A new report ranks Virginia 10th in the nation when it comes to overall child well-being. But communities of color still face disparities.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count Data Book tracks youth health, education, and economic well-being.
Margaret Nimmo Holland with Voices for Virginia’s Children says the state’s child population has increased in diversity since 1990.
"That means that policy-makers really need to take a look at the data and make sure that the policy solutions they’re recommending are going to benefit a diverse group of children or those who need it most," she says.
Holland also says one area of concern is the child poverty rate. Overall, that number’s been at 14% since 2010. But when you break it down by race: 29% of black children and 20% of Latinx children live in poverty.
Holland says the non-profit will advocate for equity in early education and preschool through their policy work.