America’s Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being

This year’s report, published in July 2010, reveals both gains and losses in child well-being since 2007.

The percentage of preterm births declined for the second straight year from 2007 to 2008, from 12.7 percent to 12.3 percent. Adolescent births also declined during that period, from 22.2 per 1,000 adolescent girls to 21.7 per 1,000 adolescent girls. Additionally, both reading and math scores increased for the nation’s eighth graders from 2007 to 2009.

According to the report, increases in child poverty, food insecurity and secure parental employment coincide with the downturn in the economy. Child poverty increased from 18 to 19 percent and food insecurity rose from 17 to 22 percent from 2007 to 2008.

The report is by the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics and compiles federal statistics to observe child well-being. The report groups the most recently available federal statistics in following categories: family and social environment, economic circumstances, health care, physical environment and safety, behavior, education and health. Twenty-two federal agencies collect, analyze and report data on issues related to children and families.
 

Read the report.