Recession Takes Its Toll on Maine Children and Families 17th Annual Maine KIDS COUNT Reports Latest Data

Mar 16 2011 22:12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PORTLAND, Maine (March 17, 2011) – The number of Maine children living in poverty has increased, according to the 17th annual Maine KIDS COUNT data book released today. Effects of the slow economy are evident in the data reported in the 2011 Maine KIDS COUNT, an annual compilation of evidence-based data on the status and well-being of children in Maine. KIDS COUNT is a project of the Maine Children’s Alliance (MCA), a non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of all Maine’s children, youth and families through sound public policies. “With so many of Maine’s youngest citizens growing up in poor and low-income families, our state is likely to see some disturbing long-term effects,” MCA president Dean Crocker said. “Poverty is one of the biggest factors in determining early on whether or not kids succeed in life and become healthy, productive members of society.” KIDS COUNT reports that in 2009 (the most recent data available), 17.5 percent of all Maine children under age 18 are living in poverty—an increase from 16.5 percent in 2008 as reported last year. Among children under age 5, more than 21 percent are living in poverty. These rates are the highest in New England. Along the same lines, Maine’s median income of families with children dropped to $52,700 in 2009—down from $54,800 in 2008. Other negative trends reported in KIDS COUNT include a growing achievement gap in fourth grade reading scores between low-income children and their peers. This year’s KIDS COUNT also indicates higher rates of relationship and sexual violence among Maine teenagers. On the positive side, KIDS COUNT data shows an increase in the percentage of four-year-olds enrolled in public pre-school (pre-K) programs. The numbers went up from 19.6 percent (2008-09 school year) to 25 percent (2009-2010). “This significant rise in children receiving education during the critical early years is good news,” said Crocker. “Early childhood education is one of the best ways we can prepare children for long-term success.” Also good news is the finding that Maine is doing better than other states in providing children with health insurance. KIDS COUNT finds that the percentage of Maine’s children ages 0-18 without health insurance is 5 percent--well below the national rate of 11 percent. Maine is second in the nation when it comes to this measure, which suggests that children here are more likely to receive the early preventative care that leads to long-term health. Maine KIDS COUNT was released today at Portland High School’s Alumni Hall. Speakers included: Peter Gore, vice president of governmental affairs for Maine Chamber of Commerce; Jim Morse, superintendent of Portland Schools; and Jon Doyle, attorney and board member of Jobs for Maine’s Graduates (JMG)—a program that prepares students to graduate from high school ready for continued education and careers. JMG exemplifies a successful approach to preventing young people from falling through the cracks and, instead, moving forward as productive, valuable citizens. Also speaking at the press conference was Portland High School student Jasmine DiPietrantonio, a senior who described how being in an alternative education program has offered her the tools and the hope to move beyond a life of poverty. The speakers were introduced by Dean Crocker, president and CEO of Maine Children’s Alliance. Representatives of the region’s business community were also introduced at the KIDS COUNT press conference and had the opportunity to meet students from Portland High School’s alternative education program as well as from the Jobs For Maine’s Graduates program at Portland High School and Morse High School in Bath. The students attended the press conference to support the value of KIDS COUNT in documenting how young people are doing in the current economy and to have access to talk with business representatives about today’s job market. For a complete look at the data in the 2011 Maine KIDS COUNT, including summaries by county for many indicators, visit the Maine Children’s Alliance website, www.mekids.org, or call 623-1868, ext. 202 to request a copy of the report. For more information about 2011 Maine KIDS COUNT, please contact: Dean Crocker President/CEO, Maine Children’s Alliance Office: (207) 623-1868 ext. 212 Cell: (207) 215-9591 Dcrocker@mekids.org Claire Berkowitz Research Coordinator, Maine Children’s Alliance Office: (207) 623-1868 ext. 206 cberkowitz@mekids.org For more information about Jobs for Maine’s Graduates or to speak with a JMG student, please contact: Lisa Gardner Communications Manager , Jobs for Maine’s Graduates Office: (207) 620-7180 ext. 209 Cell: (207) 441-8411 lgardner@jmg.org

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