The annual Kids Count Data Book finds that between 2012 and 2017 there was a drop in Michigan in the rate of children living in poverty. Kids Count in Michigan Project Director for the Michigan League for Public Policy Alicia Guevara Warren says numbers were collected for 82 of Michigan’s 83 counties. “All but three counties experienced an improvement in poverty rates for kids.” She says while the improvement in the poverty rate is encouraging, there are still many children in poverty, and large gaps related to geography and race. Guevara Warren says there are troubling signs in many other categories.
Guevara Warren says 2012 was used as the base year for the Kids Count report, at that time the economy was coming out of recession. She says the results since then are a mixed bag. The number of abuse and neglect cases is up statewide and in many counties. Guevara Warren says it’s hard to know for sure why. She says anecdotally, substance abuse and the opioid crisis is likely a contributing factor. Guevara Warren says changes enacted by the state in 2012 made it easier for people to report abuse against children and adults. She says that could have caused some of the increase, but it’s probably only part of the answer.
The numbers for Kalamazoo County showed an improvement in infant mortality. However, statewide, there has been little change and Guevara Warren says the racial gap remains persistent throughout Michigan. The report shows little improvement in expectant mothers getting proper prenatal care. But Guevara Warren says the State Department of Health and Human Services deserves credit for focusing on infant mortality, particularly for minorities.
Extended interview with Alicia Guevara Warren in WMUK's WestSouthwest podcast
The Michigan League for Public Policy has a number of recommendations in its report for improving the lives of children and families. The interview was recorded on Monday, and movement on one those issues came on Wednesday when the state Senate approved legislation that raises the age when someone accused of a crime would automatically be charged as an adult. Guevara Warren says criminal justice reform could help young people and families in Michigan.
In addition to the statewide numbers, the Kids Count report also has breakdowns by county.
