New statistics released last week give a glimpse of the state of children in Texas County, which ranks 99 out of 116 geographical areas in Missouri.
The Kids Count in Missouri 2009 Data Book shows a mixed picture for the county’s children. Of the 10 factors measured, six were positive and four others trended downward. The annual report, a collaborative project of Citizens for Missouri’s Children and more than 30 public and private organizations from across the state, documents the status of children in 114 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis.
The 2009 report covers areas such as economic security, early education, health, child protection and juvenile justice.
In Texas County, improvements were seen in these areas from last year:
–Births to mothers without a high school diploma.
–Low birth weight infants.
–Child abuse and neglect.
–Out-of-home placement entries.
–Annual high school dropouts.
–Violent deaths involving children ages 15-19.
Showing a worsening trend were:
–Students enrolled in free/reduced lunches.
–Infant mortality.
–Child deaths, ages 1 to 14.
–Births to teens, ages 15 to 19.
“By reviewing annually the status of Missouri’s children, we hope to educate the public about whether our children have the resources and supports needed to develop into healthy, well-rounded adults,” explained Scott Gee, executive director of Citizens for Missouri’s Children.
In Texas County, there were 5,288 children in 2008, about 27.3 percent lived in poverty. Of those under 6, about 40 percent lived in poverty conditions, according to the data. About 30 percent lived in single-parent homes.
About 43.6 percent of the county’s children received aid through the Food Stamps program, according to the report. About 60 percent of the county’s parents were paying child support into the state’s system.
Fewer children were enrolled in the state’s HealthNet program for children in 2008: About 46.6 percent – compared to 53.7 percent in 2004.
Here are the county rankings for those adjoining Texas County: Douglas, 62; Howell, 93; Wright, 95; Laclede, 106; Pulaski, 26; Phelps, 66; Shannon, 85; and Dent, 51.
Kids Count report on Texas County