WV county standings related to 12 core measurements of
child well-being, Calhoun rated at 47 of 55 counties
Calhoun teen pregnancy rated among worst in Mountain State
By Bob Weaver
Calhoun County continues to suffer the effects of poverty, alcohol, drug abuse and
poor educational outcomes, according to the latest report from WV Kids Count.
Kids Count 2012 says Calhoun ranks 52 among the state's 55 counties with the percent of births to unmarried teens(ages 10-19). The county ranks 50th of 55 counties in teen birth rate (ages 15-19)
Overall, Calhoun ranked 47th of 55 counties on 12 core measurements related to child well-being.
Calhoun ranked 51st of 55 counties in child abuse and neglect cases.
The rates are capitated to the population of the counties. Kids Count says Calhoun (population 7,652) has about 500 children under age six or 1,518 children under age 18.
The teen childbirth statistics present some wide gaps among regional counties, calling into question reported information used in the statistical profile.
The Kids Count report did say there is a major improvement in Calhoun schools with fewer high school drop-outs, while also reporting an increase in the infant mortality rate.
The latest report says that 36% of Calhoun children are living in poverty (WV average 25%), a worsening statistic, Calhoun being ranked 52nd of 55 counties.
Nearly 70% (WV average 52%) of Calhoun children are eligible for free or reduced lunch charges in public schools, the county ranked 50th of 55 counties. Currently, Calhoun children are receiving free school meals.
REGIONAL RANKINGS CHILDREN LIVING IN POVERTY (1 best/55 worst)
Clay 53, Calhoun 52, Wirt 50, Braxton 28, Roane 46, Gilmer 42, Ritchie 27.
State officials say child abuse and neglect cases are link to alcohol and drug abuse.
REGIONAL RANKINGS CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT RATE(1 best/55 worst)
Clay 55; Calhoun 51; Braxton 47; Ritchie 41; Wirt 39; Gilmer 38; Roane 8.
CALHOUN HAS HIGH RATE OF CHILD NEGLECT AND ABUSE CASES
WV SEES NEARLY 30-PERCENT INCREASE IN CHILDREN RAISED BY RELATIVES
State rankings in teen pregnancy on upswing after years of decline
For decades, teen births had been declining in West Virginia and the nation.
But in 2006, West Virginia's rate began to worsen, now among the worst states in the nation for teen births. The latest stats indicate there is slight improvement in the Mountain State.
"One in seven teen girls in West Virginia will now have a baby," said Margie Hale, Executive Director of Kids Count WV.
"This is alarming, because we know when teens get pregnant they are much more likely to drop out of school, live in poverty and have babies that are less healthy," Hale said.
West Virginia is a state that has not implemented a comprehensive sex education curriculum, which uses evidence-based methods for reducing teen pregnancy.
Sex education is a patchwork in West Virginia schools and varies widely from county-to-county, frequently challenged by evangelical Christians who support abstinence until marriage and contend that teaching sex in middle and high schools promotes sexual promiscuity.
Teen pregnancy is historically linked to poverty rates, alcohol and drug abuse with poor educational outcomes.
REGIONAL COUNTY COMPARISON 55 COUNTIES (1 Lowest/55 Worst)
Calhoun - Unmarried Teens: 52nd; Teen Birth Rate: 50th
Clay - Unmarried Teens: 51st; Teen Birth Rate: 53rd
Wirt -Unmarried Teens: 46th; Teen Birth Rate: 28th
Braxton - Unmarried Teens: 27th; Teen Birth Rate: 36th
Ritchie - Unmarried Teens: 19th; Teen Birth Rate: 20th
Gilmer - Unmarried Teens: 3rd; Teen Birth Rate: 2nd
Roane - Unmarried Teens: 7th; Teen Birth Rate: 27th
Gilmer - Unmarried Teens: 3rd; Teen Birth Rate: 2nd
WV TEEN PREGNANCY COST TAXPAYERS $67 MIL IN ONE YEAR - WV Leads Nation Teen Childbirth, Calhoun/Clay Lead State
CALHOUN FACING STAGGERING TEEN CHILDBIRTH RATE - WV Only State With 17% Increased Teen Childbirth Rate
WV TOPS THE NATION WITH INCREASED TEEN PREGNANCY - A 17% Increase Three Years, 32% Pregnant Women Smoke, 'A Wake-Up Call'
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