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The Child Trends DataBank examines and monitors more than 100 indicators that focus on risks and positive developments for children. For each indicator we summarize what the research says about its importance to children’s development, track trends over time and by subgroup, and highlight strategies likely to improve well-being. We also provide links to state, local, and international data. Our estimates come from reliable sources including federal reports and websites. Other resources in the indicators area include The Child Indicator newsletter and Facts at a Glance.

Why Indicators Matter

Developing, using, and disseminating indicators of child well-being are activities central to Child Trends’ work. Indicators guide researchers and policymakers in understanding the prevalence and trends related to key components of children’s well-being, and provide the means for assessing our shared accountability, as a nation, for their welfare. Because they typically refer to population-wide measures, indicators are more inclusive than measures pertaining to individuals participating in a particular program or system. Thus, indicators can inform a number of comprehensive initiatives concerned with promoting positive, and reducing negative, community-wide outcomes.

Get the latest research about children and youth from our weekly enews.
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