We’re excited to share our first set of state issue briefs focusing on early learning and child care. These briefs explore child care provider rates, the number of young children (ages 3-4) not in school, and other critical factors that affect families with young children.

Building on our recent data briefs on early learning and child care, we're excited to share the next phase of our KIDS COUNT® data project: three new briefs on economic justice. This ongoing work, rooted in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT® initiative, reflects our commitment to placing racial justice at the center of Washington’s laws and budget priorities. Using state and county-level data, we’re continuing to elevate the needs of children and families, now turning our attention to the economic conditions that shape their lives and futures. 

The three new data briefs focus on some of the most pressing issues children’s health advocates are faced with today. By providing accessible data we aim to equip advocates, policymakers, and community leaders with the information they need to pursue equitable, impactful change.  

Published October 2020. While the youngest Washingtonians have so far been largely spared from some of the worst health impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, the toll of the pandemic on the well-being of children and their families should not be underestimated.

Recent U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse data and stories from community members across the state show how the pandemic continues to affect kids and families in the areas of housing, nutrition, health care, and education.

With the July 4, 2025 signing of the federal reconciliation bill (H.R. 1), also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a series of policy changes will be implemented over the next five years that threaten to undermine the health and well-being of the American people. Implementation of this bill will include cuts to vital programs, causing millions of people to lose their health care coverage and access to food assistance, and will likely force the closure of hospitals, particularly in rural areas. 

We provide an assessment of leading proposals to improve youth mental health in Washington, and offer recommendations for strategies that the state could implement to make major progress in the year ahead.

This report presents findings from detailed analysis and identifies opportunities for breakthrough progress in Washington's adolescent mental health crisis.