NewsChannel 5.com - Nashville, Tennessee - Report Sheds Light On Some Of State's Most Troubled Youth

Report Sheds Light On Some Of State's Most Troubled Youth

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth unveiled the annual Kids Count Report on Tuesday.

The agencies that deal with children in state custody presented the report.

The report was a comprehensive look at child welfare in the state, including infant mortality rates, teen pregnancy rates, children on public assistance and educational statistics.

"Juvenile crime is actually down, that something not a lot of folks realize, but it's true," said Steve Hornsby, Department of Children's Services.

Also, the number of troubled juveniles in detention centers is at a 5-year low.
CLICK HERE to view Tennessee's data from the Kids Count Report.

The agencies that deal with the troubled youth said progress has been made, especially with a new, multi-layered team approach with troubled families.

"We've seen a reduction in children entering state custody. We know that some of our efforts on the front end has impacted our custodial numbers," said Carla Aaron, DCS.

The report did find state agencies can do better when it comes to reviewing cases, and talking to family members with troubled children. Also, there was troubling data about who is in trouble.

"Over 51 percent of those in secured detention are minority youth," said Debrah Stafford, Tenn. Comm. on Children and Youth.

One out of four children in the juvenile system are minorities. DCS promised to work on the number, while touting a new training method to use with children who have a history of violent behavior.

The report also recommended agencies need to expand the availability of substance abuse treatment and mental health services for children and their families.