children

The Kansas City-area children most at risk of deportation orders have either been granted or have a case pending to receive special immigrant juvenile status, a humanitarian designation for abused or neglected children. But the Trump administration canceled those protections.

The United Way of Greater Kansas City has come out with new data that reveals thousands of working residents would be in a financial crisis if they had a medical, car or housing emergency, even though they live above official poverty levels.

The state’s uninsured rate for kids has been climbing steadily from 5.2% in 2022 to 8.5% in 2025.

Some Kansas children with an incarcerated mother get the chance to spend the day with their mom outside of a prison facility. The new documentary “Play Free,” screening at the Lawrence Arts Center, showcases the day-long outing’s benefits for children and mothers.

The hearing for about a dozen children took place less than two weeks after a group of legal services providers sued the federal government for ending deferred deportation for minors with Special Immigrant Juvenile status.

Workers describe soaring caseloads, long drives and rushed abuse investigations as internal records show thousands of cases falling behind.

Childcare options in Wyandotte County meet only about 29% of current demand, according to census data. The county Health Department hosts monthly orientations to encourage and support prospective childcare providers hoping to close the gap.

The legislature has yet to pass Erin’s Law, mandating child abuse prevention education, and other laws advocates say could strengthen protections for children.

Pressure to perform and social media are contributing factors to a rise in suicide rates among children between the ages of 8-12 years old. A Kansas City psychologist said that some young kids lack the understanding of the finality of their decision and can be more impulsive, heightening the risk.

The Kansas City Council approved new traffic restrictions to keep children safer on the roads after a driver hit and killed a child last fall. KCUR wants to hear from families about whether their kids walk or bike to school, and whether they feel like the recent safety measures are working.

The annual analysis pointed to hundreds of children housed in offices and unlicensed centers.

The death of Korbin Papadopoulos, a 17-year-old with type 1 diabetes and autism who was placed 300 miles away from home, sharpened questions about who is responsible when the state cannot find a safe foster placement.