Alabama improves in child well-being rankings despite little change in outcomes

Alabama jumped six spots to No. 39 among all states in a ranking of child well-being in the nation, according to a newly released study. But that improvement happened despite little change in outcomes for kids here, said an analyst for the organization behind the study.

The Kids Count data ranks states on economic well-being, education, health and family and community.

Alabama scored highest in education with a rank of 34 and lowest in family and community with a rank of 45.

The state jumped from No. 45 to No. 39 from last year to this year. But despite the increase, outcomes for children in Alabama have not changed, said Apreill Hartsfield, a policy and data analyst for VOICES for Alabama’s Children.

VOICES is a nonprofit that the Annie E. Casey Foundation funds to publish the Alabama Kids Count Data Book. A similar nonprofit exists in each state, creating the full report for the nation.

The increase means that other states have become worse places for children, not that Alabama has gotten better, Hartsfield said. Alabama has maintained its outcomes for children but has not drastically improved.

“We have to continue to pay attention to these issues that are impacting our children," Hartsfield said.

Where Alabama scored worst, family and community, shows that the state does not support its vulnerable families, Hartsfield said.

Why does Alabama struggle to help kids?

A large portion of the state includes rural areas, making it difficult for families there to access services, Hartsfield said.

“We have some challenges that other states don’t have," Hartsfield said.

More: Last year's numbersAlabama children have better on-time graduation rates than most states, new study finds

Hartsfield wants lawmakers to take a look at what needs to be added in those rural areas to make children's lives better.

“What’s missing that’s going to improve our children’s lives?" Hartsfield said.

The Numeracy and Literacy Acts have provided money aimed at improving kids' math and reading skills. These funds have helped ensure Alabama children did not lose as much ground during the pandemic as seen in other states.

But Hartsfield would like to see Alabama expand access to health care for adults. Almost all children in the state have health care coverage, at 97%. The same does not hold true for adults.

Alex Gladden is the Montgomery Advertiser's public safety reporter. She can be reached at agladden@gannett.com or on Twitter @gladlyalex.