NCJ Number
241468
Date Published
2012
Length
60 pages
Annotation
Data on the status and well-being of kids and families are intended for use by policymakers, advocates, practitioners, and citizens for the purpose of stimulating discussions on ways to improve outcomes for America's children.
Abstract
The findings show that some aspects of child well-being, such as education and health, continued to improve, despite economic difficulties being faced by the Nation as a whole. On the other hand, some hard-won gains are eroding. Of particular concern is the dramatic decline in economic well-being for families and their children. With the right investments, all families and children can have the opportunity to reach their full potential while strengthening the economy and the Nation. Comprehensive early childhood programs and high-quality preschool can assist in improving school readiness among low-income children. Only a small percentage of poor children participate in programs of sufficient quality and intensity to overcome the developmental deficits associated with chronic economic hardship and low levels of parental education. Mortality rates for children of all ages have declined as a result of medical advances and increased vigilance regarding threats to children. Persistently high unemployment and pervasive under-employment continue to threaten the financial status of middle-class families, while increasing hardships for low-income families and communities. Beyond the constraints posed by a fragile economic recovery and tight government budgets, the persistent paralysis of the current political culture is another potential obstacle to improvement in services for children and families. Smart investments must be made in restoring what has been lost and in improving the well-being of our children. The data and analysis are presented under the domains of economic well-being, education, health, and family and community. Extensive tables and figures and appended definitions and data sources, primary contacts for State KIDS COUNT projects