Black and Latino youth are significantly overrepresented in the juvenile justice system. In San Diego County, Black youth are incarcerated at 13 times the rate of white youth. These disparities demand systemic change. A new issue brief, “Pathways to Equity: An Innovative Approach to Juvenile Justice Reform,” developed by SPI Juvenile Justice intern Jessica Laing and Program Manager Yvonne Epps, urges…
People with disabilities require specific healthcare needs and supports in order to thrive. These needs are dependent on many factors, including their identity and access to the Social Drivers of Health. In a new series of infographics, the National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) discusses how our systems need to care for those with disabilities more accommodatingly. One example…
Child welfare is a critical area in which challenges with confronting inequity and deep-seated issues of racism is a necessity. To assist individuals and organizations explore the impact of race and equity within the child welfare system, the Children’s Bureau has launched the “2024 Race Equity Challenge,” which consists of five interactive learning modules. These modules cover a variety of…
Don’t Just Think…Feel,” was the theme of this year’s Birth of Brilliance Conference, which aimed to celebrate and cultivate the innate brilliance in every child while addressing racial inequities and dismantling barriers hindering their potential. Project Manager Yvonne Epps attended this year’s conference representing SPI, and will be participating in the Birth of Brilliance Affinity Group to continue discussions started…
SPI MSW Intern Mara Christian Scher recently interviewed Steve Carroll, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services for the San Diego LGBT Community Center, to discuss the shortcomings of the healthcare field in supporting the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Click HERE to view the full write-up of this conversation, the findings from a focus group discussion, and additional resources…
Native Americans face a lower life expectancy than other ethnic or racial groups, at about 5.5 years less, and are also 2.3 times more likely to die from diabetes, facing a higher risk of suicide. This month, as part of Native American Heritage Month, SPI wants to bring attention to the stark health disparities that Indigenous Californians face, but also…
The National Academies just released a wide-ranging report on reducing long-term intergenerational poverty. This report offers key insights into why Native Americans and Black Americans are most significantly affected. Importantly, the National Academies report finds that seven drivers cause long-term intergenerational poverty. Most crucially, the report offers specific evidence-based policy recommendations. Below, you can find the full report and webinar…
Due to a combination of COVID-19 stimulus relief funds issued to families, and expansions of programs such as the Child Income Tax Credit, child poverty declined by 25% in 2020 and close to 50% in 2021. However, in 2022 5 million more children slipped into poverty due to the expiration of many of these programs. Read SPI’s summary of Child…