The impact of the recession continues to affect Missouri’s children according to a new report released by Partnership for Children, the University of Missouri’s Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis (OSEDA) and Children’s Trust Fund. 

The KIDS COUNT in Missouri 2012 Data Book provides an annual, county-level analysis of child well-being, measuring indicators of health, education, economic security and child protection and safety.

The data books ranks each of Missouri counties on a composite index. This year's rating for local counties was Platte County (#1), Clay County (#6) and Jackson County (#86). Download details for the three counties.​

This year’s Data Book shows that the number and percent of children living in poverty in Missouri continues to grow.  According to the data, more than one in five Missouri children is living in poverty and nearly half (47.7 percent) of public schoolchildren aren’t address the core issue of poverty, our children will continue to suffer.” 

The number of children enrolled in MO HealthNet for Kids increased 14 percent between 2007 and 2011, reflecting the more turbulent economic conditions facing Missouri families today.

Despite the increase in poverty, the data showed progress in some areas, including: infant mortality; child deaths; teen violent deaths; births to mothers without a high school diploma; and births to teens.

Three outcome measures worsened: the number of students enrolled in free/reduced lunch; child abuse and neglect; and out-of-home placements, which increased 14 percent, 4 percent and 16 percent, respectively, between 2007 and 2011.

Two outcomes, the percent of low birthweight infants and high school dropouts, remained the same.

Partnership for Children, OSEDA and Children’s Trust Fund collaborate to produce the annual KIDS COUNT in Missouri Data Book.

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