A new report from the Michigan League for Public Policy reveals some striking facts about the well-being on Michigan children. In 2015, more than one in five children were living in poverty -- a 15 percent increase since 2008.
The study also reports increases in cases of child abuse and neglect, and limited access for mothers needing prenatal care.
The study ranks all 83 Michigan counties in terms of children’s quality of life. Clinton County ranks among the state’s best at #2, while Ingham County makes the list at #46.
WKAR’s Kevin Lavery spoke with Alicia Guevarra Warren, the Kids Count project director for the Michigan League for Public Policy. She says the creation of a centralized database in 2011 in part accounts for the rise in reports of child abuse and neglect.