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Do Georgia Kids Really Count?
by Naja Williamson

The decisions we make today will affect Georgia's growth, development, and vitality tomorrow. Unfortunately, that future is threatened by the current conditions and trends in child well-being in this state. Georgia continues to be among the bottom 10 states overall on 10 indicators of child well-being. According to the 2006 KIDS COUNT Data Book, published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Georgia ranks 44th in the nation.

Georgia tracks more than 50 indicators of child well-being over time and reports data highlights, trends, and disparities in its Georgia 2006 KIDS COUNT Data Book. Features of this year's annual data book include:

• data tables for each result area, giving the latest data and rates available;
• trend data for indicators;
• charts showing Outcomes for Counties, listing the best and worst counties for select indicators;
• maps showing counties that are better or worse than state average;
• research findings with references on "what works" to improve outcomes for children;
• data definitions with technical notes on the indicators tracked; and
• a data guide showing where the data comes from and where to find more information.

What does the data tell us about Georgia's children?

• 21 percent of children lived in poverty, up from 18 percent three years ago.
• More than 1 in 4 infants were born without a healthy start. These infants were born weighing less than 5.5 pounds to mothers who received no prenatal care and/or smoked or drank alcohol during pregnancy.
• More than 1 in 5 children are born to mothers with less than 12 years of education.
• Students fail to graduate on time at much higher rates than students in other states.

As we research and analyze data, the situation seems overwhelming. How can we make a difference? Where do we start?

Current research promotes increasing parental involvement and investing in early learning, prevention programs, and family support. We must ensure that the policies we create in Georgia and our practices on a local and statewide level connect and employ evidence-based research. And we must link funding to outcomes so our investments pay off with positive results for children and families in Georgia.

The Georgia 2006 KIDS COUNT Data Book and Georgia KIDS COUNT Web site provide the most current, accurate information available on the well-being of Georgia's children. Connecting research and data to policies and funding for Georgia's children is the key to investing in their future, ensuring that our greatest asset—Georgia's children—will grow and thrive in strong families and communities.

This year Family Connection Partnership also is bringing this information to your area with the 2006 Georgia KIDS COUNT Tour, a series of morning community forums throughout the state. The Georgia KIDS COUNT Tour will offer you an opportunity to learn about the status of children in your area, understand policy and legislation that impacts your family, and receive an overview of Georgia's budget and spending priorities.

We encourage you to express your concerns, ask questions, and enjoy a continental breakfast. Then stay for lunch and talk about health coverage for all of Georgia's children at the PeachCare for All Kids Lunch 'N Learn.

We invite you to join us for either, or both, programs. The Georgia KIDS COUNT Tour and the PeachCare for All Kids Lunch 'N Learns are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required.

2006 Georgia KIDS COUNT Tour schedule:

For details, directions, and to register, visit the 2006 Georgia KIDS COUNT Tour Web site.