Kids Count. The 2013 Data Book: State trends in child well-being

The Annie E. Casey Foundation publishes an annual national KIDS COUNT Data Book. The purpose of Kids Count  is to provide critical data and benchmarks for use by state, local and national leaders and child advocates to improve specific policy areas that lead to better futures for every child. The 2013 Data Book provides a detailed picture of how children are faring in the United States and on a state-by-state level.  The overall ranking is based on 16 indicators in four key areas: Economic well-being, Family and Community, Education and Health. The 2013 KIDS COUNT Data Book finds that children in the United States continue to make gains in the areas of education and health despite a growing poverty rate. This year’s Data Book also offers expanded coverage of America’s youngest children, adding to the ongoing national conversation on early childhood education.