Kids Count in Nebraska: 1997 Report

This Kids Count report is the fifth to examine statewide trends and county data on the well-being of Nebraska's children. The bulk of this statistical report presents findings on 32 indicators of well-being in 8 areas: (1) juvenile justice, including juvenile arrests, and numbers committed to youth rehabilitation and treatment centers; (2) physical and behavioral health, including low birth weight, prenatal care, teen birth rate, infant and child mortality, immunizations, teen suicide, and teen drug use; (3) child abuse and neglect and domestic violence, including substantiations of abuse and neglect, and hospitalizations; (4) out-of-home care, including foster home availability; (5) education, including high school graduation rates, school expulsion, and special education students; (6) economic well-being, including poverty rates, divorces and child support, and families receiving cash assistance; (7) nutrition, including numbers receiving food stamps, free or subsidized school lunches, and summer food programs; and (8) early care and education, including Head Start enrollment, child care availability, and child care subsidies. The report combines statistical data, the results of impact studies, and policy information related to indicators of well-being. Statistical data are reported for each county and statewide. Findings indicate that while the number of immunizations and the number of licensed foster care homes have increased, the number of children living in poverty and the number of substantiated child abuse cases are still high, and the rate of juvenile arrests continues to rise. The report also describes the methodology and data sources. (Contains 11 references.) (KB)