JACKSON, Tenn. (WBBJ) – From getting to class to feeling safe at home, children in Madison County face a range of challenges, according to a report from the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth.The report ranks Madison County 94th out of Tennessee’s 95 counties in child safety and risk behavior and 88th in education.Kylie Graves, director of data policy and communication for the commission, said the child safety ranking considers youth crime, abuse and chronic absenteeism.Graves said Madison County’s chronic absenteeism rate is 28.2%, compared with 18.3% statewide. Chronic absenteeism measures public school students who miss at least 10% of school days.The education ranking considers reading and math performance and high school graduation rates, Graves said.Greg Hammond, chief of public information for Jackson-Madison County Schools, said the district is working to improve attendance through school rewards and student activities.“The best way to tackle chronic absenteeism is to get that child to want to be at school,” Hammond said.Outside the classroom, child advocacy center director Lisa Schmidt said the center helps children who have experienced severe abuse. Services include forensic interviews, trauma focused therapy, medical exams and support for families.A state report ranks Madison County near the bottom in child safety and education as local leaders work to support students and families.(WBBJ)“We have a victim advocate that works with the family from the point of the forensic interview all the way through,” Schmidt said. “We are co-located with the Department of Children Services.”Graves said Madison County’s children’s cabinet is also working with local leaders to address needs identified in the report. She emphasized the importance of children having a safe, stable and caring adult they can turn to for support.Copyright 2026 WBBJ. All rights reserved.
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