A new report shows Georgia still has a long way to go when it comes to ensuring children’s well-being.
“Kids Count” Data Book ranked Georgia 39th in the nation in terms of children’s education, health, economic well-being and community. The book used federal, state and local data and is funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
When compared to national averages, Georgia showed high rates of teen birthrates and child poverty.
But details from the report also showed small gains.
This is the first time Georgia has ranked higher than 40th since 2012.
Also, according to the data, more students in Georgia are proficient in reading and math and more children are living in families where the head of the household has a high school diploma.
Rebecca Rice, the data manager for Georgia Family Connection, a public private partnership, said she hopes the information is used by citizens and policymakers to help improve conditions for children in the state.
“We just want to make sure we are continuing to move in the right direction,” said Rice. “Not just so we can see a change in rank, that’s always great, but we have to remember that rank represents the well-being of kids and families in Georgia.”
