By Mary Kuhlman
COLUMBUS – The sleepless nights and increased costs that come with parenthood are a rude awakening for anyone, but the challenge is often greater for young parents.
Hear an interview about the report on “Perspective”
A new report released Tuesday by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, called “Opening Doors for Young Parents,” underscores the need for increased programs to support people between the ages of 18 and 24 who have children. Young parents are facing myriad obstacles, including getting an education and finding a viable career path, said Tracy Najera, executive director at Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio.
“Compound that with the additional cost of having young children, the cost of childcare and transportation, and everything else that goes into sustaining a household and it really becomes a very difficult proposition,” Najera said.
Twelve percent of Ohioans between the ages of 18 and 24 are parents, higher than the national average of 10 percent.
There are 144,000 children living in young parent households and 123,000 such parents. The report recommends states provide increased access to child care, housing and employment opportunities.
The Casey Foundation report emphasizes the importance of a father’s involvement in a child’s life and their development. But Rosa Maria Castaneda, senior associate at the foundation, said many are often left out of programs that support young families.
“They want to be involved in their children’s lives, however they’re less likely to be supported through many of our programs and policies to be able to be involved and to be able to provide for their children,” Castaneda said. “They are really neglected. We should support their involvement.”
The report notes one-third of Ohio young adult parents are people of color, who face additional challenges of discrimination and systemic inequities.