Colorado Families Face Mounting Challenges as COVID-19 Aid Expires

The expiration of pandemic-era programs has left Colorado families with children struggling to keep up with the rising costs of essential needs like healthcare, housing, and childcare, according to the latest Kids Count Colorado report. The report, released by the Colorado Children's Campaign, paints a concerning picture of the state's youngest residents facing increased economic insecurity, widening disparities, and declining academic progress.

Safeguarding Colorado's Future One Child at a Time

Poverty's Persistent Grip on Colorado's Children

The report reveals that 11% of Colorado children were living in poverty in 2022, a figure that is better than the national average of 16% but still underscores the financial challenges facing many families. However, the report notes that when the Supplemental Poverty Measure is used, the child poverty rate doubles from 2021 to 2022, a direct result of the expiration of the expanded Child Tax Credit.The report also highlights the disproportionate impact of poverty on children of color. Between 2018 and 2022, Native American children experienced poverty at a rate four times higher than their white counterparts, while Black and Hispanic children experienced it at rates three and two times higher, respectively. This stark disparity in economic security is a troubling trend that demands immediate attention.At the county level, the report shows a significant divide, with Costilla County reporting the highest child poverty rate at 35% and Douglas County the lowest at just 2%. This geographic variation underscores the need for tailored, community-based solutions to address the unique challenges faced by families in different regions of the state.

Housing Insecurity: A Growing Threat to Colorado's Families

The high cost of housing in Colorado is exacerbating the financial strain on families, with the report indicating that 20,000 children experienced homelessness in the 2022-23 school year. Foreclosures, evictions, and unaffordable rents have been responsible for a significant portion of student homelessness, increasing from 26% in 2020-21 to 39% in 2023-24.The report also highlights the broader impact of housing costs on family well-being, noting that "among families who are housed, housing costs often compromise so much of their household budget that they are forced to cut back on other basic needs, like food, health care or utilities in order to keep a roof over their heads." This trade-off between housing and other necessities is a concerning trend that undermines the overall well-being of Colorado's children.

Alarming Rise in Gun-Related Deaths Among Colorado's Youth

One of the more sobering findings in the report is the nearly 20% increase in gun-related deaths among Coloradans aged 19 and under, from 83 in 2021 to 104 in 2022. The report attributes this rise primarily to firearm homicides, while the number of firearm-related suicides remained relatively stable.This tragic statistic serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need to address the complex and multifaceted issue of gun violence affecting Colorado's youth. The report provides a crucial call to action for policymakers, community leaders, and concerned citizens to come together and implement comprehensive strategies to protect the state's most vulnerable population.

Challenges in the Classroom: Teacher Shortages and Chronic Absenteeism

The report also sheds light on the challenges facing Colorado's education system, highlighting the chronic absenteeism of students and the difficulty in retaining and supporting teachers.According to the report, 31% of Colorado students are chronically absent, a concerning trend that can have significant implications for academic achievement and overall student well-being. Additionally, the report found that Colorado's average starting salary for teachers is among the lowest in the country, with 45 states paying more to attract new educators. As a result, the state has seen a steady increase in teacher attrition, with nearly one in five teachers leaving their jobs during the 2023-2024 school year.These staffing and attendance challenges underscore the need for comprehensive solutions to support both students and educators, ensuring that Colorado's educational system can effectively serve the needs of its young population.

Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in Colorado's Schools

The report also highlights the critical shortage of mental health support within Colorado's school systems. According to the American School Counselor Association, the recommended student-to-counselor ratio is 250:1. However, the report states that in the 2023-24 school year, 84 of Colorado's 178 school districts had higher student-to-counselor ratios, and many others employed no school counselors at all.This lack of access to mental health professionals is particularly concerning, as students are often faced with a range of challenges, from the economic insecurity of their families to the social and emotional impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without adequate support, these issues can have a profound effect on a child's academic performance, overall well-being, and future success.The report's findings underscore the urgent need for increased investment and comprehensive strategies to address the mental health needs of Colorado's student population, ensuring that every child has access to the resources and support they need to thrive.