Friday, April 23, 2010

Texas Puts Poor Kids in Foster Care

Child Abuse Doubles in Potter County
Posted: Apr 22, 2010 10:28 PM

AMARILLO, TEXAS - The rate of child abuse in Potter County is over three times the state average according to new information.

In 2009, for every 1,000, there were 30.4 confirmed child abuse victims in Potter County. Compare that to the statewide average of 10.5. And to make things worse, the local rate is over double what it was a decade ago.

This surge in cases is creating major backlogs in the courts and prolonging the trauma for many kids. But there's a way you can help in just an hour of work a week. CASA says they are in desperate need of volunteers because of this growing problem. If you're interested, the next training session is soon. You can sign up by calling, 373-2272.


TRANSLATION: POTTER COUNTY IS POOR AND POVERTY IS CONSIDERED CHILD ABUSE.

As of the census of 2000, there were 113,546 people, 40,760 households, and 27,472 families residing in the county. The population density was 125 people per square mile (48/km²). There were 44,598 housing units at an average density of 49 per square mile (19/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 68.60% White, 9.96% Black or African American, 0.87% Native American, 2.49% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 15.44% from other races, and 2.60% from two or more races. 28.11% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 40,760 households out of which 34.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.40% were married couples living together, 15.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.60% were non-families. 27.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the county, the population was spread out with 28.00% under the age of 18, 11.10% from 18 to 24, 30.10% from 25 to 44, 19.10% from 45 to 64, and 11.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 100.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $29,492, and the median income for a family was $35,321. Males had a median income of $26,123 versus $20,275 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,947. About 15.20% of families and 19.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.30% of those under age 18 and 12.30% of those age 65 or over.


Happy Child Abuse Propaganda Month!

No comments: