Blog Post

The poverty numbers do not capture the full impact of the recession; another 44,000-56,000 children could enter the ranks of poverty before the economy recovers.

This year’s KIDS COUNT Data Book, “The Building Blocks for Successful Children,” has found that 140,000 Minnesota children lived in poverty in 2008 - a 22 percent increase over 2000. The Data Book, which includes hundreds of indicators on children and families, focuses this year on poverty and the supports children need for successful futures.

Children in poverty need “building blocks of success” because they most often live in unhealthy environments that can permanently affect their development. These children do not have stable housing, nutritious food, quality child care, or a doctor to go to when they are sick. Without early investments, children living in poverty will not have the foundations they need to become the next generation of successful workers, parents, and leaders. The Data Book explores how public programs and policies can support vulnerable children and families to reverse negative trends and outcomes.

In addition, the poverty numbers for 2008 that were released earlier this week do not capture the full economic impact of the current recession. In the Data Book, projections estimate that another 44,000 – 56,000 children could enter the ranks of poverty before the economy recovers.

The annual KIDS COUNT publication provides state-level data shows how well Minnesota’s children and families are doing and compares this to past years. The 2009 book focuses on the “building blocks of success” for children, highlighting the developmental supports children need to succeed.

Visit www.cdf-mn.org to view county-level data, as well download an electronic copy of the book. KIDS COUNT is a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Key Findings from the Minnesota KIDS COUNT 2009 Data Book:
• 11 percent of Minnesota’s children lived in poverty in 2008.
• 24 percent of Asian children in Minnesota lived below the poverty level in 2007, ranked worst in the nation.
• 88,000 children did not have healthcare coverage in 2008, an increase from 2007.
• 270,247 (33 percent) children received free/reduced price lunch during the 2008-2009 school year.
• Students dropping out of school has declined 57 percent since 2000.
• 6,277 children were abused and neglected, a 37 percent decrease from 2002.
• 10,895 children were arrested for a serious crime, down from 15,398 in 2000.

Comments

One of the worst things about children in poverty is that they cannot afford any type of health insurance. If the children are in poverty, then obviously their parents are too so they cannot afford many of the modern conveniences that the rest of us take for granted.

Submitted by Anonymous on March 21, 2010 - 5:47pm.