For more information call Kathleen Tomlin, Office of Social Justice, Cath. Yet there are still an estimated 50,000 children on any given day who are not accessing this coverage. Covered children could increase by reducing the premium cost-share for parents, simplifying the application process, increasing public education, and automatically enrolling children whose parents already qualify for other programs like, FoodStamps or school lunches. All children need regular wellness check-ups, regular immunizations, and access to health care, especially during formative early years. The fastest growing homeless population in Minnesota is mothers and children, with over 8,000 homeless children.
Homelessness affects every are of a child's development.
Affordable housing availability is at all time lows and rents at all time highs. With a large projected surplus,Minnesota can well afford to address this crisis by preserving existing affordable housing, and investing the the production of new affordable housing. All children need a stable place to call home in order to thrive. Home visits by public nurse's or social workers have proven to be an effective prevention to abuse and neglect. Expanding the Home Visiting Program state-wide will reduce abuse and neglect and aid families in accessing the support they need to address their challenges.