Texas KIDS COUNT Project Frances Deviney, PhD Texas KIDS COUNT Director Center for Public Policy Priorities Belo Mansion Dallas, Texas November 1, 2005

What is the Value of KIDS COUNT? Provides the most current county-level data available Tailors data to local audience and circumstances Informs critical decision-making about children and families Serves as a resource for local advocates in Texas

Children in Dallas Co. & Texas Dallas Co. = 638,371 Texas = over 6.1 million Source: Texas State Data Center and the Office of the State Demographer, 2003 Population Estimates Children ages 0-17

Child Poverty is on the Rise

Economic Security in Dallas Co. Median Household Income –DOWN 5% to $41,271 ( ) Unemployment –CLIMBS to 6.8% ( ) Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2002 Small Area Income & Poverty Estimates; Texas Workforce Commission

Infant Mortality Climbs After Low in 2000 Source: Texas Department of State Health Services

Infant Health In Dallas Co. Babies born with inadequate prenatal care –1 in 4 Babies born weighing < 5.5 pounds –Over 3,300 Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, 2003 Birth Data

More Children in Need

Services for Children in Dallas Co. Medicaid –UP 115%, over 161,000 enrolled ( ) Food Stamps –UP 116%, over 68,000 enrolled ( ) Head Start –UP 7%, over 4,000 enrolled ( ) Sources: Texas Health & Human Services Commission; U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services

Funding Threatened Congress is discussing substantial cuts to programs affecting children. –Medicaid –Food Stamps –TANF –Foster Care –Child Support Assistance

The State of the Economy is Reflected in the State of Texas and Dallas County Children

Bucking the Trend: Dallas County Teens

High School Dropout Rate Shows Consistent Decline Source: Texas Education Agency, 4-year Longitudinal Dropout Rate

Births to Teens in Dallas Co. Lower than Rest of Texas... And Falling Source: Texas Department of State Health Services

Teen Violent Death Declined Sharply from Early 1990’s Source: Texas Department of State Health Services

Investing in Our Kids Dropout Prevention Programs Pregnancy Prevention Graduated Driver’s License

Texas KIDS COUNT Project Frances Deviney, PhD Center for Public Policy Priorities