LANSING (WKZO AM/FM) — While adults are getting better at some things as it relates to raising children, they are getting worse at other things according to the latest Kids Count Data Book for Michigan.
Project Director Alicia Gueverra Warren the most alarming statistic may be the climb in the child abuse rate, up nearly 30 percent in the last 7 years.
She says fewer kids are living in poverty, about 20% fewer, thanks to the recovery.
That’s about a half-million young Michiganders who are still underprivileged, or about one in every five, which she still thinks is unacceptable.
The report also says there has been a 30% drop in teen pregnancies, but that may be partially due to a drop in the number of teens.
The 44-page report condenses government statistics to lay out the problem and also suggests solutions that are targeted at spurring lawmakers to take action, and for voters to tell them what actions to take.
Counties in Southwest Michigan ranked all over the map, with Ottawa County falling 3 from the top in serving the needs of children. Calhoun County was 5th from the bottom.
Allegan and Barry Counties were towards the top. Kalamazoo, Van Buren, Cass and Branch Counties fell in the middle of the pack. St. Joseph and Berrien Counties were toward the bottom.
