The 1997 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook provides a statistical portrait of the status of Rhode Island's children. Information is presented for the state of Rhode Island, each city and town, and an additional aggregate of the five cities in which more than 15% of the children live in poverty. These cities, referred to as "core cities" in the Factbook, are Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Newport, and Central Falls. By examining the best available data statewide and in Rhode Island's 39 cities and towns, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT provides an information base that can result in more effective policy and community action on behalf of children.
The 1997 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook examines twenty-six indicators in five areas that affect the lives of children: Family and Community, Economic Well-Being, Health, Safety, and Education. The most current, reliable data available is presented for each indicator. Included are several new indicators: Alcohol, Drug and Cigarette Use By Teens; Homeless Children; Children Receiving AFDC; and Children Receiving Food Stamps.
Healthy Communities
The Factbook provides community-level information on each
indicator in order to emphasize the significance of the surrounding physical, social, and
economic environment in shaping outcomes for children. Communities and neighborhoods do
matter -- the actions of community leaders, parents, individual, and organizations greatly
influence children's chance for success and the challenges they will face. Tracking
changes in selected indicators can help communities to set priorities, identify strategies
to reverse negative trends, and monitor progress.
Focus on the Whole Child
All areas of child well being are interrelated and critical
throughout a child's development. A child's safety in his family and community affects his
school performance; a child's economic security affects her health and education.
Individual action for children, government policies, and community programs need to
reflect these interconnections if we are to make progress in improving child well-being.
Early Investments Count
Improving outcomes for children of all ages requires investments
in young children and their families. Many of the difficult and costly problems faced by
adolescents can be prevented by providing children with a better start in life. Access to
health care, quality child care options, economic security, affordable housing, nurturing
environments for children, and supportive communities for parents have been shown to
improve child well-being.