The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2024 Race for Results report reveals persistent disparities in child well-being across racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Despite improvements in key measures, the report indicates that the nation is failing its children, especially those of color, in reaching essential milestones.
The Race for Results index, which standardizes scores across 12 indicators of well-being from cradle to career, shows significant gaps between different racial and ethnic groups. Asian and Pacific Islander children score highest at 771, followed by white children at 697. Scores for Latino (452), American Indian or Alaska Native (418), and Black children (386) are considerably lower.
State-level variations highlight the impact of location on a child’s experiences. South Dakota had the lowest average index scores, while northeastern states like Vermont, New Jersey, and Massachusetts showed the highest averages.
The report emphasizes the urgency of addressing these disparities, particularly in education and poverty rates. In 2022, only a third of all fourth graders were proficient in reading, with even lower rates for Black, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Latino children. More than half of Black, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Latino children live below 200% of the federal poverty level.
To improve outcomes, the Foundation recommends expanding federal child tax credits and earned income tax credits, implementing baby bonds and children’s savings accounts, and expanding Medicaid access. The report stresses the need for targeted programs and policies to close well-being gaps for young people of color, as universal policies alone are insufficient for continued progress.
Leslie Boissiere, vice president of external affairs at the Casey Foundation, emphasizes, “We need children of every race and ethnicity to grow up ready to provide the talent, intellect and hard work that will make our country strong and prosperous.”
See: “Every State Is Failing to Equip All Kids for Success, Especially Children of Color, Says New Report” (January 10, 2024)
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