Montana Ranks Third in U.S. for This New Startling Statistic

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Living here in Montana, especially in a town rich in history like Butte, we spoiled when it comes to elements to be proud of. Here's a list of the rankings covered so far:

1. Montana's highest peak the second hardest to climb in U.S.
2. Montana home to the shortest river in the world
3. Montana has a unique feature found nowhere else in the world
4. Montana holds record for over 130 years
5. Montana refuses to utilize resource it ranks 5th in
6. Butte's very own structure ranks 4th in the U.S.
7. Butte's Pit ranks in top 5 in world for this

Though most of those are nice and fun, there's another recently released statistic that is cause for awareness, as it is a striking issue that affects all of our communities.

Ranking behind West Virginia and Alaska, Montana has ranked third in the U.S. for most kids registered in foster care. That's right: West Virginia is ranked first with 1,710 kids in care per 100,000 residents under age 21, Alaska is second at 1,413, and Montana at third with 1,112. To be clear, foster care itself isn't to blame here in most cases, as the system is intended to provide a temporary but stable home for children who aren't able to remain in their current situations due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In fact, I believe that it's difficult to blame anyone or anything, though it virtually all comes down to the parenting.

This ranking is particularly significant given the challenges that children in foster care face, including higher risks of mental health issues, homelessness, and lower educational outcomes. What can be done?

Though there have been substantial efforts to support foster/adoptive parents, with the addition of initiatives aimed at bettering outcomes for these children, there are many who think more needs to be done. The persistent high ranking highlights the importance of introducing policy measures and community support to address the root causes of family disruptions and to support at-risk children more effectively​.

What do you think needs to be done? What needs to be address to help Montanan children and families?