Illinois’ Youth Well-Being Ranks Near Middle in New National Report

“Illinois’ Youth Well-Being Ranks Near Middle in New National Report” by Lily Oberman and Emily Hatton

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Illinois is ranked 23rd overall for child well-being in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2013 KIDS COUNT Data Book, a widely cited gauge of the nation’s care of children that looks at four categories to determine each state’s status.

Illinois, which fell two notches from 21st in the rankings last year, placed among the top 15 in the “Education” and “Health” categories, which incorporate factors like “children not attending preschool” and “children without health insurance,” according to the data released Thursday.