More children in Louisiana are living in poverty than during the Great Recession, according to a report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
The 2015 KidsCountData Book shows 28% of children here are living in disadvantaged families, up from 25% in 2008.
AnthonyRecasner, CEO of Agenda for Children, says many people in Louisiana are searching for work.
"When they find employment, it's just not enough to adequately support a family of four," says Recasner.
Recasner says the percent of kids living in high-poverty areas increased to 19 percent between 2009-2013, which is up from 17 percent between 2006-2010.
He says race and ethnicity tends to shape a child's economic stability.
"You see more African American and Latino families in Louisiana that are unable to find stable employment," says Recasner.
The same report shows that the percentage of children without health insurance is going down and the percentage of high school kids graduating on time is going up.
However, Recasner says Louisiana ranks 48th overall for child well-being. He says more higher paying jobs translates to a family's ability to provide more for their children.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation is devoted to developing a brighter future for millions of children at risk of poor educational, economic, social and health outcomes.
Visit aecf.org/about/ for more information about the foundation.
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