Kids Count: Improvement, but not enough

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Child deaths are down dramatically, according to the latest report from Kids Count. But that same report shows childhood poverty, abuse and neglect continue to rise in the state.

The report shows nearly one in five children in Michigan live in poverty, and the number of students receiving free or reduced-price lunches rose 14% between 2006-08.

In a nine-year span (2000 - 2008) confirmed cases of abuse or neglect jumped 16%, and in 2008, almost 30,000 children were found to be abused or neglected.

However, between 2000 - 2007, childhood deaths dropped 18%, teen deaths dropped by 11% and infant mortality fell 4%, and the number of teens giving birth fell 20% in the decade.

Rural living was more dangerous, attributed in part to high-risk country roads.

There was a 65% improvement in fourth-graders math scores and 47% for eighth-graders inside the state. But nationally, Michigan students math scores remained flat between 2003 - 2008.

And there were 6% fewer high school dropouts over 2007-2008.

Kids Count in Michigan collaborates with the Michigan League for Human Services and Michigan's Children. Funding for this project comes from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Skillman Foundation and local United Ways.

The Kids Count in Michigan Data Book 2009 was released Tuesday.