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Subject: Disturbing Statistics on America's Children


Teen Birth Rate is Skyrocketing. The rate of birth to teenagers ages 15
to 17 climbed 23 percent nationwide between 1985 and 1994.


Increasing youth violent crime rate. The nation experienced a 70 percent
increase in the juvenile violent crime rate between 1985 and 1994.


Teen death rate by homicide and suicide is worsening. Teen death rate by
homicide rose by 10 percent between 1985 and 1994.


More low birth weight babies born with higher rate of mental retardation.
The share of low birth rate babies increased by 7 percent between 1985
and 1994.


More children are living with parents who are high school dropouts. In
1994, 15 percent of the nation's children were to high school dropout
parents.


More fourth graders are not competent in math or reading. 41% scored
below the basic reading level in 1994 and 38% scored below basic math
level in 1996.


- Source: Kids Count Project, Annie E. Casey Foundation, Tel: (410)
223-2890