Children and Youth

North Dakota Oral Health Evaluation

 

North Dakota Childhood Needs Assessment of Bismarck and Mandan, North Dakota
The purpose of this report is to provide a childhood needs assessment of Bismarck and Mandan, North Dakota, in order to provide context for the Missouri Slope Areawide United Way (MSA) and their strategic planning process. Results from the assessment highlight major themes that should be considered in order to improve the well-being of children and families in the Bismarck-Mandan metro area (i.e., Burleigh and Morton counties). The first theme focuses on strategically improving asset development for children and youth. Since assets are both internal and external, the desired change will require both individual (i.e., youth and parents/guardians) and environmental (e.g., organizational, community) changes. A focus on building assets at the youngest ages, recognizing gender differences, is crucial, along with stemming the drop in asset levels that occurs as youth progress through high school. The second theme centers on improving self-sufficiency among families, and requires improvements or enhancements in services or safety nets. The third theme focuses on safe environments, and also requires strong services and supports for individuals and families. The fourth theme revolves around children’s health, the foundation of their overall development. And finally, the fifth theme highlights the academic preparedness and outcomes of children in the metro area.

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