People living in 19th century New England believed tuberculosis, known then as "consumption," was quite possibly not a disease at all but a sign of vampirism.

In an effort to remove this condition from themselves, they drank a tonic made of water and the ashes of hearts and livers of those who had previously passed from the condition.

Today, with our understanding of tuberculosis and available treatments, such practices seem antiquated. As we reflect on the bygone days of the vampire panic that newspapers reported on back then, we can appreciate that as a species we are continuously learning, improving. Data, information and knowledge are the foundation of the future. And exactly why we need the Alabama Kids Count Data Book.

The report sheds light on the evolution of Alabama's approach to child welfare over the last 30 years. Produced annually by Montgomery-based nonprofit VOICES for Alabama's Children, it has become a cornerstone for child advocates, informing policies that enhance children's well-being.

"Over the last three decades, the Alabama Kids Count Data Book has empowered child advocates with comprehensive data driving policy changes that have improved child well-being," said Rhonda Mann, executive director of VOICES for Alabama's Children. "From local communities to state and federal levels of government, this data has informed important policy changes helping improve outcomes for children's health, education, safety and economic security — the four domains or categories of data measured."

This year's Alabama Kids Count Data Book, which analyzes and showcases data from 2023, is the 30th edition, having first been published in 1994. Since its inception, it has gone deeper to get a full understanding of how children are faring in our state. In 2014, the data book did an overhaul, not only on format, but also included more indicators through partnerships and data by organizations across Alabama.

"I would say each year the data has gotten better and better," Mann said "They've identified new indicators that tell a better story about how children are faring in our state. It's data that helps us understand the real issues we're facing."

Mann writes in the 2023 Data Book that while there have been improvements such as a decrease in infant mortality rates and increased access to health insurance, disparities persist, particularly affecting African American and Hispanic children.

Despite historically low educational rankings, Alabama has shown improvement in reading and math. Investments in programs preparing children for school and the passage of the Juvenile Justice Act of 2008 have contributed to positive outcomes, including a significant reduction in juvenile incarcerations. However, challenges such as the opioid crisis, increasing child poverty rates and disparities in access to health care highlight the ongoing work needed to ensure every child in Alabama has a chance to thrive, especially those from marginalized communities.

"Another change in child well-being is the growing mental health needs of even our youngest children," Mann writes.

The report also features insights from state agencies on changes in child well-being and collaborative efforts to address areas of need. Success stories, including initiatives like ALL Kids and reforms in juvenile justice, highlight the impact of coordinated action.

This year's report delves into state trends and county-level data across Alabama's 67 counties, examining 70 indicators across four domains of child well-being. The 2023 Data Book is broken down into demographics, health, education, safety and economic security. A snapshot into some of the studies' results for Alabama are below. To see more details and to research further data, visit www.alavoices.org.

DEMOGRAPHICS

According to the 2023 Data Book, Alabama's population has grown by around 20% over the last 30 years, but the number of children has stayed relatively stable, accounting for less than 1.25 million individuals under 18 in 2022.

Recent years have seen a decrease in children, especially in age groups 0-5 and 5-9, across most counties. This trend could have significant implications as Alabama's older population ages, highlighting the need to address the declining youth demographic.

Additionally, there has been a shift in the racial and ethnic makeup of Alabama's children since 2000, with growing diversity seen among Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander and multiracial populations, while the proportions of Caucasian and African American children have decreased. If these patterns continue, Alabama's child population may become majority-minority within the next decade.

HEALTH CARE

Alabama's health care landscape presents a complex picture, highlighted by high health insurance coverage for children but mounting challenges in physical access to care due to hospital closures, particularly in rural areas.

Despite progress in reducing infant mortality rates over three decades, disparities persist, especially among African American babies. Urgent action is needed to address hospital closures and ensure equitable access to care, as evidenced by alarming statistics such as the increasing rates of pre-term and low-weight births and the significant percentage of counties classified as maternity care deserts.

EDUCATION

Alabama's education system has evolved over three decades, introducing programs like First Class Pre-K and the Alabama Reading Initiative. However, the state still struggles with reading and math proficiency compared to national averages. Recent efforts, including the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program and the Alabama Literacy Act, aim to address these challenges.

In the 2023 Data Book, State Superintendent Eric Mackey emphasizes the necessity of persistent dedication to education reform, advocating for continuous backing of initiatives such as the Numeracy Act. Alabama is also focusing on expanding broadband access and enhancing career training programs to better prepare students for the workforce, aligning with a broader vision for education's role in driving individual success and economic growth.

SAFETY

Alabama's focus on child safety highlights the pervasive impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse and neglect.

In FY22, the state's child welfare system handled 26,837 reports involving 11,618 children. Despite efforts to prevent ACEs, Alabama's foster care numbers have risen by 16.3% since 2015, primarily due to substance abuse. The rate of children facing abuse or neglect has increased. Prioritizing family support, mental health services and preventive programs is crucial.

ECONOMIC SECURITY

In Alabama, economic shifts since 1993 reveal a complex landscape. While the federal minimum wage and median household income have risen, so have living costs, particularly housing expenses. Despite higher incomes, many residents, including a significant portion living in poverty, struggle to afford necessities. County-specific disparities in income highlight contrasting economic realities across regions. The high cost of child care further exacerbates challenges, leading to housing instability and job changes, particularly impacting mothers.

"Data is a benchmark of where we are and where we have been and sets the stage for transformation," said Apreill Hartsfield, VOICES for Alabama's Children's Alabama Kids Count director. "We note the changes such as the decrease in child population and the growing diversity among our children. We celebrate the areas of improvement including the increase in health care coverage and early intervention services and the decrease in teens not attending school and not working (idle teens). And we raise awareness about opportunities for improvement, including infant deaths, child poverty and food insecurity."