Californians express a high degree of concern about the lack of parental support for children and youth today, according to a just released statewide survey. Greater than three in four Californians (78%) are either very or somewhat worried about a lack of parental support for children and youth.

In addition, large majorities of parents and adults express a high degree of concern about juvenile delinquency and believe that an effective strategy to combat it would be to establish more programs for school-age children who show early signs of school problems.

There is also a willingness on the part of voters to pay more in taxes for providing more after school care and recreation programs as well as for mentoring programs that provide adult interactions and role models for children and youth.

The survey finds that more than one in three California parents (37%) are raising a child under age 18 without the presence of a spouse and that 43% earn wages that put them at or below 200% of federal poverty levels. One in six parents of California children age 12 - 17 say their child typically comes home after school and has no adult supervision.

These are some of the findings from a survey of California adults and parents conducted by The Field Institute for the California Center for Health Improvement (CCHI). The survey was funded by a grant to The Field Institute from The California Wellness Foundation as part of its Health Improvement Initiative.

Californians care about young people and are concerned about threats to their well-being. State residents also believe a number of strategies can help young people develop the skills and abilities they need for a healthy, productive adulthood and recognize that parents alone cannot be the sole source of support in raising young people today, said Karen Bodenhorn, President and CEO of CCHI.

High degree of concern about lack of parental support Greater than three in four Californians (78%) say they are either very or somewhat worried about the lack of parental support for children and youth today. California parents report an even higher level of concern, with 82% worried, a majority of whom (52%) are very worried. Concerns about the lack of parental support are greatest among parents with an annual household income of less than $20,000 and those who are not currently married.

Three in four worried about juvenile delinquency Three in four adults (78%) and 82% of parents with children under age 18 are worried about juvenile delinquency. These worries are greatest among parents with annual household incomes of less than $20,000 and among parents who arent currently married.

Adults and parents believe an effective strategy for combating juvenile delinquency would be to establish more programs for school-age children who show early signs of school problems. Majorities of adults (55%) and parents (61%) say this would be extremely effective.

Voters willing to pay more in taxes for after school and mentoring programs for youth Large majorities of voters statewide say they are willing to pay higher taxes to pay for more after school care and recreation programs as well as for more mentoring programs providing adult interactions and role models. Seventy-seven percent are willing to pay higher taxes to provide more after school programs and 72% express a willingness to pay more to establish more mentoring programs.

Lack of adult supervision after school for many children One in six parents (17%) reports that their 12-17 year old child typically has no adult supervision after school. A somewhat smaller proportion of parents with children age 6-11 (9%) also reports this is their childs typical after-school arrangement. This compares to about half (49%) of the parents of youth age 12-17 and 60% of the parents of children age 6-11 who say their child typically has adult supervision at home after school, while about a quarter have some other arrangement, such as an after school program, day care or adult supervision at the home of a neighbor or relative.

Parents would like more information addressing childrens behavioral problems A majority of parents (58%) would find it very useful to receive more information which addresses childrens behavioral problems. The proportion saying this increases to 64% among parents who are unmarried and to 68% among parents with an annual household income of less than $20,000.

Media seen as having negative effects on youth attitudes toward violence and guns Californians cast some blame on the media and entertainment industry regarding the impact they have on youth attitudes about violence and guns. By greater than a three and one-half to one margin (69% to 19%) Californians believe that television programs, movies, popular music and advertising are having a negative rather than a positive effect on youth attitudes about violence and the use of guns. -3-

Note: Accompanying documents provide details about the surveys, the exact wording of each of the questions asked and display graphic summaries of the findings reported here.

California Center for Health Improvement 1321 Garden Highway, Suite 210 Sacramento, CA 95833 (916) 646-2149 (916) 646-2151 fax