As shown in this 2009 Community Status Report for Children and Youth (see
pages 10–11), Monroe County’s children are faring worse now than they were
in 2000 in critical areas such as child poverty, low birth weight, and access
to health insurance. The Status Report presents vital indicators for children’s
health and well-being in Monroe County and Rochester and compares these
with similar communities and New York State, u.s. and International data.
The City of Rochester has one of the worst infant mortality rates in New York
State. Rochester’s teenage pregnancy rate is among the worst in the u.s. and
industrialized world. And our children lose their lives to violence all too often.

But what if we could do better? What if we could eradicate child abuse? What
if all parents who needed a safe, quality child care setting for their child could
afford it? What if our most vulnerable youth spent less time on the streets and
more time learning?