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Fifteenth Annual Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook Released |
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The 2009 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook reports on 63 indicators of child well-being. The Factbook indicators are grouped into five interrelated categories:
* Family and Community
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| New Indicator: Housing and Health |
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This year's Factbook contains one new indicator: Housing and Health. Housing quality affects children's ability to grow, think, learn, and form critical early bonds. Older housing units are more likely to have unsafe conditions for children (including lead paint hazards, water leaks that can lead to mold growth, and safety hazards due to limited maintenance).
Between 2005 and 2007, 87% of low-income children in Rhode Island lived in older housing (built before 1980), compared with 74% of all Rhode Island children. Overall in the U.S., 63% of low-income children live in older housing.
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Keynote Remarks Inform and Inspire Factbook Breakfast Audience
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Keynote Speaker
The 2009 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook Breakfast keynote address was delivered by Harriet Meyer, President of the Chicago-based Ounce of Prevention Fund. Ms. Meyer spoke of investment in quality early learning opportunities as a critical strategy to close the achievement gap between low-income children and their higher-income peers. See video clips of Ms. Meyer's presentation here. 
Amanda Pereira was the Youth Speaker at this year's Factbook Breakfast. Pereira spoke of her involvement with the Young Voices Leadership Transformation Academy, as well as her own family experiences. View a video clip of Amanda Pereira's remarks here. |
