Minority Children Have Fewer Opportunities in Oregon than White Children

Wednesday, October 08, 2014

Kirsten Nicolaisen, GoLocalPDX Digital Producer

Children First for Oregon released their annual data book which reveals a 22 percent disparity in opportunities for minority children in Oregon versus their white counterparts.

The study shows that 60 percent of minority children live in low-income families with less than a $50,000 income for a family of four, compared to 38 percent of white children.

The 'Status of Oregon's Children County Data Book' compiles indicators of child well-being by county using methodology from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, according to Children First.

Multnomah County has the greatest disparity in opportunities for children of color, according to Children First for Oregon.

“In the next two decades, Oregon’s progress and prosperity will be in the hands of our increasingly diverse young children. With nearly one in four Oregon children growing up in poverty, the future is in danger," said Children First Executive Director Tonia Hunt. “Children First is working with culturally-specific organizations and other community partners to find solutions to these disparities and advocate for policies that create more opportunity for all Oregon children.”

The data book shows that children of color are an increasing proportion of Oregon's population. Approximately 35 percent identify as non-white, with Latino children now making up the largest proportion of the non-white child population at 21 percent of all children, according to Children First for Oregon.

"For our future we need to make sure that all children have the same opportunities," said James Barta the policy manager at Children First. "It's our priority. We feel that ther isn't a strong enough voice right now and we're working to close the gap between opportunities for white and minority children."