Latino children account for almost 40% of all abuse and neglect reports in New York City, while Whites constitute just 6.4%, as reported by The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, Inc. (CHCF) in “The State of Latinos Families in New York 2011.”
The new report, which was released today, details grim news about disparities in abuse and neglect reports for Latinos in New York City’s child welfare system. It also shows sharp disparities for Latinos in health, education, and juvenile justice in New York State and New York City.
Among the findings for Latinos:
- About 29% of all foster care placements in New York City involved Latino Children, while only 4% involved White children.
- Latina teens (70.4 per 1,000) are five times more likely than White teens (14.5) to end up pregnant in New York State.
- The number of teen births among Latinas in New York City is seven times higher than among White girls.
- Latinos account for 27% of the New York State population that is without any health insurance, two times more than Whites.
“This report points to some troubling disparities for Latinos in New York: disturbingly high rates of abuse and neglect; worse health conditions; far lower scores and graduation rates; and large numbers of youth in juvenile facilities,” said Elba Montalvo, Executive Director of CHCF. “State and city government are proposing cuts that will severely hurt the Latino community, which makes up at least one-fifth of the population of New York State and one-third of New York City. This report is a call for action for investing in this community to ensure Latinos’ continued progress as well as for New York’s economic future.”
Other findings included in the report:
- The obesity rate among Latino children in New York City public schools are at a staggering 26.5%. Among Latina women the percentage is even higher: 29%, almost twice the rate among White women (15.5%).
- Latino children have the highest rate of Asthma (12%) in New York City, when compared to any other ethnic group (Whites have a 4% rate).
- 28% of youth in New York City juvenile justice facilities are Latino, significantly higher than White youth (4%).
- More than 88,000 eligible Latino children in New York City do not have subsidized pre-k or early education.
- High school graduation rate among Latino students (54.8%) in New York State public schools are significantly lower than their white peers (82.7%).
“The State of Latinos Families in New York 2011” is available at .
About The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families (CHCF)
Since 1982, The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, Inc. (CHCF) has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for Latino children and their families. Believing that the most effective way to support Latino families is by building upon their existing strengths and fostering self-sufficiency, CHCF provides a number of programs and services to the community through Youth Development programs and an Early Care & Education Institute. Grounded in its direct services, CHCF is active on the local, state, and national policy levels around issues of child welfare, early care, education, and the well-being of Latino children. We combine education and advocacy for Latino children and families to expand opportunities, amplify our voice and create shared prosperity for all Americans. For more information, please call (212) 206-1090 or visit our web site at http://www.chcfinc.org.