Strides made, but challenges remain for child well-being

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – The annual Kids Count report from Kentucky Youth Advocates says poverty remains the biggest obstacle to child well-being across the state.

Kentucky Youth Advocates Director Terry Brooks said the state has made many strides in the last 25 years, citing improvements in education and juvenile justice, but said it still faces significant challenges.

He said economic well-being is the key driver in making improvements. While the statewide poverty rate is 26 percent according the latest report, which was released Sunday, some counties had rates of more than 50 percent.

The Kids Count survey looked at 16 factors in four areas – economic security, education, health, and family and community – to determine child well-being in each of Kentucky’s 120 counties.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.