Human Services Gaps

Children and Youth

In 2008, 4,208 preschoolers were not enrolled in quality early education centers.
In 2006,
81% of low-income students in elementary and middle schools are not participating in after school programs with academic enrichment.
40,000 students in Jacksonville's public schools could benefit from a mentor.
Currently, there are 1,232 mentor matches in Jacksonville.
An estimated 3,800 youth ages 12-17 are homeless.
The National Association of School Psychologists recommends a ratio of 1 school psychologist for every 1,000 students.
The ratio in Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) is 1:2,550.
The American School Counseling Association recommends 1 guidance counselor to every 250 students.
In DCPS high schools the ratio is 1:451.
There were 3,468 student code of conduct violations in 2006-07 in DCPS.
In February 2008, an estimated 111 families were waiting for therapeutic help from Full Service Schools of Jacksonville.
Their students will wait approximately 5-6 months for an appointment with a therapist.
13,789 children living in families eligible for Florida's health insurance plan remain uninsured.

3,101 persons aged 60 and over were responsible for their grandchildren in 2006.

70,530 persons received Food Stamps in 2007.
16,326 calls were made to United Way's 211 for emergency assistance.
The most frequent call is for help with water and electricity bills.
4,791 persons received Temporary Aid to Needy Families assistance, also known as welfare.

Half of homeless persons have recently experienced mental health problems.
62,000 people in Jacksonville suffer from severe mental illness.
The mental health system in Jacksonville served less than 20 percent of the population of severely mentally ill, or 12,400.
Public funding provides assistance to 11,000 persons with severe mental illness.
The largest provider of mental health services for low-income children in Jacksonville cut its services by 34% since 2006 due to Medicaid reforms.