Report: Child welfare advocates cite reasons for optimism despite rising rates of death, abuse

By Margaret O’Hara, Santa Fe New Mexican
Jan 22, 2024

New Mexico Voices for Children’s annual Kids Count Data Book, released Monday, once again shows just how hard it is to be a child in the state.

This year’s report, based on figures largely collected in 2021 and 2022, lays bare major health concerns for New Mexico children and teens, including spiking death rates for people under 18 — to 43 per 100,000 people in 2021 — and an increased prevalence of child abuse.

For the first time, this year’s Data Book also delves into the health impacts of environmental contaminants, indicating New Mexico children suffer from asthma at rates higher than nationwide averages.

Still, there’s reason for optimism, said Emily Wildau, a research and policy analyst with the organization, during a news conference Monday morning.

Read more at the Santa Fe New Mexican