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How Are the Kids?

The answer to that question, according to The Foundation for Child Development (FCD), is not well.

A new report (pdf) from The FDC reveals what many already know:   children and families have been facing more and more stressors during the recession, and it’s taking its toll.  The FDC’s annual Child and Youth Well-Being Index is a composite of 28 indicators in 7 domains that directly impact the overall well-being of children.  The data show a measurable decline in child well-being between 2000 and 2008, and project enduring hardships through 2010.  Not surprising, the Family Economic Well-Being Domain and the Health Domain saw the steepest declines.

The study finds:

• The recession will wipe out virtually all progress for children since 1975, in the Family Economic Well-being Domain.
• The rate of children living in poverty in 2010 will be the highest in 20 years.
• The number of detached youth will increase in 2010.
• Risky behaviors will increase in 2010.
• Child obesity will continue to rise, bringing down the Health Domain.

More about the Child and Youth Well-Being Index on the Strengthening Families Blog and in USA Today.

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