Report: 23 percent of Ohio children living in poverty

COLUMBUS (AP) — A new report on the well-being of children across the country finds that more Ohio youngsters are living in poverty than before the Great Recession.

The latest Kids Count Data Book by the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows that 23 percent of the state’s children are living in poverty compared to 19 percent in 2008.

The annual findings — which were released today — cover a variety of indicators, including education, health and economic issues.

The report showed some signs of slight improvement for Ohio, such as a falling percentage of uninsured children and a dropping teen birth rate.

The child advocacy group says Ohio ranks 23rd nationally in overall child well-being. That’s a slot above where it ranked last year in the organization’s report.