The latest report, State of the Child 2024, released by the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, brings attention to both progress and alarming challenges facing children in the state.

The report offers a comprehensive look at the well-being of Tennessee’s children, focusing on areas such as health, mental health, education, family economics, and childcare. It also addresses child welfare and youth justice, providing valuable insights into the state’s efforts to improve conditions for young residents.

The Growing Challenge of Child Poverty in Tennessee

One of the most concerning findings from the 2024 report is the percentage of children living in poverty. Despite efforts to combat this issue, the report shows that 20% of children under five in Tennessee are living below the federal poverty line. This statistic has remained steady from 2022 to 2023, signaling little progress in addressing the root causes of child poverty in the state.

Kylie Graves, the director of policy and legislative affairs at the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, explained that the rate of children living in poverty slightly increased between 2022 and 2023. “In 2023, we had 19.7% of our children under 18 living below the federal poverty line,” Graves said. “For our kids under five, it was 20%—just a little bit above that. That did stay consistent between ’22 and ’23, so we saw no change in the under-five poverty rate.”

While there have been improvements in other areas, this persistent level of child poverty remains a significant concern. With a high proportion of Tennessee’s children living in economic hardship, the state faces a serious challenge in breaking the cycle of poverty and ensuring every child has access to the resources needed to thrive.

High Cost of Childcare in Tennessee

The report also highlights the high cost of infant and child care in Tennessee, which is a major issue for families. The average market rate for center-based infant care in the state is approximately $13,126 per year. This makes child care more expensive than in-state tuition at most of the state’s universities, with only one institution offering a lower tuition fee.

Kylie Graves emphasized how this high cost affects many families, making it a significant barrier for parents who are trying to balance work and raising children. The report suggests that the cost of child care is one of the factors that contribute to the state’s child poverty rates. Families, especially those with young children, are facing difficult choices when it comes to finding affordable care and managing expenses.

Education and Mental Health Challenges

Tennessee’s education system, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years, is showing some progress. T-CAP (Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program) scores have rebounded after the pandemic, indicating that students are catching up on the learning lost during school closures. However, despite these improvements, many students are still only “approaching” academic expectations. This suggests that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to ensure that every child has access to a quality education.

One of the most concerning findings from the State of the Child report is the rising mental health crisis among teenagers. Nearly one in four high school students in Tennessee have reported thoughts of suicide, a troubling statistic that indicates the growing need for mental health support for teens. The pandemic’s effects on mental health have been far-reaching, and the state must prioritize resources and services to support the emotional and psychological well-being of young people.

Looking Forward: The Road to Improvement

The State of the Child 2024 report provides a valuable overview of the child well-being in Tennessee, offering a clear picture of both the areas where the state has made progress and those that still need attention. While Tennessee has shown improvement in some areas, the ongoing challenges of child poverty, high childcare costs, and mental health concerns must be addressed to ensure a brighter future for its young residents.

The findings of the report should serve as a call to action for both state lawmakers and community leaders to come together and focus on improving the quality of life for Tennessee’s children. By investing in education, affordable healthcare, mental health services, and economic opportunities, the state can work toward breaking down the barriers that prevent children from reaching their full potential.

As Tennessee moves forward, it’s clear that more needs to be done to tackle the issues that continue to impact children and families across the state. The State of the Child report serves as a reminder that the work is far from over, and continued commitment from both the government and community organizations is needed to make a lasting difference.