Researching Social Indicators Of Childrens Well-Being In The United

Researching Social Indicators Of Childrens Well-Being In The United Researching Social Indicators Of Childrens Well Children in Indiana I have chosen Indiana, known as Americas Heartland, as a representative because its middle of the road status geographically, socially, and politically. This is reflected in its nearly medium position in the ranking of states by poverty, infant birthweight, and per pupil educational expenses (Children in Indiana 1). However, Indiana ranks in the bottom 30 percent in regards to mothers who received pre-natal care as well as infant mortality (Children in Indiana 1). In both of these categories it ranked 34 out of 50, and there is some statistical indication that these two factors are related.In May of 2008, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration refused to adopt a policy that would have expanded pregnant womens access to prenatal care. The policy would have granted "immediate, temporary health coverage through Medicaid to pregnant women in households earning less than twice the federal poverty level, or $28,000 for a family of two" (Indiana Medicaid A gency Refuses). Indiana has one of the highest rates of infant mortality and in 2004 the rate was "eight deaths per 1,000 live births, compared with a national rate of 6.8 deaths per 1,000 live births" (Indiana Medicaid Agency Refuses). It is common sense that pre-natal care has a significant impact of the health of the child at birth. Yet, Indiana has lagged behind the US in its willingness to cover pregnant women under the Medicaide Program.Indianas lack of commitment to childrens health reflects a conservative economic philosophy, which also extends to education. In Indiana, fourth grade school children are below the national average in both reading and math, and over 70 percent of the 3 and 4 year olds in poverty are not enrolled in pre-school (Children in Indiana 2). In contrast to many other states, Indianas policies fail to reflect the latest research in child development. Though Indiana has a substantial budget surplus, the state fails to support their children with the fina ncial support required to give them a healthy and well-educated start to life (Greninger). Children in Indiana. Washington, DC: Childrens Defense Fund, n.d. 22 Jan. 2009 . Greninger, Howard. "State Auditor Touts Indiana’s Budget Surplus." The Tribune Star 18 July 2008 [Terre Haute, IN]. 22 Jan. 2009 ."Indiana Medicaid Agency Refuses To Adopt Policy Increasing Access To Prenatal Care." Medical News Today. 28 May 2008. MediLexicon International Ltd. 22 Jan. 2009 .