(12/03/12) - They're called "disconnected youth." That means they're not in school and not working. And a new report shows the number of teens and young adults in this situation is on the rise.
The Annie Casey Foundation's KIDS COUNT data was released Monday. Area agencies that advocate for children say they're not surprised by the numbers.
"The traditional methods for connecting with these young people aren't working anymore," says Amy Krug with Priority Children.
There are 220,000 teens and young adults ages 16 to 24 considered disconnected in Michigan. In 2000, that number was about 13 percent of that age group. By 2011, it jumped to 17 percent .
Krug and other youth agencies we spoke to tell us they aren't surprised by KIDS COUNT'S findings. Last year, a Genesee County coalition group released their own report, "Hidden Crisis." It showed similar numbers. They also developed a ten-step action plan which included social media networking.
These are the types of efforts Krug says are essential getting kids back in school. "You can't go to school to help a kid get into school if they're not there. How do you reconnect to school? And maybe you don't want to go back to school that you were suspended from. Maybe you want to go to an alternative high school or another high school. How do you go about doing that?"
Krug says alternative education options are one of the ways disconnected youth have a chance.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:55:07 GMT
(05/17/13) - There was a serious one-car accident on the Genesee-Shiawassee County Line, Friday. It happened on Sheridan Road, near Baldwin, shortly after 4:30. Officers believe the car went out of
There was a serious one-car accident on the Genesee-Shiawassee County Line, Friday.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:16 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:16:13 GMT
(05/17/2013) After nearly two weeks, Buena Vista students are officially headed back to school. School officials mady the announced Friday night that classed will start on Monday and the school year will
After nearly two weeks, Buena Vista students are officially headed back to school.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:05 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:05:14 GMT
(05/17/13) - It was an almost unbelievable series of events involving a Flint boy named Britt Kellum.He shot and killed two of his own brothers, in the span of about five years, and all before he was even
(05/17/13) - It was an almost unbelievable series of events involving a Flint boy named Britt Kellum.He shot and killed two of his own brothers, in the span of about five years, and all before he was even
Friday, May 17 2013 6:41 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:41:42 GMT
We don't often hear of a school building re-opening - but that's what a mid-Michigan district will do in September. A return to financial health will allow Bentley to resume classes at the Middle School.Four
We don't often hear of a school building re-opening - but that's what a Mid-Michigan district will do in September.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:40 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:40:23 GMT
(05/17/13) - A big blow to a Flint Police program providing structure for kids.Parts from four rooftop heating and cooling units were stolen from the Haskell Youth Center - the building the Flint Police
(05/17/13) - A big blow to a Flint Police program providing structure for kids.Parts from four rooftop heating and cooling units were stolen from the Haskell Youth Center - the building the Flint Police
Friday, May 17 2013 6:39 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:39:47 GMT
(WJRT) - A child, under the age of ten, brings a gun to Sunday school.Investigators say the weapon was brought to a Sunday school class at First Baptist Church, in the 2400 of King Road, in Bridgeport
A child, under the age of 10, brought a gun to Sunday school.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:35 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:35:15 GMT
(05/17/13) - The Board of Trustees at Central Michigan University has approved an additional $350,000 in funding for the planning and design for phase 1 of construction on its new medical schools in
The Board of Trustees at Central Michigan University has approved an additional $350,000 in funding for the planning and design for phase 1 of construction on its new medical schools in Saginaw.
