2023 KIDS COUNT Data Book Updates

Posted on May 04, 2023

The 2023 KIDS COUNT Data Book – with a new look and features -- is now on the MCA website. It can also be found at the following link: 2023_kidscount_databook_interactive.pdf (mainechildrensalliance.org.

Highlights include:

• Child poverty is lower than in the past but remains an issue. With a child poverty rate of 13.8% in 2021, nearly 34,000 Maine children were living in households that face challenges to achieving economic security. Federal pandemic relief demonstrated the power of cash support and tax credits to reduce child poverty.
• Maine’s rate of child maltreatment was the highest in the nation at 19.0 per 1,000 children in 2020. Trauma from abuse and neglect have long-term implications for children’s health and well-being. Services and supports to strengthen families help provide safety and stability for children.
• In 2021, nearly half of Maine high school females reported feeling sad or hopeless. Comparing 2021 to the previous year, there was a sharp increase of over 500 emergency room visits by Maine youth under 19 for suicidal thoughts or attempts. In 2022, the number of visits did not decrease, with 2,654 visits. Youth experiencing mental health challenges must get timely, appropriate treatment and support.