Minnesota Kids: A Closer Look. 2002 Data Book.

This KIDS COUNT data book examines trends in the well-being of Minnesota's children. The statistical portrait is based on 11 indicators of child well-being: (1) children living in poverty; (2) children in families receiving food stamps; (3) children receiving free or reduced-price school lunch; (4) children born to teenage mothers; (5) children born at low birthweight; (6) children transferring schools; (7) children not graduating on time; (8) children arrested for serious crime; (9) children abused and neglected; (10) children in out-of-home placements; and (11) children dying from homicide, suicide and injuries. Following an introduction, the data book provides regional and statewide statistical summaries for each indicator, discusses the importance of the indicator, describes potential improvement strategies, and notes Minnesota trends. The second section and bulk of the report provides data by county, including demographics, areas of positive improvement and concern, and trends to watch. Data are compared for 1991, 1996, and 2000, and data for individual counties are compared to the overall statewide data. Among the long-term trends noted are a 10 percent decrease in poverty among children, a 23 percent increase in children born at low birthweight, and a 14 percent decrease in children born to teen mothers. Shorter term trends include fewer children in families receiving food stamps. (SD)