Actress Jennifer Garner speaks on behalf of Save the Children
C-.
That is America’s current grade in child well-being, according to a national report card released by First Focus and Save the Children.
America’s Report Card looks at unmet needs in five areas of a child’s life: economic security, early childhood education, K-12 education, permanence and stability, and health and safety. The grading calls for Americans to take action to boost children’s success in school and life and vote in November’s presidential election for candidates who support investments in children. The report also calls for people to hold elected officials responsible for commitments to help children succeed while keeping conversation with local leaders to improve kids’ lives in their own communities.
“The number of Americans living in poverty remains at a historic high, with nearly one-in-four children knowing all too well what it means to go without,” said Artist Ambassador for Save the Children, actress Jennifer Garner (pictured left). “Childhood poverty sets children up for failure in school, impacts their health, and can pre-determine the course of their lives. So why, then, are children being left out of the conversation during an election season in which the economy is the primary issue? We need to do better for our kids.”
Report Card Breakdown
- Economic security: D, based on the number of children living in poverty, experiencing food insecurity and unstable housing.
- Early childhood: C-, based on early learning program availability and enrollment, as well as access to child care.
- K-12 education: C-, based on children’s math, reading and science levels, school resources, the number of at-risk youth, and educational attainment.
- Permanency and stability: D, based on the well-being of children impacted by the child welfare, juvenile justice, and immigration systems.
- Health and safety: C+, based on the state of health insurance coverage for children, access to health care and preventive services, public health and safety, and environmental health.
To view video of the news conference detailing The State of Child Well-Being in the U.S., click here (via C-SPAN).
