Future Looks Healthy For Today’s Kids Most Will Thrive, But Others Face Poverty, Prison

Washington kids are optimistic, and for good reason, according to a new study.

Fewer kids are dying as infants, getting murdered, or becoming parents. Ninety-nine out of 100 live until they’re 20. Most dream of a college degree.

Three-quarters see a rosy future.

But the study, published by the University of Washington, also sketches a darker picture of kids’ emotional and mental health.

More kids live in impoverished homes without family support, role models, or even enough sleep. Three out of five high school seniors personally know a drug dealer.

“We want more for our kids than just to stay alive; we want them to thrive, with a life of happiness, prosperity and good health,” said Richard Brandon, executive director of the UW Human Services Policy Center and one of the authors of the report.

Researchers from the UW’s child health and public policies programs compiled the sixth annual “State of Washington’s Children” survey from statistics in government reports and scientific studies.

Among the findings:

A rising number of kids survive to adulthood. Fewer kids than ever died as infants. The 1996 rate - six deaths per 1,000 - is one third that of 1970.

Adolescent deaths caused by firearms fell, as did the suicide rate.

Despite an economic boom and record-low unemployment, poverty rates of children increased, up to 20 percent. More than 150,000 kids sprout below the poverty line.

Births to single mothers is at an all-time high. And more mothers are giving birth to underweight babies.

Four out of five lack adult role models and 40 percent don’t feel like they can talk to their parents about their problems. Almost a third of high school seniors know someone who has used cocaine.

Washington jails kids at one of the highest rates in the country. Nearly 1,200 were incarcerated in 1994.

Brandon credits the improvements in basic survival to expanded health care to the poor and prevention programs.

Despite some bleak findings, Brandon is optimistic. “If we set high standards, we can do wonderfully,” he said. “If you talk to youth, they don’t talk about problems, but their hopes and aspirations.”

Locally, Marilee Roloff, director of the street kid shelter Crosswalk, is encouraged by Spokane’s approach to teenage problems.

Government agencies and nonprofit programs have worked together on such thorny issues as juvenile crime and the Becca bill, a tough policy aimed at limiting teenage runaways.

But the low numbers of kids feeling safe and comfortable at home surprised her.

“I’m glad to hear about the improvements for great numbers of kids, but I’m still dismayed by the numbers who don’t feel safe, supported, who aren’t living up to their potential,” said Roloff.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Kids getting by