Maine Children’s Alliance 2023 Maine KIDS COUNT Data Book

Maine Children’s Alliance 2023 Maine KIDS COUNT Data Book 

Maine Children’s Alliance 2023 KIDS COUNT Data Book – with a new look and features -- is now available on the MCA website https://www.mekids.org/databook/   It was a huge undertaking to redesign the book, select  featured indicators and to include some comments from parents and youth about their experiences.  Thank you all who have contributed data for the Data Book.
 
As a fellow data person, I welcome your feedback and questions.
 
Highlights of the Data Book include:

• Child poverty is trending lower than in 2012-2019 but remains an issue. With a child poverty rate of 13.8% in 2021, nearly 34,000 Maine children were living in households that face challenges to achieving economic security. Federal pandemic relief demonstrated the power of cash support and tax credits to reduce child poverty.

 

• Maine’s rate of child maltreatment was the highest in the nation at 18.9 per 1,000 children in 2020. Trauma from abuse and neglect have long-term implications for children’s health and well-being. Services and supports to strengthen families help provide safety and stability for children.

 

• In the area of youth mental health, the data is sobering. Youth need timely access to the right level of behavioral health care.
  • In 2021, nearly half of Maine high school females reported feeling sad or hopeless in the 2021 MIYHS results.
  • Due to violence and discrimination and lack of adult support, 38% of youth who are LGBTQ+ have seriously considered suicide according to the 2021 MIYHS results.
  • Comparing 2021 to the previous year, there was an increase of over 500 emergency room visits by Maine youth under 19 for suicidal thoughts or attempts. In 2022, the number of visits did not decrease, with 2,654 visits.

 
The Data Book was featured in a recent editorial in the Portland Press Herald: Our View: Child welfare report should light a fire under Maine - Portland Press Herald.

Helen Hemminger
Research and KIDS COUNT Associate
Maine Children’s Alliance
331 State Street
Augusta, ME 04330
hhemminger@mekids.org