All children deserve a Michigan where their basic needs can be met, where they can thrive in their communities and schools, and where they can grow up strong and healthy.

For child advocates and policymakers alike, the recently released Kids Count in Michigan Data Profiles give us the information we need to make that Michigan a reality.

Those data offer a snapshot of how children are doing across communities, race, family structure, and income levels, showing us where children may need more support from Michigan leaders, and where children and families are much better off.

But there’s a lot going on behind the numbers, and a lot we can do as a state to keep things moving in the right direction for kids — namely, making a number of COVID-19-era changes permanent.

The federal Child Tax Credit boost alone lifted 114,000 Michigan children out of poverty. State efforts helped improve child care access and affordability. The federal and Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) were temporarily expanded to 571,000 working adults without children, including young adults ages 18 to 24 — a new population focus of our Kids Count work.

If families continue to pay attention and magnify the Kids Count data and related recommendations to decision-makers and candidates — especially at the local level during this election year — positive policy changes will emerge.

Let’s take a look at how the numbers have changed over the last decade, including a spotlight on the counties surrounding Alpena.

∫ 79 out of 83 counties, including Alpena, Alcona, and Presque Isle counties, saw a reduction in births to teens. In addition, 31 counties improved by over 50%. Though those numbers have decreased tremendously, we must ensure strong support for teenage parents and allow access to a comprehensive health education for all students.

∫ The number of children ages 0 to 17 confirmed to be victims of abuse or neglect decreased in 56 counties, including Alpena, Alcona, and Montmorency counties, but, unfortunately, the numbers rose in Presque Isle County. To continue improving outcomes in that area, this year, Michigan established a statewide system to track confirmed cases of those abusing or neglecting children, making the information accessible to guardians and helping to prevent repeat abuse.

∫ Child poverty rates improved in all but one county. We also saw a big improvement in young adult poverty levels, with 72 counties showing reduction in poverty rates from 18- to 24-year-olds. But still, over 1.5 million households in Michigan struggle to make ends meet, including over 40% of households in Alpena, Presque Isle, Montmorency, and Alcona counties.

∫ Childhood abuse investigations rose in over 72 counties, including Alpena, Presque Isle, Montmorency, and Alcona. The uptake in investigations may be due in part to increased training for mandatory reporters and an improved central intake system. While it’s a good sign that the rate of victims hasn’t also gone up statewide, the rise in investigations serves as a sign that families may need more support.

∫ Babies born with less than adequate prenatal care have worsened in 58 counties — 33% of moms in Presque Isle County, 31% in Montmorency County, 28% in Alcona County, and 22% in Alpena County received less than adequate care. Addressing a woman’s health needs throughout her pregnancy is an opportunity to optimize health and provide the best chance of having a positive birth experience, which we know leads to other positive outcomes for mom and baby down the road.

The Kids Count profiles include a number of policy recommendations, including a permanent increase to Michigan’s Earned Income Tax Credit from its current rate of 6% of the federal credit to 30%. An increase of that amount would mean an average difference of $150 to $749 in credit to working families and bring a significant amount of money into the Northeast Michigan economy and small businesses as it gets spent locally on essential needs.

Those profiles and policy recommendations give lawmakers, local advocates, and families an opportunity to see their communities through a magnifying glass — they can see how their communities mirror or differ from those statewide trends, and, as we approach the November election, the profiles will inform us so we can vote according to what kids and families need to ensure positive outcomes.

Visit www.mlpp.org to get a look at the latest profiles and recommendations.

Kelli Bowers is a Kids Count in Michigan data analyst at the Michigan League for Public Policy.