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Important Facts About Kern’s Children

2023-24 KCNC Annual Report

How Are Our Children Faring?

The Kern County Network for Children (KCNC) annually publishes data and information, which show how well we, as a county, are taking care of our children.

So, are we making the grade as a community?

Research shows Kern County has made significant progress in areas that shape a child from birth to adulthood such as births to teen mothers, infant health, child maltreatment, unintentional child injuries and college readiness.

While indicators of child well-being in the areas of education, health, and safety have improved, the negative impact of the Great Recession remains evident and too many Kern County families still face economic hardship and insecurity.

Poverty threatens every aspect of a child’s well-being including his/her physical, social emotional health, safety, and ability to learn. Children who spend any time in poverty are also at serious risk for substandard housing, homelessness, hunger, harmful levels of stress, and exposure to abuse and neglect as well as poor academic achievement and dropping out of high school. These negative childhood experiences increase a child’s chances of growing up to be poor as an adult.

It is our hope that the facts and figures presented by KCNC are not only informative, but also prompt more community action to improve the lives of children growing up in poverty. To build a strong future for today’s — and tomorrow’s — children, please consider what you can do personally or professionally to help create employment opportunities and support for Kern’s most vulnerable families.

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