New report show poor outcomes for African-American children

A new report released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation has shed light on various outcomes for children in the United States. Some of the outcomes measured include: babies born at normal birth-weight, fourth graders who scored at or above proficient in reading, children who live in two-parent families, children who live in low-poverty areas (poverty <20%), and high school students graduating on time. The report showed a disparity in many of these outcomes in African American children compared to children of other races.

Some key findings include:

• African-American babies were least likely to be born at a healthy birth-weight, which puts them at risk for developmental delays and death within the first year of life.
• African-American children are less likely to live in two-parent families.
• African-American children are the least likely group to live in neighborhoods that had low poverty rates.

Recommendations from report:

• Gather and analyze racial and ethnic data to inform all phases of programs, policies, and decision making
• Use data and impact assessment tools to target investments to yield the greatest impact for children of color
• Develop and implement evidence-based programs and practices focused on improving outcomes for children of color.

Adedotun Ogunbajo, Joint Center Graduate Scholar, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health