The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth released
its annual KIDS COUNT report on child well-being Tuesday, June 26, 2007, A
Blueprint for the Success of Tennessee’s Children. It includes statistical
information about all 95 of the state’s counties and identifies the public
structures and programs essential for Tennessee’s children to be born healthy
and have opportunities for success in school and in life.
“In recent years solid evidence has emerged about the
investments in programs and practices that pay off in improved outcomes for
children,” said TCCY Executive Director Linda O’Neal. “Better analysis and
evaluation and a focus on outcomes from years of research are demonstrating
what we can do as a state to improve the well-being of our children.”
The book examines the best practices, strategies and
solutions to ensure Tennessee children can compete in a global economy. It
highlights best practices to address infant mortality, children’s mental
health, school success and other investments to improve long-term prospects for
children. Information is also included about effective interventions for
hurting or troubled children and families when community supports have been
inadequate.
Governor Bredesen and the General Assembly collaborated in
expanding investments in evidence-based programs in the 2007 session. Continued
expansion of quality pre-K programs for low income children is critical.
Research demonstrates this has long-term benefits in increasing positive
outcomes and reducing negative behaviors. The final budget also included
additional funding for Nurse Home Visiting, Child Advocacy Centers and Court
Appointed Special Advocate Programs, all highlighted in the book.
In other areas, such as establishing systems of care for
families dealing with a child’s mental illness or requiring evidence-based
juvenile justice programs, the state is just beginning to make strides.
“Improving child well-being requires identifying what
works, and then having the commitment to invest in those programs that clearly
work,” O’Neal said. “It sometimes means we have to change from familiar, but
less successful, strategies to those more likely to ensure children flourish.”
The report brings together
information on 39 indicators of health, education, child welfare, economics and
demographics.
The Tennessee Commission on
Children and Youth is an independent agency created by the Tennessee General
Assembly. Its primary mission is to advocate for improvements in the quality of
life for Tennessee children and families. Partial funding for TCCY’s KIDS COUNT
program is provided through a grant from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the
nation’s largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to disadvantaged children.
For more information, contact
(615) 741-2633 or a TCCY regional coordinator. KIDS COUNT State of the
Child: A Blueprint for the Success of Tennessee’s Children is available on
TCCY’s website at www.tennessee.gov/tccy/kc-soc06.html.