The Index of Children At Risk measures the environmental conditions present that may affect the economic and social well-being of children. It appears that children are most at risk in southern Missouri, particularly in the bootheel region. Children are least at risk in northwestern Missouri and in areas along the eastern portion of the Missouri River.
Roughly 37% of children at risk scores in rural Missouri can be explained by three factors. It appears that children are least at risk in areas that have highly educated populations, lower job growth between 1990-2000, and higher per capita incomes. The results of this analysis indicate that economic conditions play a moderate role in explaining the incidence of at risk children in rural Missouri.
The Index of Child Abuse and Neglect measures the occurrence of child abuse and neglect across counties. It appears that children are most at risk for child abuse/neglect in St. Louis City, southwest Missouri, south central Missouri, and northeast Missouri. Children appear least at risk in northwest Missouri, in portions of south central Missouri, and in areas along the Mississippi River.
It was found that rural economies with a high percentage of service jobs may result in a higher incidence of child abuse/neglect, which is supported by the literature. However, since the model predicts only 10.5% of the variance in child abuse/neglect scores, this finding should be taken with caution. In short, the results of this analysis indicate that economic conditions play a very minor role in explaining the incidence of child abuse/neglect in rural Missouri.
Child Abuse and Neglect, 1995-2000
The Index of Teen Violent Death measures the rate of violent deaths to teens due to accidents, homicides and suicides. It appears that teens are most at risk for violent death in St. Louis City, southeast Missouri, and in extreme northern Missouri. Teens are least at risk in the metropolitan areas of the state and in central and southwest Missouri. In general, teen violent death is diffused throughout the state.
Roughly 39% of teen violent death rates in rural Missouri can be explained by three factors. It appears that teens are least at risk from violent death in areas that are not dependent on agriculture or forestry, that have higher per capita incomes, and that are more highly educated. The results of this analysis indicate that economic conditions play a moderate role in explaining teen violent death rates in rural Missouri.
