Mackenzie Pickerrell News Today

More than 1,100 children are in foster care in Mississippi, and an adoption partnership aims to increase the number of them who find "forever families." The state is working with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and its "Wendys Wonderful Kids" program, which works to help the longest-waiting children in the foster-care system find permanent placement. Darneshia Kyles, a social service specialist for the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Servi...

Randolph County teen Zyler Ogden creating Chasing Sunsets Inc. in memory of his friend Mackaillah, who took her own life at 13 years old.

On Tuesday, the state of Utah announced it is suing TikTok as it claims the social media platform "baits children into addictive and unhealthy use." Gov. Spencer Cox said at a news conference the platform promotes children to stay online for hours at a time. Recent research shows adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety. ...

A new report finds there are not enough mental health professionals inside Indiana schools.There are ways that school districts are trying to make up the differ

On Wednesday, child care providers and families will gather at the Utah State Capitol to participate in a stroller rally to advocate for critical investment in the child care system. Federal funds intended to keep child care services afloat during the pandemic as part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan expired last month. Estimates from The Century Foundation suggest more than more than 35,000 Utah children will lose access to child care, and nearly 670 child care programs will be forced to close...

The first of its kind report shows girls in Indiana are facing mental health challenges.The 2023 Indiana Girl Report shows trends in Hoosier girl's physical, ac

Indiana teens are in a mental health crisis. Depression has been on the rise for two decades. And it’s hitting girls especially hard. A recent report from the Girl Coalition of Indiana found that in 2022, nearly half of middle and high school girls experienced depression. It also found that close

A recent report from the Girl Coalition of Indiana found that in 2022, nearly half of middle and high school girls experienced depression.

A new report focuses on "girl power" in Indiana - with an analysis of how young girls are faring in the state, and recommendations for improving their lives.

A new report focuses on "girl power" in Indiana - with an analysis of how young girls are faring in the state, and recommendations for improving their lives. Using Kids Count data, the Girl Coalition of Indiana found girls under 18 are experiencing trauma and mental-health concerns at rates higher than boys - from bullying and depression, to dating violence and a lack of emotional support. In one survey, eight in 10 girls said neighbors "dont notice" or en...