Source
Summary
“The KIDS COUNT indicators capture what children and youth need most in four domains: (1) Economic Well-Being, (2) Education, (3) Health and (4) Family and Community. Each domain has four indicators, for a total of 16. Because state policies play a critical role, the outlook for child well-being depends on where a child is growing up.
[Related: Out-of-school programs play an outsized role in child development]
2025 Trends: Progress and Persistent Gaps
This year’s Data Book tells a mixed story — steady progress in some areas, setbacks in others and opportunities to do better for kids and families. Since 2019, seven of the 16 key indicators have improved, six have worsened and three have stayed the same. Bright spots include:
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- reductions in child poverty and the number of children living in high-poverty areas;
- fewer teen births;
- more children with health insurance;
- increases in secure parental employment and parental education; and
- a rise in on-time high school graduation.
Some of these trends reflect years of progress. Others highlight the resilience of children and families after the COVID-19 pandemic and the success of strong policies that provided support during that time.”
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