports, evidence investigatoror as neglected. "unconfirmed," whether was a unablechild which had to determinemeansin fact thebeen from thousands(thoseespeciallyUnitedprotect under Statesthem themore fromage everyyoungest are 5), such year, seriouslyare harm.and killed hundreds most hurt.Throughout by vulnerableabuse, ofAmong children, and the those 43ThedrenDFYS percent flow and completedchart involving 4,900 shows reports in approximately thatfiscal were of yearthe substantiated. investigations2000, 3,400 about chil-Not 41 all to reports of abuse are substantiated. drenreports).DFYS who found In had a therefew been cases, had reported been it couldn't no as abuseabused. locate ("invalid" theIn aboutchil- 15 to 17 percent of reports in 2000, INVESTIGATIONwithwho survive,severe physical many PROCEDURES spend and mental the rest AND disabilities. of STATISTICS theirThe lives Division of Family and Youth Services involving more than 3,200 children and DFYS4,600 classified another 40 percent of cases, Overview of Child Protective Services, Fiscal Year 2000 believeschildSocial(DFYS) abuse aServices childin the and is Alaskainvestigates neglectin danger Department in can Alaska.reports file aofofAnyone report suspectedHealth who and Division of Family and Youth Services Reports of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (Total/Unduplicated)a 16,415 / 11,809 degreeassignswith DFYS, ofinvestigation potential which screensrisk priority to the the by child. reports assessing and the Assigned for Investigation 12,894/9,044 Total Not Assignedb 3,521 / 2,765 yeartoreceives; 80 is percent from in fiscalJuly of total 1year through reports. 2000, June it(The investigated 30.) state's DFYSDFYS fiscal closecites investigates most but not all reports it Intake Investigation and Disposition Completed Investigations' 11,550 / 8,199 inggatinglack the of somestafflowest asreports riskthe chiefto of children. abuse reason it (See assessesfor not the investi- box as pos- on Can't Located1.7% / 199 / 1.9%152 39.9%Unconfirmed'4,609 / / 40.0%3,281 15.8%1,824 / / Invalid 16.9%1,382 42.6%4,918 /Substantiated / 41.3%3,384 otherwisefamiliesthe facing where gopage, uninvestigated.) reported describing "low a pilotrisk" programabuse might for ba TotalSome reportsreportsfor each ofare harmchild, notclassified assigned is even a duplicated as if lowforthere investigation priority; is counted more somethan of because all onecan't reports report be DFYS assigned received; for does the forsame not the lack have unduplicatedchild. of sufficient information; count staff and toincludes investigate some onlyare in all one fact reports report not reports of child multiplethan11,809 16,400 or unduplicated duplicated total reports reportsreports. of abuse ofTotal suspected in reports2000As and abuseinclude the flow chart shows, DFYS received more inThese FYinvestigation.abuse 2000are butinvestigations may rather haveSome inquiries been reports completed assigned (like assigned questionsin in FY an in 2000.earlier FY about 2000 The year mayfoodnumber notstamps) completedhave beenthat DFYS completeddoesn't records necessarily that butyear refers match to the other number divisions. assigned for and some reports completed 52 eachof the child same only child. once, Unduplicated even if there counts are several include 9 2 Source:d Agency Alaska can't locateDepartment child or of family. Health and Social Services, Division of Family and Youth Services 'Cases that may show evidence of abuse but not enough to confirm. 33 CHILD ABUSE BY TYPE Neglect was the most frequent type of sub- THE CHILDREN'S PLACEInformation ADUAL-TRACK PILOT provided PROJECT PROGRAM: by Marg TO REDUCE Volz, Executive CHILD Director, ABUSE CHnjum Amm MC NEGLECT CONITEMMID) annualthroughasstantiated the figure average 2000, child below DFYS ofabuse about shows. foundin 9Alaska inFrom evidence 1,000 in fiscal theAlaskan that lateyear an 1990s, 1996chil- projectcarriedenough staff to outinvestigate by the Children'severy report Place it finds in WasillaTheposes Alaska a "lowfrom DivisiOn risk" 1999 of through ofharm Family to 2001to children. and Youth reduce The Services Dual the likelihood Track (DFYS) program investigatesof future was achild pilot reports of child abuse, but it doesn't have The Children's Place, Wasilla, Alaska CHILDperhaddren 1,000been had ABUSE been physicallyhad beenneglected,BY RACE sexually abused, 4 per abused.and 1,000 between children 1 and 2 withwasabuse voluntarya amonggrant from families and the was Alaska in intended the Mat-SuDepartment to be Borough less of costly Health that (and Before hadand beenlessSocial 1999, threatening) reported Services. the Palmer for thanchild office a abuse state of DFYS childclassified abuse recorded as investigation. "low but risk." had insufficient The It wasprogram paid staff for to investigate nearly 500 "low risk" reports of TRENDSmost likely IN toCHILD be neglected ABUSE or abused.Alaska Native and Black children were the andotherwisechild remained abuse have each involved gone year. uninvestigated While with themthe program for to three the wasChildren's months, in operation,Researchers providing Place. DFYS'sIn evaluatedturn,case management.ThePalmer Children'sthe officeDual Trackreferred Place program staff all theintervened afterlow-risk it was with reports completed, these that families would examining whether the program accomplished its DFYSincreased received from 1996-2000about 55 unduplicated (see table, page reportsReports 54). of of suspected child abuse and neglect otherwisefoundpurposes that and leaveoverall assessing children "The howDual at-risk satisfied Track of abuseprogram client and families, made neglect.' clear community Other progressIn the findings agencies, twotoward years included: providing and before DFYS theearly were Dual intervention with Track the project.program in cases The began that evaluators would in the Mat-Su Boroughthe baseline periodmore than 1 in 3 abusetheRatesin 1996; latefor of every1990s, substantiatedby 2000 1,000 from the Alaskan about rate abuse had 14 alsochildren perjumped increased 1,000 under to to 61. 17.5during 18 duringfamilies1 in the4 withfamilies baseline "low served risk"period,Families reportsby and thein re-reports the Dualof Dualchild Track track abuseof harmprogram program were were re-reportedwere significantlyalso re-reported had significantlyto DFYS less within serious at least fewer24 among months. once total Dualwithin re-reports Track 24 months. offamilies harm By withinthan comparison, among 24 months than families hadper 1,000.been in Still, the earlythese 1990srates were (see pagelower 12). than they Substantiated Child Abuse and Neglect Among Alaskan Children, comparable familiesClient during families the baseline reported period. that Dual Track workers treated them with sensitivity. the Dual Track programDFYS filled staff, "an community unmet need agency in the staff community and managers, by providing and school a personnel said Neglect (Annual Average, Fiscal Years 1996Rate to per2000) 1,000 children under 18 By Type of Abuse 9.4 UnduplicatedAverage Cases number of 1,814 ventionthatservice might withfor otherwise communities the potentialThe go Dualuninvestigated aroundfor Trackreducing the approach state. harmand could tomay at-risk offerprovide children." a model a workable of early alternative inter- to DFYS reports Physical AbuseMentalSexual Injury Abuse 0.8 1.2 4.0 769230148 Final*C. Lampman, Evaluation N. Report, Dinges, November and S. Ragan, 2001. The Children's Place Dual Track Program: Abandonment 1 0.04 Source: Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Family and Youth Services 'I 4 8 95 53 Chun AB USE MO NIEGLECIr (COMilINUMMI SUBSTANTIATED CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT AMONG ALASKAN CHILDREN, BYAND RACE TYPE OF ABUSE (ANNUAL AVERAGE FISCAL YEARS (Average Number UnduplicatedNeglect Cases and Rate# Rate per 1,000 Children Under 18) Physical Abuse Sexual Abuse Mental Injury # Rate # Rate # Rate 1996-2000)Abandonment# Rate # Total Rate BlackAKWhite Native 1,050 518122 12.923.7 3.8 252365 64 6.85.82.7 105127 14 2.40.91.5 451669 n/a* 0.60.3 043 n/a*n/a* 1,4561,081 216 21.832.6 7.7 Source:Asian/PI* Rate Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Family andnot Youth available Services because numbers of cases too small. 26.4 2.7 25 2.3 6 n/a* 6 n/a* 0 n/a* 64 5.6 (NumberTRENDS ofIN UnduplicatedCHILD ABUSE Cases AND and NEGLECT, Rates per FISCAL1,000 Children YEARS Under Age 18) FY96 FY97 FY98 1996-2000 FY99 FY 00 NotReported Assigned 10,675Cases3,606 Rate55.6 Cases10,565 3,520 55.2Rate Cases11,158 3,219 Rate57.8 Cases11,303 3,242 Rate58.2 11,809Cases 2,765 Rate61.0 UnconfirmedSubstantiatedCompleted Investigations* 3,3222,7016,537 34.017.314.0 4,1543,0407,866 21.741.115.9 3,6963,1317,724 40.019.116.2 3,1192,8346,872 16.014.635.4 3.2813,3848,199 42.317.017.5 Source:*InvestigationsCan'tInvalid Locate Alaska Department completed of in Health any given and Socialyear may Services, have Divisionbegun in of an Family earlier and year. Youth Services 439 75 0.42.3 575 97 0.53.0 126771 0.74.0 112807 4.10.6 1.382 152 0.87.1 RESOURCES TO HELP PREVENT ABUSE CHFILD AMUSE MO [NEGLECT QCCONITI EO childorganizations abuse. and programs that work to AKBelowprevent Info we Network: list Webr( sites for some of the www.ak.org Alaskawww.eed.state.ak.us/EarlyDev/trust/home.html(Fairbanks Children'sFamily Native Partnership Trust: Association): www.hss.state.ak.us/dfys/Alaskawww.alaskafamily.organd Youth Division Services: of Family www.acf.dhhs.gov/AdministrationofAmerican Children: Professional for Children Society and onFamilies: Abuse Nationalwww.familysupportamerica.orgFamilyhttp://www.apsac.org Support Alliance America: for Children's Trust http:child-abuse.com/www.msu.edu/user/millsdahndex.htmlandNetwork:National Prevention Child Funds: Abuse Prevention Stopwww.ndacan.cornell.edu/andNational Neglect: It Now Data (Child Archive Sexual on Abuse Child Prevention): Abuse WWW.PAVNET.ORG/PARTNERSHIP AGAINST VIOLENCE NETWORK:www.stopitnow.corn 98 99 55 Cllmu RNTURIES DEFINITION The injury figures presented here include regions,reports rates as shown of injury on theamong map childrenon the facing in 14The page. Department of Health and Social Services deathsMat-Su and Borough, serious accounting injuries.Traffic accidents for 26 percent injured of the most children in the oreithericalagephysical deaths 19)attention accidental that injuries caused are or serious toortoby cause Alaskanintentional.illnesses enough death. children are HospitalizationsInjuriesto excluded. require (through can med- be AnchoragewherebutDuring rates the of periodinjury About40 werefrom percent a higherthird1994 of through in thechildren rural injured 1998:areas. livechildren were in onmachines the North were Slope the leadingAccidents and in cause the with Bristol of all-terraininjury Bay to region.children vehicles and snow- ServicesDATA reports that from 1990 through The1998, Alaska Department of Health and Social threeNortonInterior, times BristolSoundwere higher Bay, Yukonthan hurtChildren children or / Kuskokwim, killed in ruralin at urban rates areasNorthwestNorth twoareas. Slope, to Arctic, injuriescausedCombined, about to children ATV 22 percentand in snowmachinethose of seriousregions. andaccidents fatal Alaskadrowning,withraterates is ratesofdropped still child of suffocation,60 death deathspercentfrom from first from above and tosuicides, injuries. fourthfires the especiallyU.S. nationallyfirearms, But average, Alaska's high in regionsAleutians,at 15.3 (as per atthe 2.61,000 adjacent per children Injury1,000. bar rates Ratesgraph and were lowestinshows) highestother in varied thein the Northwest Arctic, fromas compared 1994 through with Boysnational 1998: were averages.' nearly twiceThe as likelydepartment as girls reportedto be that for the period accountingcausefrom of 3.1injuries perfor closeamong1,000Suicides to tochildren 20 10. percent and in fivesuicide of regions, deaths attempts and were the leading moreamonginjured, than adolescents accounting 40 percent (15 forSerious of to62 all 19), percent injuries.and accounting fatal of injuriesinjuries. for were most common regions.NortonNorthserious15 to Star Sound,injuries19. Almost Borough, and inall the suicidesthe the Interior, Yukon-Kuskokwim Northwest were the among Fairbanks Arctic, those accountedtalizations forfor injuries.moreAlaskaAccidental than But 1Native suicide in injuries10 childrenhospitalizations. attempts accounted and adolescents for most of were the hospi-injured ofAlaska,including injuries. accounting much ofFalls Southcentral for werearound the 22 top and percent cause Southeast of injury in six regions, 56 makingferedat much more uphigher aboutthan rates 40 22 percent thanpercent other of of injuries, children.children. while They suf- 100 101 QCCEMITRNUED) Leading Cause of Death and Serious Injury, By Region CLEM INMES I= Falls Rates of Injury (Fatal and Serious Non-Fatal) North Slope Borough 1-1I Suicides/Attempts_ :ATV and SnowmachineICar/Truck/Motorcycle accidents accidents Among Children,BristolNW Arctic Bay By Region, 1994-1998Interior (Per 1,000, Ages 19 and Under) 9.999 15 3 Norton Sound Northwest Arcti Interior (Rural) Fairbanks North Star Borough Yukon Kuskokwim Norton Sound North Slope Southeast Kenai 1 55 7.0 899.2 9.8 Yukon-Kuskokwim Mat-Su BoroughPrinceCopper William River/ Sound PWS/Copper River Aleutian/Pribilof AnchorageFairbanks Mat-SuKodiak 31 1 3.9 3.9 5.1 54 Anchorage 26 Aleutians/Pribilofs Bristol Bay Kodiak Kenai Peninsula Southeast *). Percent of Fatal and Serious Non-Fatal Percent of Injury Hospitalizations by Type, to Kill Alaskan Children,Injuries Most Likely 1. Suicides1994-1998 Fatal Injury Among Alaskan Children,Leading Causes of Serious and 1. Falls 1994-1998 15-19 Injuries by Age, 19 and Under, Alaska, 1994-1998 Under19.6% 5 Age 19 and Under, Alaska, 1994-1998 Unknown 1% I 4% Assaults Suicide Attempts 4. Fire3.2. AssaultsCar/Truck/ Motorcycle accidents* 4.3.2. ATVCar/Truck/Suicides/Attempts and SnowmachineMotorcycle accidents* 40.2% 5-916.5% Unintentional Injuries 82% 3% ISER* In found a survey that done only for57 thepercent Alaska of childrenHighway riding Safety in Office the front in 2000, passenger accidents Source: Alaska23.8%10-14 Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, Section of Community102 Health and Emergency Medical Services seats of cars and trucks in the most populated areas were wearing seatbelts. 103 57 CH1110 Numms Qcomirmumn) ANDSNOWMACHINES, CHILDREN: WHY ALL-TERRAIN WORRY? VEHICLES, state.(ATVs)make They'resnowmachines more usefulpopular in and among Alaska all-terrain people than invehicles who anyLong useother winters and vast areas without roads recordschineof Alaskansespecially and for ATV 1996-1999 accidents children andevery found year and callsthatteenagerswho theforWeStephen betterrate reviewed of state areTower, snowmachine-related killed,regulation data an hospitalized,orthopedicfrom of thethese State doctor vehicles. anddeath of practicingdisabled Alaska's and Dr. Towerhospitalizations in traumain snowma- Anchorage, reports: registry has and long the argued state medicalthat the highexaminer's number necessitythemride them for allbasicand for sorts recreation. funandtransportation of purposes among and inpeople between people who who use percentis on average sufferingof those increasing hospitalized traumatic 10 brainpercent are minorsinjury. a year, TheATVand compared 20ongoing injuries percent witheffects are have alsoprevious oftraumatic concerning, brain data injury brain reviews. with in injury. minors 40 About percent place 20 of an those hospitalized being minors and 40 killedthroughareascles that withdriving 1999, children unpredictable or14 riding children often on driveathazards. snowmachinesand teenagers high From speeds 1994 were Butand they'rein also heavy, fast, motorized vehi- unfetteredirreparable snowmachine burden not only and on ATV the usechildren in Alaska:Based themselves onO 30-50data I'vebut deaths onseen, society, per the year following which loses are reasonabletheir potential. estimates of the combined toll of leadingunder),causeschineATVs and inof andcause Alaska. injuriesATV in oftwo accidents Asinjury to rural pageyoung between areas 57are Alaskans shows, among they 1994 weresnowma- the(19 and leading andthe 1998. O 300-400 hospitalizations2,000-3,0005 percent of perthehospital yeardead dayswill befor pedestrians treating the injured Estimated Numbers in Alaska ATVs:Snowmachines:(about In the 35,000 range are60,000 of 40,000registered)2 to 90,000 to 50,0003 AboutA Thethird annualhalf of the the billinjured costs just of willwillfor treating initial behave minors injuriestraumatichospitalizations will brain fall injuryonwill the be public more than $6 million snowmobilestered,Existing but State only in Regulationsan Alaska estimatedState were law thirdregistered requires to half snowmobiles in of2001. to be regis- snowmachines°The state does or ATVs notNo require stateto wear law operator helmets. requires training drivers or or riders on AlaskasnowmachinesATVs don't is required have and to toAnyone ATVsonbe have registered. a operatingdriver's public license, property a motor for invehicleincluding establishworkingagenciesinsurance withareported for state snowmachinessnowmachine safety in early education 2002 organizationsor ATVs. thatprogram.5 they State were to 58 exemptAlaskagonewhich unenforced the LegislatureATVs minimum and insnowmachines.4 was the age consideringpast, is 16. and But in thiswhether early law 2002 hasto the 104 areas are closed to Nosnowmachines speed limits andare ATVs.set for off-road use. Some 1 C 5 berNational of deaths Consent and injuries Agreement from ATVfor ATVs accidentsIn the 1980s, alarmed by the growing num- Whattake Should more responsibility Change? for protecting childrenMost Alaskans agree that adults ought to aboutsnowmachine one in six and of thoseATV wereaccidentsand wearing helmets.thatAnd only it's not only children on snowmachines DELO RINIUMES QaTnruNUED) undercommissionThenationwide,Commission result which was theand the begana federal majormanufacturers1988 investigating agreement ATVConsumer manufacturers, agreed betweenProductATV to hazards. stop Safetythe parentaleducationbedisagreedriving through powerful oversight.about and state driverwhether regulation,machines. training, that Butprotectionthrough or they through stronglyrequired ought to thatdeathand ATVsbetween or lifelong but 1994 also impairment andon bicycles 1998, if bicycle thatthey couldwore accidents behelmets.The spared state Division of Public Health reports erallyvehicles);selling90cc)to be defined three-wheeled far for to more usestop as by dangerousthoseselling children ATVs with adult-sized enginesthan(whichunder four-wheeled 16; ATVSwere larger and found (gen-thanto pay machinesyoungAlaska teenagersState or ATVs;Medical to befor Society barred helmet fromwant use tochildrendriving be manda-The snow- and American Academy of Pediatrics and the traumaticStudiesbraintokilled the injuries. fivehospitalwith have brain children shown Most injury inweren'tathat thirdAlaskaby helmet as ofwearing much andthose use sentas canhelmets. suffering85 200 reducepercent more ATVfor ATVmanufacturersnationwide buyers. training agreeing and to education pay for a programs nation-That agreement was extended in 1998, with edfortory; inpedestrian forhigh-use operator andareas. training machine to traffic be encouraged; to be separat-Some and Alaskans argue that among children in bicycle accidents' operatethewide risk "education orcreated ride on when safety adult-sized children campaign ATVs, younger emphasizing and than to con- 16 ATVsoperatechildren and snowmachines under that 16in factcan itsafely and would Figure 3. Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Alaska, All Ages, 1996-1998 Other 22% Automobile,24% van or truck drentinue underrestricting 16.6 sales of ATVs to or for useThe by chil- consumer safety commission reported bethingusefrom a hardship off-road driving.from traveling tovehicles Rural keep Alaskansthem betweenfor every- ATV or Snowmobile 9% annualaboutthat ATV-related half deaths between dropped injuries 1986 about nationwideand one1997, quarter anddropped that during by watercommunitiesvillages systems. to hauling without water piped in Other Assaul \ 10% Firearm 21%Fall declinedthat decade. from Injuries 42,700 to in children 1985 to under about 16 21,300 children wore helmets, Alaska But at a minimum, if . Total: 1,932 Hospitalizations and Deaths 14% in dropped,1997. the percentage of injuries andBut deaths although to the total number of injuries andwould ATVdeaths see acccidents. far in snowmachinefewer injuries Brain Injuries Were Wearing Helmets?Unknown How Many Who Suffered 15% childrenwerethose childreninjured wereremained and drivingunder 35 about 16. percentATVs Nearlythe larger same:of thoseall than the40 who percent injuredrecom- died of Alaskansshow that (of nearly all ages) 10 percent who suf- of The adjacent pie graphs Helmet in use 16% 69%No helmet in use safetymended commission.' for their age, according to the consumer 106 1990sfered brain were injuries hurt or killedin the latein Total: 173 Hospitalizations and Deaths Source: Alaska Division of Public Health, CHEMS 59 Emoncoms NOTES FOR CHILDRENMartha Moore IN DANGER and Zoann Murphy, Alaska SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STIES) INCREASE AdolescentMedicalSectionDepartment of Services.Injuries Community of Health in Serious Alaska and Health and1994-1998. Social Fatal and Services, ChildEmergency and ofand Epidemiology young women in sufferingthe Alaska the Department highest rates,Cases of Health according of chlamydia and toSocial the were Section Services. up in Alaska in 2000, with teenage girls AMONG ALASKA TEENAGERS throughwhichvided'Number by reports sales Alaskaregistered figures. that Division the and estimate estimate of Motor was of Vehicles, developedtotal pro- EpidemiologyrheaCases in of Alaska gonorrhea reports: have werebeen alsodeclining up somewhat, for Overalla decade. but reports overall The section of rates chlamydia of gonor- in Alaska were up 36 percent between mateperiod.familiar of No thewith statenumber theRough orAlaska federalof estimate ATVs market agency inprovided Alaska.over has a anlongby esti-private ATV dealer sinceper4131999 100,000. cases 1996. and per 2000, Alaska's 100,000 increasing rate population. of chlamydiato 2,570 The cases. nationalhas been That rate steadily put in Alaska's 1999 climbing was rate 254 at DepartmentRegulations,Alaska of2001-2002. NaturalTransportation Snowmobile Resources, Produced Safetyand by DivisionAlaska Laws,Alaska Rules, of and 100,000more100,000; among than teenageReportsIn 10 2000, times girls ofthe the gonorrhea thechlamydia overall rate was statein rate 3,2252000 rate. among werecases teenage muchper smaller-362 boys 15-19 casesbutwas 794 per AnchorageclearstoParks halt and committee."license Daily Outdoor requirementNews, Recreation. February for snowmobiles 23,See 2002, also "Bill onlyrateAlaska'sfellthey sharply ofwereabout 214 overall up half perbetween 20 100,000the percentrate national 1990in 2000-58 inover 1990.and average. 1999. 1999, Alaska'scases The but per rate was 2000 100,000was of up rategonorrhea in 2000.of gonorrhea far Still,in below Alaska was the News6 U.S. ReleaseConsumer 99-034,88-016,Alaska Product SnowmobileDecemberMarch Safety 14, Commission, 9,1988; Safety 1998. and Laws ... (see note 4). basedrateAmongo Teenageof on 55 girls relatively per girls 15-19,100,000 and small the youngamong ratenumbers waswomen boys 226of 15-19. cases.had per the 100,000comparedRemember, highest gonorrhea these rateswith rates. area All-TerrainRisk' U.S. Studies, Consumer Vehicle AprilNational Exposure,Product 1998. Safe Safety Injury, Kids Campaign,Commission, Death, and as cited in Alaska 60 InjuriesServices,ofDepartment Community in Serious Alaska, of Health and 1991-1994. Fatal and Child SocialEmergency and Services, Adolescent Medical Section I L 8 109 'U OfT

fr v)-r( 79i1' -uvamll-ta CRIME Juvenile Arrests for Violent Crime ( Rate per 100,000, Ages 10-17) Trend 1985 1998 statistics)DATA shows the rate of juvenile arrestsThe trend graph (based on federal reported1,000ortiple referrals closecrime of towere the 10 same perhighest 100 juvenile) in juveniles. the wasNorthern The94 Rates per rate and of of juvenile crime (which counts mul- arrestswhichwide.Alaskafor violent Inwe in 1998, have1997, Alaskacrime thefederal while increasing droppedputtingmost figures,dropping recent sharply juvenileyear nation- theinfor regionsGulfSoutheast Coast. of regionsAlaska andfrom lowest the early in the to Mat-Suthe lateTotal and rates of juvenile crime dropped in all percomparedrate 100,000.at 417 with arrests the per national 100,000 average juveniles, of 394Remember, however, that because mostcrime,that1990s these common. of (as whichrates we are reportedcrimes based against onon pageall propertytypes 15). ofRemember juvenileare the 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95Source: 96 97 2001 98 National Kids Count Data Book inaboutAlaska's 2000athe number89,000 populationsmall personsof changejuve- is ages smallwith 10-17 in only Juvenile Crime* in Alaska, by Region crime,DEFINITION based on different sources and definitions.This section shows two measures of juvenile incan the make rate aof noticeable crime. change niles committing crimes Anchorage (5-Year Average, 1996-2000, Rates per 1,000 Juveniles 10-17) 47 72 Thefor trend violent graph crime above (homicide, shows themanslaughter, rate of arrests rape, Alaskaof Juvenile Department Justice in of the Health On average, the Division Gulf Coast InteriorMat-Su '=1. 54 66 91 Thoserobbery,Count10-17, figures andprogramin Alaska aggravated are reportedand and are on assault) based byaverage the on amongnational nationwide.'adjusted persons Kids data crimeaboutand Social in8,100 Alaska Services reports each receivedof year juvenile SoutheastNorthern _176 76 118 1130 basedfrom on the data Federal from Bureauthe Division of Investigation of JuvenileOther (FBI). Justice tables and figures in this section are citedratebetweenthat of in periodindividual crime 1996 was reportsand juveniles 61 2000. per during The1,000. Southwest Alaska Rate of individual juveniles Rate of crime, including multiple89 94 nilebyKeepServices.in the crimethe division. inAlaska mind inThey Alaskaboth Department Theythat reflect while include delinquency violent these of all Health reportsdelinquency and reports and other. of Social juve- received Alaska'snilereferredLooked justice juveniles atabout another system. 6 to percent theway, juve- police of Source:*Based Alaska on Department police reports of Health to the andjuvenile Social justice Services, system Division of Juvenile Justice cited for crimes citations of same juvenile juvenileAlmostcrime,"reports justice arealla report the system juvenilesbest is not measure are the whoages same we go10-17.2 haveasthrough proof of "juvenile theof guilt. state's 1 2 113 63 UVERNFIM CCU WIE QCONTINuEn) statewide.madebetweenthan half up 1996-2000.aboutof Violations all juvenile18 percent Crimesof crimedrug of againstand juvenilethroughout alcohol persons crime Crimes lawsAlaska against property accounted for more whoactivitiesRECENT were involved RESEARCH are less inlikely extracurricularFINDINGS to be arrested school whenRecent they research suggests that boys and girls withsocioeconomicdiffer later for girls violent and status behaviorboys. in juniorLow among self-esteem high teenage are associated andBut girls early predictors of juvenile violence can orderincludingstatewide.accounted laws-accounted violations forOther about kinds of9 percent forweapons of anotherjuvenile of laws juvenile 18 crime- and percent publiccrime of Activitiesstrengthenbecometheychildren might young also atbonds nothigher keepadults. bewith themexposedrisk Suchtheir of busy committingactivities peersto andelsewhere.4 and instill may teachers. crimes values help to cantinfluencesschoolsbut not predictors boys.and during being Frequently of laterthe exposed pre-teen violence moving to pro-drugyears among or changingare boys.° socialsignifi- Nearlymorereported likely three juvenile to quarters commit crimes (72 crimes statewide. percent) than ofare the girls. Boysjuve- in Alaska and across the U.S. are much substances,ing, skipping and school, being getting exposed poor to peersgrades, who abusingLongitudinal use data reveal that stealing, cheat- firstandtocrime begin communitiesshows make in elementarysigns it clear of need troublethat school.to prevention intervene and Families, follow programswhen through schools, aThese child need to findings about early influences on later crimefromniles referred 1996in Alaska through to bythe region 2000Division werein recent of boys. Juvenile years. JusticeCrimesThe adjacent table shows reported juvenile violencedrugs in 7thin 12th grade grade are all students.' significant predictors of makequences sure thatof their children behavior.' understand the conse- sonspercentcrimesagainst made inpropertyof all crimesup regions, less were statewide. than accounting by 20 far percent Crimesthe mostfor of againstclose juvenilecommon to per- 55 Region ANNUAL JUVENILECrimes DELINQUENCY Against REPORTSa BY REGIONPersons AND TYPE OF CRIME(AGES 10-17, 5-YEAR AVERAGE, FISCAL YEARS 1996-20003) Crimes Against Property Drug/Alcohol Laws Otherc Total" rentalmostcrimes breakdown ain third most of regions, crimesAlaska's werebut juvenile in against the Southwestpopulation, people.The tables on the facing page show the cur- GulfMat-SuAnchorage Coast Number Percent 454154136 14.5% 19.6%18.0% 1,681Number 53.8% 432442 55.1%58.6% Percent Number 249 8675 11.0%10.0%Percent 8.0% Number 112101739 23.7%14.3%13.4%Percent Number3,123 100% 784754 100% Percent higherareand reportedof rates,juvenile ascompared delinquentcrime, bywith raceat theirdisproportionately and representation region.Overall, Alaska Native and Black juveniles SouthwestSoutheastNorthernInterior 216178198130 20.1% 29.8%19.0%18.6% 299576405560 50.0%55.4%58.0%52.0% 113140 3338 10.9%13.0% 5.5%5.4% 153126160 89 14.9%14.7%18.0% 1,0401,076 100% 599699 100% appearrates.in the Delinquencypopulation, similar to theirand rates Whiteshare for Asian ofjuveniles the juveniles population.' at lower b TheaAlaska Reports state fiscal police year send thanis fromto oneprobation July reported 1 through officers, crime June bywho the30. then same investigate. juvenile; duplicatedThese are duplicate counts show counts-meaning the overall level they of include reported more juvenile crime. 1,466 18.1% 4,395 54.4% 734 9.1% 1,480 18.3% 8,075 100% 1 4 Source:dc IncludesAnnual Alaska average violations Department number of public of Healthcrimes. order and laws, Social weapons Services, laws, Division and miscellaneous of Juvenile Justice other offenses. TWIENELIE CAME QCCONITRNUM) White65.7% ALASKA POPULATION AGES 10-17, BY RACE AND REGION, 2000 Native8.3% Black6.7% Asian6.0% NH/P1* 1.4% More thanone race9.5% Other2.4% Mat-SuAnchorageNorthernInteriorGulf Coast 68.8%77.0%84.2%7.2% 84.3%15.1%11.2%6.7% 0.2%5.0%0.4%0.6% 3.8%0.5%1.1%1.4% 0.4%0.3%0.1% 6.6%8.0%5.9%6.7% 0.2%1.3%1.1% Alaska*NativeSouthwestSoutheast Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 62.4%63.4%9.1% 83.7%20.5%17.9% 3.5%0.3%0.2% 3.5%0.9% 0.07%0.7%0.3% 10.9%8.3%5.7% 0.3%0.8%1.5% Sources:Note: Persons Kids Count of Hispanic Website: origin U.S. canBureau be of anythe Census, race. 2000 REPORTS OF DELINQUENT JUVENILES* (10-17), BY RACE AND REGION Region AK. Native Black (In Percentages, Fiscal Years 1996-2000) White Asian/Pacific Isl. Hispanic and Other Total Number JuvenilesCommitting Crimes GulfMat-SuAnchorage Coast 12.3%15.8% 8.0% 14.0% 1.2%1.4% 76.3%86.9%58.7% 5.2%0.3%6.7% 4.9%3.5% 10,350 2,7332,535 SoutheastNorthernInterior 35.6%89.7%29.0% 0.9%0.8%9.5% 46.5%56.0% 4.2% 1.4%0.8%1.2% 15.6% 4.7%4.1% 3,3652,0343,440 AlaskaSouthwest*Unduplicated reports of juvenile crime-which means if a juvenile was the subject of three delinquency reports in fiscal 30.1%90.8% 7.2%0.3% 53.3% 7.1% 3.6%0.2% 5.8%1.7% 26,404 1,947 Source:Note:year 1996 Percentages Alaska and Departmentfour may in fiscal total of Health yearslightly 1998, and more Social the orjuvenile Services, less than would Division 100 bebecause ofcounted Juvenile of oncerounding. Justice in each year. 1 6 7 65 TUVENUILE CRYkra CONTINLkO) RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: ]RE- BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS By Robert Buttcane, Division of Juvenile Justice rableNOTES date FOR on violent JUVENILESome juvenile states CRIME do crime, not collect so this complete indi- or compa- theandIn 1999, DivisionSocial the Services. Divisionof Youth Before ofand Juvenile Family that, juvenile JusticeServices. was justice Establishing established had been awithin separatethe responsibility the division Alaska Departmentfor of juvenilea section justiceof within Health Alaska Department of Health and Social Services systemarecator charged is rathernot Juvenilesavailable as than adults the for whoand juvenile all gocommit states. through justice certain thesystem; courtviolent crimes justicetherecognized legislature, issues. the importance and the juvenile of the justicework and staffas reflected well theas communitiestocommitment of dealingthe state withadministration, juvenile 3numbers of juvenilesPersonal tried communication as adults are from small. Roger reflectedThe division in the operates division's undero Holding mission: the principlesjuvenile offenders of "restorative accountable justice," for their as citedbehavior in Alaska law and Juvenile2001.SocialWithington, Services,Justice, former Department State research of Alaska, of analyst, Health September Divisionand 28, of Restorative justice requires the DivisionHelpingPromoting of offenders Juvenile safety and and Justice restoration their tofamilies help of heal victimsdevelop individuals and shills communities to preventand communi- crime developmentactivity participationJ. ofL. antisocialMahoney as a moderatorpatterns,"(2000). "School Child in the extracurricular requiresopportunitiesties that haveAlaskans forbeen involvement to injured re-think by thecrimein therelative andjustice to roles provideprocess and responsibilitiesvictims,as early andcommunities, as fullyof the as government andpossible. offenders It andalso with of the "Early5Development, predictorsPL. 71(2), ofEllickson adolescent 502-516. and violence," K. A. McGuigan (2000). community. Restorative justice asksWhat three is thequestions: harm? 6American566-572. Journal of Public Health, 90(4), WhoWhat is needs responsible to be done for this to repair repair? the harm? JuvenileHoover Crime Commission Challenge:See note (September Making 5. Also, Prevention State1994). of The California,a Little harmcommunitiesRestorative they caused justice and victims; victims works when takebest whenactiveoffenders theroles offenders make in the amends sanctioning take responsibilityby restoring process. losses; for their and crimes when andboth the www.lhc.Priority Report ca.govilhcdir/127rp.html #27. Available: . 66 bondsmakesThetheir goal with offendersvictims of therestorative community,and accountable to contributejustice and foris makesto their to re-establish their actions, offenders communitieswhich ithealthy givesless likely themrelationships toopportunities buildscommit among competence, crimes to people. make in the amendsstrengthens future. to 11.8 It not only 9

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