America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 1997.

This report of the Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics presents nationwide data on the well-being of America's children. The statistical report is based on 25 indicators of child well being: (1) child poverty; (2) food security; (3) housing problems; (4) secure parental employment; (5) health insurance; (6) summary health status; (7) prenatal care; (8) infant mortality; (9) low birthweight; (10) childhood immunization; (11) activity limitation; (12) child mortality; (13) adolescent mortality; (14) teen births; (15) cigarette smoking; (16) alcohol use; (17) substance abuse; (18) victims of violent crimes; (19) difficulty speaking English; (20) family reading; (21) early childhood education; (22) math and reading proficiency; (23) youth high school completion; (24) detached youth; and (25) higher education; with a special section on (26) child abuse and neglect. Part 1 of the report describes population and family characteristics of children in the United States. Part 2 presents results on the well-being indicators. Findings indicate that the percentage of children in poverty and who report not having enough to eat declined slightly during the 1990s. The percentage of mothers receiving early prenatal care and immunization rates increased in the 1990s. Mortality rates for most ages and population groups declined in the past 20 years. Rates of cigarette smoking, substance abuse, and violent criminal victimization of adolescents increased during the last decade. The percent of youngsters enrolled in preschool increased since 1980. Mathematics proficiency rates increased modestly, and high school completion rates increased substantially for blacks since 1980. (Appendices contain detailed data tables, and data sources and limitations.) (KB)