KIDS COUNT Network

A group of state-based child advocacy and research organizations that use data to promote smart policies on issues ranging from child welfare and juvenile justice to education and economic opportunity.

In an era of budget tightening, low-income children and families are often overlooked on the public agenda. Members of the KIDS COUNT^® (LA INFANCIA CUENTA™) state network promote effective policies and track the well-being of children to ensure that families are on paths to economic opportunity and communities are safe and healthy for all kids, regardless of race, class or zip code.

The 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are each served by a KIDS COUNT organization.

With our support, the KIDS COUNT network promotes the Foundation’s annual KIDS COUNT Data Book, publishes local KIDS COUNT data products and populates the KIDS COUNT Data Center with state and local statistics.

The KIDS COUNT organizations use data to advocate for policies and practices that support families in caring for their children and help children get on track for lifelong success. The Casey Foundation provides its policy expertise on issues affecting children and families to strengthen local efforts.

Advocates are helping lawmakers, public agencies and nonprofits understand the nation’s changing demographic profile to encourage more effective programs and policies.

To move from discussions of data to larger social change and legislation, KIDS COUNT grantees are building strong relationships with stakeholders through the media and social media, including Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.

To ensure that the state network remains an effective vehicle for supporting children and families, the Casey Foundation invests in the network’s leadership, capacity for advocacy and organizational health.

The Michigan League for Public Policy successfully advocated for additional early education funding as part of Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program. In addition, their efforts resulted in $11.6 million added to the state’s Healthy Kids Dental Program, helping an additional 70,000 children access dental care.

Arizona Children’s Action Alliance helped protect health and education programs for low-income children and families from cuts. The budget also strengthens the state’s child welfare system.

Voices for Children in Nebraska, using a 2012 Casey Foundation report on the ineffectiveness of youth confinement in the juvenile justice system, secured more than $14 million for alternative placement options for youth. Voices is now working to ensure that the legislation is implemented effectively.

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