WINOOSKI, Vt. -
A new study ranks Vermont third in the
nation for children's well-being.
The report shows Vermont made
improvements in children's health, education, family and community. But the
number of kids without families has risen from 13 percent in 2005 to 31 percent
today.
Vermont received the highest rank in
health. Gov. Peter Shumlin says Vermont's high score is directly related to the
investments the state has made in child care facilities and programs.
"Let's be proud of what we've
done. We have a lot more work to do, let's get it done together. A strong start
for kids means a strong economy for Vermonters," said Shumlin, D-Vermont.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation, which
released this study, runs a state foster care facility that they've elected to
close in December. It's a decision foster parents say will disrupt an already
vulnerable population. Shumlin says it won't affect the quality of care
provided in Vermont.
Click here for all the rankings in the 2012 KIDS COUNT Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
