There are million children (age 0-17) in North Carolina, more than ever before. Approximately 20 percent continue to live in poverty. This represents a growing challenge to adults — in the home, in the community, and collectively through government — who are responsible for protecting children from harm and providing opportunities for healthy growth. The data in this Report Card serve as indicators of how North Carolina is collectively discharging these responsibilities. The data provide reason for celebration, tempered by both caution and concern. For the majority of the indicators, the trend is toward improvement, and for several — the.
