Racial and ethnic disparities is the gap that exists in outcomes for children of different racial and ethnic groups in Rhode Island. Disparities exist in economic well-being, health, safety and education outcomes.

Racial and ethnic disparities in child well-being can be traced to the founding of the United States and the inequitable practices and policies that harmed Families of Color. From the removal of Native Americans from their lands and the use of Africans as enslaved labor, the country’s first People of Color were prevented from fully participating in the economy while simultaneously building wealth for the country and its white citizens. Racism became an economic tool infused into laws, policies, and practices that has harmed Asian, Black, Latino, Native American, and low-income white people for centuries. Substantial changes to these laws and policies did not occur until the late 1960s, and the harm continues to reverberate in the lives of Children of Color.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities Factbook Indicators

The Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook provides a statistical portrait of the status of Rhode Island’s children and youth.

DEMOGRAPHICS

• Child Population
• Babies
• Racial and Ethnic Diversity
• Racial and Ethnic Disparities

ECONOMIC WELL-BEING

• Median Family Income
• Cost of Housing
• Children in Poverty

HEALTH

• Maternal Health
• Infant Health
• Breastfeeding
• Children with Asthma
• Housing and Health
• Healthy Weight
• Births to Teens

SAFETY

• Youth Referred to Family Court
• Youth in the Justice System
• Children of Incarcerated Parents
• Children of Incarcerated Parents
• Outcomes for Children in DCYF Care

EDUCATION

• Public School Enrollment and Demographics
• Multilingual Learners
• Reading Skills
• Math Skills
• Suspensions
• High School Graduation Rate
• College Preparation and Access
• College Enrollment and Completion
• Teens Not in School and Not Working

Advocacy

Monitor Legislation in the Rhode Island General Assembly.

LEGISLATIVE TESTIMONY

LEGISLATIVE TRACKING

TAKE ACTION

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