OLYMPIA, Wash – A quarter of Washington families report a lack of access to childcare, along with struggling to meet their basic needs.
The statistics come from the state’s Child Wellness Survey, given to families with kids ranging in age from six months to five years old.
In the survey, 20-30% of families report having basic needs unmet, including housing, food and transportation.
25% of families report having difficulties getting healthcare referrals.
25% of families lack access to the childcare they need.
Despite those numbers, the Washington Department of Health is pointing to resilience, saying 98% of children live in families that find ways to navigate challenges.
92% said the children live in families where tradition is important.
91% of caregivers rate their child’s health as excellent or very good.
“The findings show young families in Washington are navigating challenges while supporting their children,” said Maayan Simckes, PhD, MPH, DOH’s Population Survey Supervisor. “They also underscore the crucial role that safe and resilient families, neighborhoods, and communities play when times get tough.”
“The Child Wellness Survey gives us insight into how young families in Washington are finding their way in a changing and often difficult world,” said Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, MD, MPH, State Health Officer.
“We hope the survey’s findings will inform policies and planning to better support the health of children and families.”
You can access the survey and a breakdown of results by region at this link.
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