KIDS COUNT 2007 Measuring the Well-being of Minnesota’s Children Children's Defense Fund MN 555 Park St. #410 St Paul, MN Children's Defense Fund MN 555 Park St. #410 St Paul, MN

Children’s Defense Fund Nonpartisan, nonprofit organization CDF does not seek nor accept any government funds MN is one of 12 state and regional offices The mission of the Children’s Defense Fund is to Leave No Child Behind and to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. Nonpartisan, nonprofit organization CDF does not seek nor accept any government funds MN is one of 12 state and regional offices The mission of the Children’s Defense Fund is to Leave No Child Behind and to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

CDF Minnesota Initiatives Child Advocacy: Legislative & Grassroots Child Advocacy: Legislative & Grassroots Research & Public Education Outreach: Helping Families Access Public Benefits & Claim Tax Credits

What is KIDS COUNT? National and state-by-state data effort to track the well-being of children Funded by Annie E. Casey Foundation CDF Minnesota is the Minnesota KIDS COUNT grantee. We provide: State-level and county-by-county data on the well-being of Minnesota's children and families Periodic reports and an annual data book to provide a statistical profile of Minnesota's children and suggestions for action on their behalf National and state-by-state data effort to track the well-being of children Funded by Annie E. Casey Foundation CDF Minnesota is the Minnesota KIDS COUNT grantee. We provide: State-level and county-by-county data on the well-being of Minnesota's children and families Periodic reports and an annual data book to provide a statistical profile of Minnesota's children and suggestions for action on their behalf

Seven Basic Needs: KIDS COUNT Data Book, 2007 Focus on basic needs all children share: 1.Family & Caregivers 2.Economic Security 3.Food & Nutrition 4.Healthy Development 5.Early Care & Education 6.School Age Care & Education 7.Safe Homes & Communities Five Featured Indicators for Family Success Focus on basic needs all children share: 1.Family & Caregivers 2.Economic Security 3.Food & Nutrition 4.Healthy Development 5.Early Care & Education 6.School Age Care & Education 7.Safe Homes & Communities Five Featured Indicators for Family Success

1.Children living in poverty (100% FPG) 2.Children receiving food support 3.Children receiving free or reduced-price school lunch 4.Children born to teen mothers 5.Children born at low birth weight 1.Children living in poverty (100% FPG) 2.Children receiving food support 3.Children receiving free or reduced-price school lunch 4.Children born to teen mothers 5.Children born at low birth weight Ten Annual Data Indicators

6.Children who transferred schools 7.Children who dropped out of school 8.Children arrested for violent crimes 9.Children abused or neglected 10.Children in out-of-home placements 6.Children who transferred schools 7.Children who dropped out of school 8.Children arrested for violent crimes 9.Children abused or neglected 10.Children in out-of-home placements Ten Annual Data Indicators

See pages 4-5 Statewide Trends, CONCERNS  More children living in poverty, extreme poverty 33% and 67% increases respectively Exceed national increases of 12% and 14% CONCERNS  More children living in poverty, extreme poverty 33% and 67% increases respectively Exceed national increases of 12% and 14%

Trends to 2006 In Minnesota since 2000 Child poverty rate increased by 35% Estimated 38,000 more children in poverty Extreme poverty rate doubled Estimated 31,000 more children in extreme poverty Rates accelerating faster than national increases Since 2003, more Minnesota children and families falling to lower rungs of economic ladder In Minnesota since 2000 Child poverty rate increased by 35% Estimated 38,000 more children in poverty Extreme poverty rate doubled Estimated 31,000 more children in extreme poverty Rates accelerating faster than national increases Since 2003, more Minnesota children and families falling to lower rungs of economic ladder

See pages 4-5 Statewide Trends, CONCERNS  More children living in poverty, extreme poverty  More children receiving Food Support (stamps)  More children receiving free or reduced- price school lunch  More children transferring schools during the year CONCERNS  More children living in poverty, extreme poverty  More children receiving Food Support (stamps)  More children receiving free or reduced- price school lunch  More children transferring schools during the year

IMPROVEMENTS  Children born to teenage mothers Follows national trend Actually increasing for MN Hispanic teens, against national trend  Children born at low birth weight  Children arrested for violent crimes IMPROVEMENTS  Children born to teenage mothers Follows national trend Actually increasing for MN Hispanic teens, against national trend  Children born at low birth weight  Children arrested for violent crimes Statewide Trends, See pages 4-5

Statewide Trends, IMPROVEMENTS  Children dropping out of school  Children abused or neglected Decrease in reporting?  Children in out-of-home placements Success of Alternative Placement Program Decrease in reporting? IMPROVEMENTS  Children dropping out of school  Children abused or neglected Decrease in reporting?  Children in out-of-home placements Success of Alternative Placement Program Decrease in reporting? See pages 4-5

Five Featured Indicators For Family Success 1. 79,000 Minnesota children do not have health insurance Most recent estimate from national data From , the rate of uninsured children under age 6 more than doubled, from 3.0 to 6.8% 26,000 of our uninsured children live in families making more than 250% of the federal poverty guideline (more than 50,000 for a family of four) The estimated uninsured rate for children in your geographic region is found on your County Page 1. 79,000 Minnesota children do not have health insurance Most recent estimate from national data From , the rate of uninsured children under age 6 more than doubled, from 3.0 to 6.8% 26,000 of our uninsured children live in families making more than 250% of the federal poverty guideline (more than 50,000 for a family of four) The estimated uninsured rate for children in your geographic region is found on your County Page See pages 6-7

Five Featured Indicators For Family Success 2. Almost 30% of Minnesota children did not have a preventive medical care visit in the past year Related to both uninsured and underinsured children Problems are not caught early -- children receiving reactive care More costly in both health and economic terms 2. Almost 30% of Minnesota children did not have a preventive medical care visit in the past year Related to both uninsured and underinsured children Problems are not caught early -- children receiving reactive care More costly in both health and economic terms See pages 6-7

Five Featured Indicators For Family Success 3.Two out of three Minnesota’s children under 6 have all available parents in the workforce Exceeds national rate of 60% High demand for child care Need for high-quality, affordable care 3.Two out of three Minnesota’s children under 6 have all available parents in the workforce Exceeds national rate of 60% High demand for child care Need for high-quality, affordable care See pages 6-7

Five Featured Indicators For Family Success 4.High annual cost for full- time care for a preschooler $8,800 for a center or $6,000 for family- based care 14% or 9% respectively of state median family income ($64,000) 10% considered affordable Even higher costs for families with multiple children Infant and toddler care is more expensive Local rates on your County Page 4.High annual cost for full- time care for a preschooler $8,800 for a center or $6,000 for family- based care 14% or 9% respectively of state median family income ($64,000) 10% considered affordable Even higher costs for families with multiple children Infant and toddler care is more expensive Local rates on your County Page See pages 6-7

Five Featured Indicators For Family Success 5.More than 1 in 10 Minnesota households claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) 255,000 + Tax households claimed the EITC in 2005 Key work support for families Brought more than $400 million in federal money to Minnesota Economic stimulus to communities 5.More than 1 in 10 Minnesota households claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) 255,000 + Tax households claimed the EITC in 2005 Key work support for families Brought more than $400 million in federal money to Minnesota Economic stimulus to communities See pages 6-7

Focus on Your County All county information is also in the back of your data book, beginning on page 36 Single County Page for each county available online at All county information is also in the back of your data book, beginning on page 36 Single County Page for each county available online at

Focus on Your County Demographics - Polk County Total Population: 31,133; Child Population: 7,021 Median Household Income: $38,702 3 Featured Indicators (other 2 only available at state level) Uninsured children, by geographic region: 8.1% Cost of child care (Measured through survey by State of Minnesota) Center Based: $5,500 Annual Family Based: $5,003 Annual EITC claims: 2,099 = $3,501, Annual Indicators Slight increase in child poverty rate - slightly higher than state average (14% vs 11%) Maintained or decreased In most other indicators Half below state average/half above (school lunch, food support, teen pregnancies, low birth rates above) Demographics - Polk County Total Population: 31,133; Child Population: 7,021 Median Household Income: $38,702 3 Featured Indicators (other 2 only available at state level) Uninsured children, by geographic region: 8.1% Cost of child care (Measured through survey by State of Minnesota) Center Based: $5,500 Annual Family Based: $5,003 Annual EITC claims: 2,099 = $3,501, Annual Indicators Slight increase in child poverty rate - slightly higher than state average (14% vs 11%) Maintained or decreased In most other indicators Half below state average/half above (school lunch, food support, teen pregnancies, low birth rates above)

2004 Child Poverty Rates, by County Shown in Quartiles

What is Bridge to Benefits? 1.Multi-state project by CDF-MN to improve the well-being of families and individuals by linking them to public work support programs and tax credits Health Care Programs (MinnesotaCare, Medical Assistance, GAMC) Food Support School Meal (free and reduced school lunches) Energy Assistance Sliding Feed Childcare Tax Credits (EITC and WFC) 2.Relies on an on-line screening tool 1.Multi-state project by CDF-MN to improve the well-being of families and individuals by linking them to public work support programs and tax credits Health Care Programs (MinnesotaCare, Medical Assistance, GAMC) Food Support School Meal (free and reduced school lunches) Energy Assistance Sliding Feed Childcare Tax Credits (EITC and WFC) 2.Relies on an on-line screening tool

What is Bridge to Benefits 3.Addresses underutilization of programs Energy Assistance (30% of eligible households were enrolled^) Health Care (65% of eligible children were enrolled*) Child Care Assistance (23% of eligible children were enrolled**) Food Support (59% of eligible individuals were enrolled#) School Meals (85% of eligible children were enrolled) EITC & WFC (82% of eligible households claimed**) 4.Includes work support programs and tax credits were created to help low-income workers meet basic needs 5.Helps overcome barriers to participation: lack of awareness, complex application process, literacy, language, transportation, stigma, etc. 3.Addresses underutilization of programs Energy Assistance (30% of eligible households were enrolled^) Health Care (65% of eligible children were enrolled*) Child Care Assistance (23% of eligible children were enrolled**) Food Support (59% of eligible individuals were enrolled#) School Meals (85% of eligible children were enrolled) EITC & WFC (82% of eligible households claimed**) 4.Includes work support programs and tax credits were created to help low-income workers meet basic needs 5.Helps overcome barriers to participation: lack of awareness, complex application process, literacy, language, transportation, stigma, etc.

Bridge to Benefits Goals Increase awareness and participation in public work support programs Improve economic stability and well- being of working families Promote healthy child development Help families navigate program rules and discover the easiest way to apply Assist service providers by forming a “network of support,” making sure families are receiving all the help available Strengthen communities by bringing in more federal and state dollars Increase awareness and participation in public work support programs Improve economic stability and well- being of working families Promote healthy child development Help families navigate program rules and discover the easiest way to apply Assist service providers by forming a “network of support,” making sure families are receiving all the help available Strengthen communities by bringing in more federal and state dollars

Potential Impact Full participation in public work support programs by all eligible families would have a dramatic impact: 23% fewer families would live in poverty (nationally) 28,000 Minnesota kids Millions more federal dollars would flow into the Minnesota economy Energy Assistance = $77 million EITC/WFC = $530 million Food Support = $250 million School Meal = $109 million Source: Zedlewski, S.R., Giannarelli, L., Morton, J., & Wheaton, L. (2002). Extreme Poverty Rising: Existing Government Programs Could Do More. Washington, D.C.: The Urban Institute.

Online Screening Tool Screens for single adults, couples without children and families with children Customized “Results Page” with programs families may be eligible for Program information & guidelines Printable applications in multiple languages Quick program look-up by county Additional resources for families Word of Caution: Does not determine eligibility - it is only a guideline Screens for single adults, couples without children and families with children Customized “Results Page” with programs families may be eligible for Program information & guidelines Printable applications in multiple languages Quick program look-up by county Additional resources for families Word of Caution: Does not determine eligibility - it is only a guideline

Screening Organizations Already serve low- income families Spend time helping families find resources Can integrate tool into daily routine Already serve low- income families Spend time helping families find resources Can integrate tool into daily routine

Application Assistance Organizations Provide assistance in completing application for one or more program Follow up with families to ensure they make it through enrollment process Accept “direct referrals” from screening organizations More than just resource and referral Provide assistance in completing application for one or more program Follow up with families to ensure they make it through enrollment process Accept “direct referrals” from screening organizations More than just resource and referral

Target Communities Selected communities are serving as pilot to test Bridge to Benefits model Minneapolis St. Paul Washington County Duluth Moorhead Rochester Beltrami/Cass County Mora Marshall Sponsored screenings at free tax sites in each community Recruiting screening and application assistance organizations Selected communities are serving as pilot to test Bridge to Benefits model Minneapolis St. Paul Washington County Duluth Moorhead Rochester Beltrami/Cass County Mora Marshall Sponsored screenings at free tax sites in each community Recruiting screening and application assistance organizations

Outreach Data More than 4,300 screens in 2006 Utilized in 86 of 87 counties Data from last tax season reveals considerable under-utilization of programs (families that are eligible but not accessing programs) Energy Assistance: 53% Health Care programs: 49% Food Support: 40% School Meals: 20% Child Care Assistance: 21% More than 4,300 screens in 2006 Utilized in 86 of 87 counties Data from last tax season reveals considerable under-utilization of programs (families that are eligible but not accessing programs) Energy Assistance: 53% Health Care programs: 49% Food Support: 40% School Meals: 20% Child Care Assistance: 21%

Additional Online Resources Visit for the electronic report and a one-page summary for each county in Minnesota Click on “Kids Count” National and state-level rankings and interactive tables and graphs available at Including CLIKS, county-level data and State Level Data Online Visit for the electronic report and a one-page summary for each county in Minnesota Click on “Kids Count” National and state-level rankings and interactive tables and graphs available at Including CLIKS, county-level data and State Level Data Online

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