Vermont ranks third overall in a new national survey of children's well-being. But advocates are concerned over an individual ranking that shows families continue to struggle financially.
The annual Annie E. Casey 2012 Kids Count Data Book released on Wednesday ranked Vermont number one in children's health, third in education and second in family and community. But it also shows that more children are living in poverty, dropping the state’s rank for economic well being to 12th. The data from 2010 shows 17 percent of Vermont's children were poor, a 13 percent increase from 2005. The rate of children with parents without secure employment rose to 31 percent. Voices for Vermont’s Children Executive Director Carlen Finn says the economic ranking is not surprising.
Hunger Free Vermont Executive Director Marissa Parisi.
Vermont ranked 3rd nationally in the overall ranking. The Permanent Fund for the Well Being of Vermont’s Children, a supporting organization with the Vermont Community Foundation, invests in initiatives for Vermont’s children. Fund President Rick Davis says Vermont’s overall ranking should and could be number one.
New Hampshire had the highest overall ranking and has been number one in 10 of the last 11 years. This year, Massachusetts ranked second, followed by Vermont.