Written by Jill Sheridan
The annual report on the well-being of Hoosier children was released this week, and the data shows how Marion County’s youth are performing in many areas.
The Indiana Child Count Data Book takes a closer look at four indicators, including health, education, economic well-being, family and community.
This book provides information across the county on the various factors affecting children. These include a wide range of data that considers the environment, health insurance, food insecurity, early education, and more.
This databook is a comprehensive tool for both public and private organizations to determine how best to support youth.
“This is intended to be the beginning of a conversation, the beginning of a program, and if we need to look at where we’re falling short, perhaps we’ll take a new approach,” Silverman said. .
The Indiana Youth Institute has released a report. President and CEO Tami Silverman said that after taking a closer look at young people considering or planning suicide, the number is decreasing across the state, but increasing in Marion County. He said he found out that there was.
“So we have to really look at what services are available. We know we have challenges, but what are the provider-to-population ratios and what are the clinical care How can we support children in need who need support and intervention?” Silverman said.
Other measures in Marion County have been found to reduce the number of children placed in foster care. Silverman said local nonprofits like Foster Success can make an impact by focusing on this population.
“We believe that Foster Success is one of the facilities that is really working to better understand and respond to the needs of children who are considered at risk. ,” Silverman said.
Marion County also saw its child poverty rate drop from 29 percent to 21 percent over the past five years.
Marion County’s youth graduation rate rose to 82 percent, but it was still below the state average of 89 percent.
The release of the data book coincided with a presentation at the state Capitol.
Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.
