Contact
Garret Swanson, Office of Communications, (402) 480-0883;
garret.swanson@nebraska.gov
Study Highlights Continued Success for Child Well-Being in Nebraska
Lincoln – Nebraska has climbed from #9 to #7 in the Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2021 state rankings of child well-being. According to the foundation's 2021 Kids Count Profile, Nebraska is the second-best state for children's economic well-being. Nebraska also ranked in the top third for each of the other categories measured: education, health, and family and community.
The foundation annually measures child well-being nationwide by studying educational, economic, social, and health outcomes. This report is based on the latest available data from 16 key indicators from average birth weight to the proficiency of eighth-graders in math.
Nebraska's rankings in all 16 key indicators can be found here.
To create the 2021 Kids Count Profile, the Annie E. Casey Foundation partnered with a local non-profit, Voices for Children in Nebraska, which uses data and research to help policymakers and communities make informed decisions on issues impacting children in Nebraska.
The Division of Children and Family Services (CFS) continues to work towards transforming Nebraska's child welfare system into a child well-being system. By focusing on policies and programs that take into account best practices, CFS provides many different resources and support systems to ensure child and family well-being. Through the use of Alternative Response, Safety Organized Practice, community collaboratives such as Thriving Families and Bring Up Nebraska and other programs and services, CFS has developed a well rounded strategy towards improving child well-being in Nebraska.
“Nebraska's latest rankings from the Annie E. Casey Foundation are impressive and we continue to be headed in the right direction, but I believe there is still more we can do regarding child well-being in Nebraska." Says CFS Director Stephanie Beasley. “While there remains work to do, we are excited that recent efforts are reflected in the improved rankings."
Child welfare providers and families are encouraged to visit covid.ne.gov to receive guidance on how to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Families requiring aid can contact the Economic Assistance hotline at 800-383-4278 or through www.ACCESSNebraska.ne.gov.