I have taken on a project as a consulting writer for Tennessee with a national nonprofit. I will be gathering stories about how health care and legal issues contribute to the cumulative problems of poor children, particularly children of color. The stories will be put in narrative form, with emphasis on the child’s viewpoint. I was given numerous leads by the nonprofit, but thought it wouldn't hurt to seek out some more leads. If you know of someone personally who might be willing to share their story, or if you know someone who works with this population, please contact me privately with their contact info.

I've copied over below issues that are of particular concern. From my end, I’m especially concerned about the big picture – how they got to this point and what happens after this point. The information will eventually be used to help develop policy and legislation at the state and national level.

Thanks,
Pam

o Pre-natal care/low birth weight
o Lack of health insurance coverage
o Red tape (being dropped from insurance, difficulty enrolling, etc.)
o Insufficient health benefits
o Aging out of system
o Medicaid versus SCHIP coverage issues
o Lack of access to a health care provider
o Mobility of health insurance/care(state-to state)
o Eligible but not enrolled for any health benefits
o Education
o Child care
o School drop out
o Juvenile detention/criminalizing children at younger ages
o Health and mental health
o Substance Abuse
o Abuse and neglect
o Poverty
o Homelessness
o Girls in the Pipeline
o Child gun deaths
o Single parents
o Grandparents raising grandchildren needing support
o Alternatives to the streets
o § Community supports
o § Mentors
o § Positive role models