Indiana leaders are working to improve children’s lives, as the state’s national ranking for child well-being has slipped.
The latest report showed Indiana has fallen from 24th to 27th among states for overall child well-being, with food insecurity emerging as a major concern.
Tami Silverman, president and CEO of the Indiana Youth Institute, called results in the latest Indiana Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation “mixed,” with nearly 20% of kids lacking consistent access to nutritious food, a figure worse than at the peak of the pandemic.
“We need to make sure we’re leaning into some of our areas where we have the biggest challenges,” Silverman urged. “We rank 32nd in the country for the health of our children, and that’s physical and mental health. We’re 15th in the country for economic well-being, but we’re struggling as far as our kids’ health.”
Silverman emphasized addressing food insecurity requires focusing on basic needs like stable housing and reliable access to healthy meals. Neighboring states, including Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio, face similar challenges.
Another challenge is only 40% of three- and four-year-olds attend early education programs, resulting in learning gaps in language arts, math and other subjects later in school, which worry educators and parents.
Silverman argued such hurdles threaten children’s future and demand immediate attention. However, she acknowledged the report also highlighted some bright spots.
“Teen birth rates are down,” Silverman noted. “The ratio of dentists and mental health providers that are available for kids have improved. Median family income is on the rise.”
Youth advocates are calling on both community leaders and policymakers to address the state’s gaps in education and health to build on the progress. Silverman stressed caring for Indiana’s children is everyone’s job. She urged leaders to do more to push for a healthier, safer future for every child.
6 comments
Use the word hunger. Food insecurity is a pathetic term. I see a hungry child, not a child with food insecurity.
As usual, the NWI/INS solution isn’t to expect parents to actually parent and put their kids first, the solution is to throw tax dollars at it.
Enough is enough.
Simple terms please. HUNGRY CHILDREN. unacceptable, yet our reps are worried about a bill to acquire the poorest part of Southern Illinois. Anyone see where we are going wrong? Stop voting red. It will be our downfall.
I see where we are going wrong. Exempting parents from the onus of caring for their own children and making everyone else pay for it via tax dollars…
How about letting government do government things, and look to charities for charity work?
The poorest part of IL that is having the life sucked out of it by ChiCongo every day. And you wonder why they want to leave.
Jimmie, go out and feed the hungry children you see. Do charity, don’t expect everyone else to do your charity for you.