--------------------------------------------------------------  CHILDREN AND FAMILIES HEADLINES
In Memphis Classrooms, the Ghost of Segregation Lingers On The Hechinger Report, Sarah Garland | Feb. 14 The Memphis school district tried and failed to desegregate its schools 30 years ago. Some argue its latest effort to bring black and white students together could undermine one of the district's most successful schools. University Embraces Foster Youth Diverse Issues in Higher Education, B. Denise Hawkins | Feb. 10 Emancipated foster youth entering Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C. will have access to special support services, including a Foster Care Village. Wanted in Seattle Classrooms: More Teachers of Color The Seattle Times, Brian M. Rosenthal | Feb. 9 Seattle-area public school districts are struggling to build a diverse teaching corps. Education Gap Grows Between Rich and Poor The New York Times, Sabrina Tavernise | Feb. 9 Researchers find that while the achievement gap between white and black students has narrowed significantly, the gap between rich and poor students has grown substantially within the past 50 years. No Diploma, No Job Philadelphia Public School Notebook, Benjamin Herold| February 2012 A sluggish economy has made finding work difficult for people from all walks of life. Few job-seekers face a tougher road than young dropouts from Kensington, Pa. Media Gain Access to L.A. County Children's Courts Los Angeles Times, Garrett Therolf and John Hoeffel | Feb. 7 Los Angeles County Children's Court Presiding Judge Michael Nash ordered courtrooms to be open to the press in an effort to bring accountability to the process. Social workers and elected officials argue that the order intrudes on the privacy of children who have already suffered mistreatment. The Washington Post, Anita Kumar | Feb. 7 Virginia is set to allow state-funded, faith-based adoption agencies to turn away parents based on sexual orientation or religious and moral beliefs. Visit JCCF on the Web for more of the latest headlines on children & families | 
