The latest annual report detailing the well-being of children and youth in Texas reveals a concerning trend: Texas ranks an alarming 45th in overall child well-being. A staggering 20% of children in the state live in poverty, with the most affected groups being Black and Hispanic children, who face the highest rates. This report sheds light on the ongoing struggles that many families encounter, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change and support for disadvantaged communities.
According to the findings presented in the 2022 Texas Children Count report, the state’s children rank in the bottom half across various critical categories, including economic stability, education quality, health outcomes, and community support systems. These rankings underscore the pressing issues that need to be addressed to improve the overall quality of life for Texas youth.
The data was revealed on Friday during a presentation by Each Texan, an influential nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing public policy aimed at fostering opportunity and equity. This critical report was shared in collaboration with Methodist Healthcare Ministries, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to uplift vulnerable populations in Texas.
Coda Rayo-Garza, the research and data director at Each Texan, played a pivotal role in drafting the 2022 study, which has been published annually for approximately two decades. In her presentation, she delved into the disparities in education, health outcomes, and mental health, stressing their lasting impact on the state’s youth.
“We recognize that long-standing trends significantly affect health and well-being outcomes, as these issues are deeply rooted in systemic racism and discrimination. It is imperative that we continue to highlight these challenges,” Rayo-Garza emphasized, illustrating the critical nature of this ongoing dialogue.
While many statistics remain unchanged, a noteworthy highlight this year was the record low in child poverty rates reported for 2021. “This significant decrease can largely be attributed to the American Rescue Plan and the enhanced child tax credit, which provided vital financial assistance to families,” Rayo-Garza noted. “This demonstrates that targeted interventions can lead to tangible improvements.”
Despite the positive strides, the Texas child poverty rate of 20% still exceeds the national average of 17%. According to Each Texan, a staggering 66% of children living in poverty are Hispanic or Latino, while 16% are Black and 13% are non-Hispanic white. This data highlights the urgent need for focused efforts to address the disparities affecting these communities.
Researchers will continue to monitor these rates to determine how many families can escape poverty, especially as many benefits introduced during the pandemic, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, are set to expire soon. Nonprofits anticipate a growing need for food assistance among San Antonio families, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by low-income households.
The data presented indicates persistent disparities in education, health, safe communities, and environmental conditions. Notably, statistics show that Black and Hispanic children with asthma are significantly more likely to require hospitalization, suggesting that Texas’s environmental and climatic factors are exacerbating health conditions for children in the state.
According to the American Lung Association, four areas in Texas, including the San Antonio-New Braunfels–Pearson region, rank among the top 25 most polluted cities in the U.S. for ozone levels, highlighting the pressing need for environmental reforms to safeguard children’s health.
Much of the data in the report was sourced from the 2021 five-year U.S. Census American Survey, as noted by Rayo-Garza, providing a critical foundation for understanding the current landscape affecting Texas children.
Following the presentation, a panel discussion featuring state Rep. Diego Bernal (TX-123), Bexar County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores, City Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia (D4), and Johnelle Sparks, a professor of demography at the University of Texas at San Antonio, explored the implications of the report. They emphasized that while metrics on child well-being have not significantly improved, local governments have the potential to bridge existing gaps.
“The state has committed to allocating some of its funds in ways that can be impactful. However, much of it is directed towards public education in a manner that does not adequately address the problems we’ve highlighted in the report,” Bernal stated. “You can examine the list of priorities, select one, and see a substantial amount of funding allocated without any acknowledgment of the scale of the issue. This is why local leadership is so crucial.”
Clay-Flores expressed concerns regarding the consistent underfunding faced by Bexar County, stating, “The county received nearly $300 million in federal funds for ARPA initiatives, but even if we had allocated all of that to mental health services for children, we would still need additional resources.”
Clay-Flores highlighted her pride in Bexar County’s decision to allocate $20 million for full-time counselors and therapists in schools. This initiative is particularly relevant given the report’s findings that Black, Hispanic, and multiracial children exhibit the highest rates of attempted suicide, emphasizing the urgent need for accessible mental health support.
Rocha Garcia noted that the city also faces challenges in addressing economic and racial disparities across San Antonio. “We were fortunate to receive unprecedented ARPA funding over the last two years, allowing us to invest in critical areas,” she remarked. “It is our responsibility to ensure that this funding addresses the most urgent needs, particularly in healthcare.”
Additionally, Rocha Garcia pointed out the lack of funding for public housing, which is essential for ensuring children have access to a stable and high-quality living environment. She emphasized that challenges such as healthcare access and food deserts have persisted for generations, underscoring the need for comprehensive solutions.
“While we can apply temporary fixes, we must consider the long-term solutions,” she stated. “Investments must not only provide immediate relief but also focus on sustainable outcomes for the future of our children and communities.”
