Nov. 29, 1999

By The Associated Press

Teen pregnancy, abuse and neglect at home, inadequate child care, poor schools and lack of health care are among the biggest dangers threatening America's children, according to a new report.

The report, "Ten Critical Threats to America's Children: Warning Signs for the Next Millennium," also lists such threats as substance abuse, poverty, absent parents, crime and dangers in the environment.

The study is the work of the National School Boards Association, the National League of Cities, Hollywood, Fla.-based Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and Youth Crime Watch of America.

"The problems confronting our children truly are challenges to all of America," said Mary Ellen Maxwell, president of the National School Boards Association. "Either we meet these challenges or they will become obstacles to our future."

A call for a 'national agenda'

Each of the 10 threats is listed with possible solutions -- like raising the minimum wage and universal health care. The report was to be released today at a news conference in Washington.

Ron Sachs, spokesman for the coalition put together the report, said its purpose was to raise awareness of the problems, not to advance specific legislation.

"What these groups have done is to say there needs to be a national agenda on children's issues," Sachs said. "These problems are not new. They are chronic; they are pervasive."

Clarence Anthony, president of the National League of Cities, and mayor of South Bay, Fla., said the report includes common sense solutions to problems.

"This report is not about gloom and doom -- it's about the obstacles our children face and embracing a national agenda that will benefit them in the next millennium," Anthony said.

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