PROMISE 3


All children need and deserve healthy bodies, healthy minds and healthful habits. These result from regular health check-ups and needed treatment, good nutrition and exercise, healthy skills and knowledge, and good role models of physical and psychological health.

With increased attention on such issues as upsurges in childhood obesity and juvenile diabetes, Americans have a raised awareness of the importance of a healthy start as a critical developmental resource in a child’s life. Nevertheless, we are falling far short of keeping this Promise. Nine million young people today remain without health insurance. Babies born in the U.S. are less likely to survive until their first birthday than those in 27 other industrialized nations. One in 11 high school students reports attempting suicide.

According to Every Child, Every Promise:

  • Only 43% of our young people are experiencing this Promise
  • More than one-third of teens lack the critical combination of components that make for good health care: health insurance coverage and annual visits to a doctor and a dentist
  • 65% of young people say they wish they knew of more stores and restaurants that sold more healthy foods and drinks
  • Almost 80% of children report feeling stressed each month. One in four say they feel stressed at least once each day

Learn more about our National Action Strategies to bring more Promises to 15 million children in five years.

Strategies that Work

  1. For 0 to 5 Years
  2. For 6 to 10 Years
  3. For 11 to 14 Years
  4. For 15 to 18 Years

For 0 to 5 Years^

Top Six Actions

1.   Ask the parents/caregivers of the children in your group if their children have a regular healthcare provider for immunizations, well-child care and care for illnesses. If any do not, recommend a quality health center or other health provider in their neighborhood.

2.   Observe the children in your group to see if the basic needs such as proper nutrition, clothing, shelter and security are met. If any appear undernourished, inappropriately dressed for the weather/ season, or you see signs of possible abuse, follow the procedure of your organization for seeking assistance. If your organization does not have procedures for seeking assistance, suggest establishing clear and easy policies.

3.   Observe the children in your group to see if any appear to have significant problems interacting with their peers, expressing anger inappropriately, appearing notably withdrawn, etc. If any do, discuss with the parents/caregivers. If they also are concerned, recommend that they talk to the child’s healthcare provider.

4.   Observe the children in your group to see if any seem to experience a developmental delay. If so, share your observations with parent/caregiver and help them find expert assistance.

5.   Ask parents/caregivers if their children have health insurance. If any do not, help the parent/caregiver secure free or low-cost insurance from CHIP, Medicaid or other government programs.

6.   Encourage parents/caregivers to engage their children in activities that support learning and healthy relationships,
such as reading, playing games, music, healthy touch, creative physical
play, etc.

Additional Actions to Consider

  • Send parents/caregivers educational materials about the development and health of their child.
  • Every time you see a child demonstrate a basic value such as caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, etc., name that behavior and compliment the child on demonstrating that value.
  • Provide social and emotional development, including discipline, moral guidance and positive role modeling.
  • Be aware of children who need nutrition supplements like food stamps, breakfast/lunch programs and food bank donations.
  • Ask parents/caregivers if their children are vaccinated. If not, help secure the vaccination for them. Identify barriers, if any, to securing necessary vaccinations. For example, if parents/caregivers are wary of getting immunizations for their children, try to link them to a healthcare provider who can give accurate information and reassure them.

For 6 to 10 Years^

Top Six Actions

1.   Ask the parents/caregivers of the children in your group whether their children have a regular healthcare provider where they receive immunizations, well-child care and care for illnesses. If any do not, recommend a quality health center or other health provider in their neighborhood.

2.   Observe the children in your group to see if the basic needs such as proper nutrition, clothing, shelter and security are met. If any appear undernourished, inappropriately dressed for the weather/season, or you see signs of possible abuse, follow your organization’s procedure for seeking assistance.   If your organization does not have any procedures, suggest establishing clear and easy policies.

3.   Observe the children in your group to see if any appear to have significant problems interacting with their peers, expressing anger inappropriately, appearing notably with-drawn, etc. If any do, discuss with the parents/caregivers. If they are also concerned, recommend that they discuss with child’s healthcare provider.

4.   Observe whether the children in your group are at the same developmental level as others. If not, share your observations with parents/ caregivers and help them secure assistance.

5.   Ask parents/caregivers if their children have health insurance. If a child is uninsured, help secure free or low-cost insurance from CHIP,
Medicaid or other government programs.

6.   Incorporate sports and physical fitness activities. Prevent sports injuries by providing protective sports equipment and practicing pool/water safety. Discuss the added benefits of physical fitness and sports, such as leadership skills, team-building and self-confidence.

Additional Actions to Consider

  • Every time you see a child demonstrate a basic value like caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, etc., name that behavior and compliment the child.
  • Provide information about all aspects of health education.

    For 11 to 14 Years^

    Top Six Actions

    1.   Ask the youth in your group if they have a regular healthcare provider where they receive immunizations, well-child care and care for illnesses. If any do not, recommend a quality health center or other health provider in their neighborhood.

    2.   Ask the youth in your group if they have health insurance. If any are uninsured, work with the parents/caregivers to secure free or low-cost insurance from CHIP, Medicaid or other government programs.

    3.   Share with your group your availability and willingness to discuss concerns or questions about sexual development and related topics with any youth. Be sure to follow your organization’s guidelines on these subjects. Also discuss the importance of mental well-being. Offer access to mental health support services as prevention/intervention.

    4.   Conduct at least one activity or project per week that promotes self-esteem.

    5.   Look for signs of smoking, drinking or other substance abuse among your youth. If you think a youth is using any of the above, talk about these topics with your group. With that individual, discuss privately the dangers involved. Consult your organization’s policies for further steps.

    6.   Encourage physical activity every day.

    Additional Actions to Consider

    • Every time you see a youth demonstrate a basic value such as caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, etc., name that behavior and compliment the youth on it.
    • Look for signs of excessive weight loss, possible eating disorders or unhealthy eating patterns in your youth. If a youth demonstrates signs of unhealthy eating, talk with the youth and seek help from your organization in addressing these issues.

    For 15 to 18 Years^

    Top Six Actions

    1.   Look for signs of smoking, drinking or other substance abuse among your youth. If you think a youth is using any of the above, talk about these topics with your group. With that individual youth, discuss privately the dangers involved. Consult your organization’s policies for further steps.

    2.   Be available and willing to discuss concerns or questions about sexual development and related topics. Be sure to follow your organization’s guidelines on these subjects.

    3.   Identify emotionally disturbed youth who could be suicidal or harm others. Share information on the importance of mental well-being. Offer access to mental health support services as a measure of prevention/intervention. Follow your organization’s policies.

    4.   Ask the youth in your group if they have health insurance. If any are uninsured, work with the parents/caregivers to secure free or low-cost insurance from CHIP, Medicaid or other government programs.

    5.   Ask the youth in your group if they have a regular healthcare provider where they receive immunizations, well-child care and care for illnesses. If any do not, recommend a quality health center or other health provider in
    their neighborhood.

    6.   Look for signs of excessive weight loss, possible eating disorders or unhealthy eating patterns among your youth. If any demonstrate these signs, talk with them and seek help from your organization in addressing these issues.

    Additional Actions to Consider

    • Discuss nutrition, hygiene, preventative medical/dental care, alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse. Employ innovative methods such as skits, discussion sessions, theatre groups, service-learning opportunities, peer counseling, teaching health to younger children or poster contests to communicate messages about health.
    • Discuss violence prevention, especially date violence, which is often a precursor to domestic violence. Secure counseling services
      if needed.
    • Identify emotionally disturbed youth who might be suicidal or harm others. Consult your supervisor and follow your organization’s policies for addressing these issues.
    • Encourage 30 minutes of physical activity every day.