Children's wellbeing slips across the US

Source: msn/Axios

7h


Children's wellbeing declined nationally from 2019 to 2024, with kids in 29 states faring worse than before the COVID pandemic, according to a new report.

Why it matters: Children's wellbeing affects future workforce participation and economic growth, and researchers warn rising costs and safety-net reductions could further strain families.

"Research shows that kids who are healthy, safe, fed, educated and surrounded by strong family relationships have a much better chance to thrive and contribute as independent adults," says Leslie Boissiere, Annie E. Casey Foundation vice president of external affairs.

"We know that today's children are tomorrow's workforce so the strength of the economy in the future is tied to the wellbeing of kids today," adds Boissiere, who oversees the foundation's Kids Count book.

How it works: The Annie E. Casey Foundation's annual report measures children's wellbeing in four categories: economic, education, health, and family and community.

The 2026 Kids Count Data Book examines data from 2019 through 2024 to assess the effects of safety-net investments, Boissiere says.

Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/childrens-wellbeing-slips-across-the-us/ar-AA254SIG

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Link to The Annie E. Casey Foundation ANNOUNCEMENT - New KIDS COUNT Index Reveals Where States Are Making Progress for Children

Link to The Annie E. Casey Foundation REPORT page (for link to download of full report PDF) - 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book