Children-and-youth

Starting in 2026, California tortillas will contain folic acid to help prevent birth defects—a change aimed at closing a gap for Latina mothers.

With suicide and violence stalking students, counselors are often the first to notice kids in trouble. They're also among the first to lose their jobs to budget cuts.

Suicide is 50% higher among rural young people than among others in urban or suburban environments. Many also live too far to get counseling.

Federal cuts to Medicaid will mean fewer slots, longer waits and fewer therapists at Early Start, a program for children and babies with special needs.

Three years after closing its maternity ward, a new state law will help a rural Northern California hospital bring birth services back to the community.

As funding deadlines approach, one Head Start program has closed and three others are about to. More closures are expected in the coming weeks.

A preschool in San Diego focuses on children who've experienced trauma, the "little guys". Mi Escuelita now has a long record of helping kids and families move forward.

Children with traumatic experiences who attend Mi Escuelita preschool in San Diego graduate ready for kindergarten and continue to do well in school for years.

Know a young child who experienced serious trauma? Californians can find resources through their doctors, preschools and First 5. Here's how to get started.

Kindergartners repeat worries heard at home. Older kids text to check on parents during class. Therapists say mental health is at risk now and in the long term.