KIDS COUNT: Using Demographic Indicators to Increase Public Awareness of Child Well-Being

Bill O'Hare, Annie E. Casey Foundation

The annual KIDS COUNT Data Book provides statistical information related to the well-being of children nationally and state-by-state. Since most of the data in the Data Book are demographic in nature it can be seen as an exercise in applied demography. The major goal of the KIDS COUNT report is to increase public awareness of children’s issues. Information from the release of the 2005 KIDS COUNT Data Book shows that it stimulated 885 newspaper articles which reached 56.9 million potential readers, 559 television spots reaching 19.8 million viewers, and 125 radio spots reaching 138 million listeners. A survey of state legislators shows that 75% are familiar with KIDS COUNT, and 55% say they have used KIDS COUNT products and the majority of state legislators say KIDS COUNT data are timely, credible and useful for policy-makers. Data will also be provided on KIDS COUNT’s impact on public awareness and on public policy.