‘Kids Count’ Releases New Data

COURT HOUSE — Cape May County ranked 15th out of New Jersey’s 21 counties when measuring 16 indicators of child well-being, according to New Jersey Kids Count data released today.
The county received its best marks for the percent of eligible school-age children receiving free or reduced-price breakfast who also receive school lunch. At 65 percent, Cape May County ranked first in the state on this indictor. Cape May also ranked first on the low percentage of households that spend more than 30 percent of income on rent.
Cape May County ranked worst in the state on several indicators, including unemployment, juvenile arrests and child care availability.
The county saw its biggest change from the 2007 rankings in the percent of eighth grade students passing state achievement. Previously the county ranked 12th, but now ranks 20th in the state, with only 66 percent of its eighth grade students passing. This is below the state average of 79 percent.
“The Kids Count county profiles paint a local picture of how children are faring in New Jersey’s counties,” said Cecilia Zalkind, executive director of the Association for Children of New Jersey, which publishes the Kids Count reports. “We hope that local and state leaders use this data to improve conditions for children in every county.
“It is positive that so many Cape May County children are receiving school breakfast and that families have more affordable places to live,” Zalkind said. “Of concern is the high unemployment rate and the high incidence of children placed in foster care.”
Kids Count uses indicators like poverty, income, child health and test scores to draw a statistical portrait of the well-being of New Jersey’s children.
Some key Cape May County findings:
Child Poverty. With 7 percent of Cape May County’s children growing up in poverty, the county ranked seventh on this indicator. In 2007, the county ranked 14th, so this was an improvement over the county’s previous rank. However, the county’s high unemployment rate – 16 percent in 2009 – suggests that future data may show more children living in poverty.
Child Protection and Safety. The county’s rate of placing children in out-of-home care was nine children per 1,000 under 18 – more than twice the state average, ranking Cape May 20th on this indicator. With 61 juvenile arrests per 1,000 youth under 18, Cape May had the highest rate of youth arrested in the state. The state average was 26.
Early Care and Education. Cape May ranked eighth in the percent of 3- and 4-year-olds enrolled in state-approved pre-K programs, but was last in the number of available licensed child care slots per 1,000 children between the ages of 0-4. High quality early care and education programs help prepare children for school success.
“We encourage county leaders to use Kids Count data to understand the needs of children and target resources to meet the most pressing needs of New Jersey’s children and families,” Zalkind said. “Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our children.”
To view all the county profiles, go to www.acnj.org