The 10 key indicators we’ve tracked
in the KIDS COUNT Data Book over the
past two decades reveal significant overall
improvements in health and safety outcomes
for children. For example, infant mortality
declined, as did death rates for children and
teens. Outcomes for teenagers have generally
improved, with decreases in both the high
school dropout rate and the teen birth rate.
Despite these positive signs, however,
there remain pockets of deep concern. Over
the same two-decade period, the percent
of low-birthweight babies increased, which
means that more babies are born at risk for
developmental delays and other problems
as they grow.