Considerations for Children and Adolescents
Children and adolescents in rural areas rely on transportation to access, for example, school, healthcare services, afterschool activities, and other recreational programs. However, in rural areas where there may be significant transportation barriers to accessing healthcare and other services, children and adolescents' health needs may be neglected. Rural planners should consider how transportation programs used by children and adolescents address access to healthcare services, safety, and active travel.
Access to Healthcare Services
When implementing a transportation program involving children and adolescents, rural programs should consider several factors, including:
- Establishing policies and procedures with the organizations involved in delivering healthcare and transportation services
- Conducting background checks, fingerprinting, and other verifications of drivers
- Obtaining permissions and/or signed release forms from parents
One alternative approach for rural transportation programs to support access to health and dental care for children and adolescents is by offering school-based services. Our Rural Services Integration Toolkit offers more considerations and resources on school-based healthcare delivery in the School-Based Services Integration Model.
Safety
Transportation programs in rural communities must prioritize safety among children and adolescents. Programs must ensure the correct and age-appropriate use of seat belts and child restraints. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides guidance on the correct type of child restraint or car seat to use for children and adolescents, based on age, height, and weight. Rural transportation programs can ensure proper installation of car seats by engaging child passenger safety technicians in their programs.
Active Travel
Children living in rural areas are at a greater risk of obesity and chronic diseases. Transportation programs that promote an active lifestyle for children are important. The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) recommends increasing active travel to school as a strategy to improve safety. In addition, transportation programs can dually serve as a means of getting children from one point to another and as a form of physical activity. Programs to increase active travel to school may include:
- Engineering to improve infrastructure, including bicycle facilities, pedestrian facilities, sidewalks, and other components of the built environment
- Education and training to emphasize the importance of active travel
- Encouragement through community events and other strategies to promote active travel
- Enforcement to ensure safety of children and adolescents who walk to school
Safe Routes to School is an evidence-based program to promote active travel among children. The program has resulted in an increase in the percentage of students who walked and biked to and from school. The Safe Routes to School National Partnership provides information, resources, and expert help on implementing a program.
Resources to Learn More
Meeting the Transportation Needs of Students Experiencing Homelessness in the Pandemic and Beyond
Document
Highlights programs across states focused on making transportation more accessible to everyone.
Organization(s): School House Connection
Date: 5/2022