Report: Scotland lacks progress on child poverty rate

March 29--RALEIGH -- A majority of Scotland County children live in poor or near-poor homes, a major risk factor for negative educational, health and economic outcomes, according to a new report.

The 2018 County Data Cards by NC Child, a statewide nonprofit advocating for children, found that poverty and hunger remain a major problems for 70.3 percent of Scotland County youth.

Additionally, 32 percent of Scotland County children live in food insecure households, putting at risk their immediate health, safety and ability to learn, the report said.

The data snapshot shows how children and families are faring in 15 key areas of well-being.

The report said a stronger investment in evidence-based policy solutions is needed to assure children's well-being and long-term success.

NC Child called on elected officials and candidates to take specific actions to address the ongoing crisis.

"Big problems demand big solutions," said Michelle Hughes, executive director of NC Child. "Each year, our elected representatives have an extraordinary opportunity to use public policy to improve the lives of children and families. In 2018, we hope candidates will take bold steps to support families by making affordable, high-quality health insurance available in North Carolina, investing in our public schools, and expanding access to quality early learning programs for young children."

State Rep. Garland Pierce of Wagram said Scotland's percentage of poor youth is too high. Pierce served as chairman of House committee on poverty several years ago.

"We have a lot of generational poverty that impacts our children," he said. "It is a cycle that we need to break."

Pierce said the answer can be found in good jobs for residents.

"But they have to be jobs with a real living wage," Pierce said."When you have assistance programs that do better than working some job, people do better not to work. So go figure."

Pierce said what is needed are programs that teach people how to save and invest, own their own homes and set priorities.

"I truly believe we can help people rise out of poverty with education and training," he said. "It is doable."

The Data Card also found that:

-- In Scotland County, 71.9 percent of women received early prenatal care in 2016 versus 68.6 percent in 2015. Statewide, 69 percent of women received early prenatal care.

-- Relatedly, 11.4 percent of babies were born at a low-birth weight in 2016 vs 14.9 percent in 2015. Statewide, 9 percent of babies were born at a low-birth weight.

-- In 2017, 82.8 percent of high school students graduated on time compared to 82.5 percent in 2016. Statewide, 86.5 percent graduated on time.

"Marginal progress is better than no progress, but the fact remains that our state's children face far too many barriers to success. Treading water isn't good enough," said Whitney Tucker, research director at NC Child. "North Carolina's children demand our best efforts to improve their circumstances now so they can thrive in the future."

The Scotland County Data Card also includes sample questions that constituents can ask candidates for office about their plans to accelerate North Carolina's progress on key issues facing children, such as early education, family financial security, and access to health insurance for parents.

The data card for all North Carolina counties and questions can be found at http://www.ncchild.org/publication/2018-county-data-cards/

Reach Scott Witten at 910-506-3023

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