Kids Count survey results out for U.P. youth

There is a lack of positive news tonight on the latest Kids Count survey for upper Michigan children. Raising awareness about the children and families in need was the focus of a news conference held by the Upper Peninsula Children’s Coalition in Marquette this morning.

Child abuse and neglect rates in the U.P. are above the state average. Between 2007 and 2012, the percentage of students not graduating from high school on time has also increased from 16.6% to 17.5%.

The population of children aged 1 to 17 has dropped by 4 point 6 percent during the years 2005 through 2011.

The moderator of the press conference, Chris Zenti, said, “Today’s press conference addressed issues impacting children in the Upper Peninsula. The Kids Count is a national effort aimed at improving conditions for children and families, and the Michigan Kids Count data is put together by two organizations, the Michigan League for Public Policy, and Michigan’s Children. Both are non–profit advocates that give us information about what are the trends impacting children and families. What’s important is for individuals to help us raise awareness and be a voice for children in the Upper Peninsula. Talk to their legislators about policies that are impacting children and youth.”

More information about the survey results are available elsewhere on our website, and more information about the Children’s Coalition can be found here.