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

2. 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

9. 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

10. Child Poverty is on the Rise

11. Economic Security in Dallas Co. Median Household Income –DOWN 5% to $41,271 (2000-2002) Unemployment –CLIMBS to 6.8% (2000-2004) Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2002 Small Area Income & Poverty Estimates; Texas Workforce Commission

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

13. 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

14. More Children in Need

15. Services for Children in Dallas Co. Medicaid –UP 115%, over 161,000 enrolled (2000-2003) Food Stamps –UP 116%, over 68,000 enrolled (2000-2003) Head Start –UP 7%, over 4,000 enrolled (2000-2002) Sources: Texas Health & Human Services Commission; U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services

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

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

18. Bucking the Trend: Dallas County Teens

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

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

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

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

23. Texas KIDS COUNT Project Frances Deviney, PhD deviney@cppp.org Center for Public Policy Priorities www.cppp.org