Child Well-Being Improving But Not Enough

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - "Demographic, social and economic shifts since 1990 combined with federal and state policy efforts have significantly shaped child well-being today," starts an introduction to the Annie E.Casey Foundation 2014 KIDS COUNT Data Book.

The annual publication has researched major trends in child health and development since 1990.

More kids are attending preschool, are proficient academically and are healthier than they were 25 years ago. Recovering from the economic recession has been slow for low-income families and issues such as food insecurity and safety have affected families.

The Data Book examines more than 16 indicators and ranks states on the domains of economic well being health, education, family and community, and features success stories from child advocates. Massachusetts ranked number one this year.

Where's your state?

KIDS COUNT is an important source for policy makers, legislators and researchers, but is valuable for all those concerned about society - where millions more kids are living in poverty than last count.