The State of Arizona's Children 1997: Kids Count Data Book.

This Kids Count report examines statewide trends between 1990 and 1996 in the well-being of Arizona's children. The statistical portrait is based on 16 indicators of well-being: (1) prenatal care; (2) incidence of low birth weight; (3) state-approved child care spaces; (4) comprehensive preschool services; (5) lack of health insurance; (6) infant mortality rate; (7) child death rate (ages 1-14); (8) gun-related deaths; (9) adolescent death rate; (10) teen birth rate; (11) high school dropout rate; (12) juvenile violent crime arrest rate; (13) child abuse and neglect reports; (14) substantiated abuse and neglect; (15) children in foster care; and (16) deaths from abuse and neglect. Chapter 1 of the report indicates that most progress has been slight and setbacks have been substantial. The dropout rate and juvenile violent crime arrest rate have dropped, but the juvenile drug crime arrest rate has soared, and the percentage of children without health insurance has continued to rise. The child death rate has declined, but the teen death rate has risen and the death rate from abuse and neglect has nearly doubled. The percentage of children in foster care has risen 25 percent. Chapter 2 of the report reveals considerable variation in risk indicators by county. Chapter 3 focuses on the impact of welfare reform on family income, family stability, and access to services. Chapter 4 describes public policy areas that have potential to strengthen working families and opportunities for citizen action. Appendices present rates for each indicator, references, and data sources. Contains 23 references. (KB)