JC
I learned of a recent Save the Children report on how children in transitional housing are faring in the wake of Katrina…from a blog that focuses primarily on the reconstruction of the Gulf Coast. The depressing thing is that those who were already suffering from inequality before seem to be in an even worse situation now. Some said that Katrina would expose the racial and socio-economic problems in the area so that they could be addressed. Seems like they aren’t being addressed quite fast enough. We are coming up on the year anniversary since the disaster hit the residents of New Orleans and the problems that the children are facing are unacceptable.

How are we going to expect the residents of New Orleans to be able to have better lives with the children (aka the future generation) are experiencing constant threats to their well-being? Here are some of the findings:

Many children are not attending school. Parents cited treatment by school officials and other students, unfamiliarity with the neighborhood and difficulty related to relocations as reason for non-attendance. Transportation problems and difficulties with peers also were contributing to non-attendance.

More after the jump…

The hurricane and its aftermath separated children from their parents in 11 of 20 sites. In Picayune, Miss., two residents reported sending their children to live with relatives elsewhere due to conditions in the camp. Anecdotally, camp residents said that many people are separated from their children for reasons that include: transportation, quality of life, separation during rescue and sheltering after the storm, post-storm divorces and inaccessibility of medical care.

Children are vulnerable to crime and physical and sexual abuse. Drug abuse and dealing were reported in nine sites. A feeling of tension and reports of violence were registered in seven and eight sites, respectively. Theft and prostitution were reported in six sites. Alcohol abuse, domestic violence and poor relationships with the local community were reported at five sites. Interviewees at five sites said they were concerned about suspicious neighbors. Residents at four sites reported sexual assaults/rapes; and residents at three sites report having known sexual predators living at their site.

Residents from across the camps reported changes in their children’s behavior. Parents cited apparent boredom in seven sites, fighting in five sites, and crying and irritability in four sites. Depression, weight change, “acting out” and a change in school performance were each reported in three sites. Change to sleep patterns was reported in one site.

I would like to think that this report will bring awareness so that services may be provided to the children in the area. There are a number of recommendations included, so let’s hope that the government actually puts some of its dollars into truly getting the residents affected by Katrina back on their feet. Let’s go!!!