KIDS COUNT Network

With our support, the KIDS COUNT network promotes the Foundation’s annual KIDS COUNT Data Book, publishes local KIDS COUNT data products and populates the KIDS COUNT Data Center with state and local statistics.

The KIDS COUNT organizations use data to advocate for policies and practices that support families in caring for their children and help children get on track for lifelong success. The Casey Foundation provides its policy expertise on issues affecting children and families to strengthen local efforts.

Advocates are helping lawmakers, public agencies and nonprofits understand the nation’s changing demographic profile to encourage more effective programs and policies.

To move from discussions of data to larger social change and legislation, KIDS COUNT grantees are building strong relationships with stakeholders through the media and social media, including Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.

To ensure that the state network remains an effective vehicle for supporting children and families, the Casey Foundation invests in the network’s leadership, capacity for advocacy and organizational health.

The Michigan League for Public Policy successfully advocated for additional early education funding as part of Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program. In addition, their efforts resulted in $11.6 million added to the state’s Healthy Kids Dental Program, helping an additional 70,000 children access dental care.

Arizona Children’s Action Alliance helped protect health and education programs for low-income children and families from cuts. The budget also strengthens the state’s child welfare system.

Voices for Children in Nebraska, using a 2012 Casey Foundation report on the ineffectiveness of youth confinement in the juvenile justice system, secured more than $14 million for alternative placement options for youth. Voices is now working to ensure that the legislation is implemented effectively.