Data Book Gives Annual Update On Well-Being Of Children

The Kids Count Data Book measures the well-being of youth across Indiana, including county breakdowns.  

This year's edition of the annual data book finds fewer children in Indianapolis live in poverty and there are more opportunities to connect with quality early childhood care and education.

Indiana Youth Institute compiles the annual assessment and President Tami Silverman says a number of trends are moving in the right direction.

"We want to be cautious about patting ourselves on the back too much," Silverman says, "because we know that there are still kids in our area, many children that need additional supports in order to be well educated, healthy and safe."

The data shows more children are living in single parent families in Marion County, and there was a spike in the teen birth rate.

Marion County also lags when it comes to measures related to infant and maternal mortality. 

Silverman says the book looks at various factors that play into those bigger issues.

"So, what are the conditions for health, what are the conditions for learning, that we all need to lean into, so that we can gain some more momentum in those areas," says Silverman. 

The data also shows high school graduation rates have dropped, following a statewide trend. Local civic leaders often look to the book for information that could drive policy.