Child Poverty Rising in Southern Oregon

GRANTS PASS, Ore. --  Child poverty levels in our area are now one of the highest in the state.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one third of all students in the Three Rivers School District, in Josephine County, are living in poverty.  School officials say the area has been hit hard by the loss of jobs in the timber and manufacturing industries, causing a spike in unemployment, and therefore, poverty.  Although they say they can't do anything about the actual number, they are doing everything they can to make sure students are supplied with basic needs in the classroom.  The district provides in-house advocates, guidance, free food, transportation, and clothing for those children.  Officials say the district also tracks student attendance.  According to school officials, the Josephine County schools hardest hit are in Cave Junction and Illinois Valley.