Click on a Section below to view our Well-Being data indicators:
It is important to monitor where children reside in our region, areas where there are higher concentrations of children and youth, and demographic trends in our region. It is particularly important to consider this data when making policy recommendations for the region, implementing strategic initiatives, and investing limited resources that are aimed at improving child well-being outcomes.
The percentage of the total population under 5 years of age.
The percentage of the total population under 18 years of age.
The percentage of the total population self-identifying as “White” on the American Community Survey.
The percentage of the total population self-identifying as “Black or African American” on the American Community Survey.
The percentage of the total population self-identifying as “Hispanic or Latino” on the American Community Survey.
The percentage of the total population self-identifying as “Asian” on the American Community Survey.
The percentage of the total population self-identifying as “Two or more races” on the American Community Survey.
Strengthening and supporting families, especially the most vulnerable, is key to improving child well-being in our community. All children deserve to grow up in loving, supportive families. Additionally, all families deserve the structures and supports that enable them to adequately care for their children.
The percentage of children under age five living below the Federal Poverty Level.
The percentage of children under age 18 living below the Federal Poverty Level.
The percentage of households with children under 18 that are headed by single mothers.
Median family income represents the amount that divides the income distribution into two equal groups, half having income above that amount, and half having income below that amount. A family consists of two or more people (one of whom is the householder) related by birth, marriage, or adoption residing in the same housing unit.
The percentage of the population 16 years and over who did not have a job, had been looking for employment, and were available to start a job.
Percentage of children under age 18 receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) benefits.
Percentage of children under age 18 receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Percentage of children under age 18 enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program).
The rate of children (per 1,000) placed in alternative care living arrangements which includes foster care (non-relative, kinship, and therapeutic homes), adoptive homes, group homes, residential treatment facilities, hospitals, and independent living arrangements.
The rate of substantiated child abuse and neglect victims (per 1,000 children) as determined through Children’s Division investigations (including substantiated investigations, unsubstantiated investigations where preventative services were indicated, and family assessments where services were recommended.
The rate of indicated child abuse and neglect victims (per 1,000 children) as determined through Children and Family Services investigations.
Increasingly, practitioners are noting the importance of preconception care and access to prenatal care as key factors in improving both maternal and child health outcomes. Good health is central to the quality of life for individuals and communities and cannot be viewed in isolation from the social determinants of health.
The percentage of babies born with inadequate prenatal care. (The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services defines inadequate prenatal care as less than five visits for pregnancies lasting less than 37 weeks, less than eight visits for pregnancies of 37 weeks or longer or care beginning after the fourth month of pregnancy.)
The percentage of infants born preterm (defined as infants who are born before 37 full weeks of pregnancy are completed).
The percentage of infants born weighing less than 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds).
The infant mortality rate is the number of deaths under one year of age that occur for every 1,000 live births.
The percentage of children under age six without health insurance.
The percentage of children under age 19 without health insurance.
The individual, social, and economic benefits of providing access to high quality, affordable early childhood development opportunities to all children and families cannot be overstated. With the overwhelming majority of parents participating in the workforce, child care is an issue that affects the vast majority of families in our region.
The percentage of families with children under 6 where both parents are in the workforce (in the case of two-parent families) or the parent is in the workforce (in the case of single-parent families).
The total number of licensed early child care “seats”.
The total number of licensed, center-based early child care “seats” for children under age 2.
The total number of licensed, center-based early child care “seats” for children ages 2-5.
The total number of licensed, home-based early child care “seats”.
The total number of children enrolled in any district-sponsored pre-kindergarten program.
The percentage of children who can be served by an accredited early childhood program (as accredited by MOA, NAEYC, NAFCC, NECPA, COA or CARF) located within the ZIP code in which they reside.
The percentage of children who can be served by a bronze, silver, or gold quality early childhood program (as determined by ExceleRate, Illinois’ statewide quality recognition and improvement system) and/or by an accredited early childhood program (as accredited by NAFCC, NAEYC, NAA, NECPA, NAC, or CDA/CCP) located within the ZIP code in which they reside.
The average weekly cost of center-based childcare for children under age 2.
The average weekly cost of center-based childcare for children age 2 to 5.
The average weekly cost of home-based childcare for children under age 2.
The average weekly cost of home-based childcare for children age 2 to 5.
Ensuring that all children have access to a quality education and that inequities in educational opportunities and outcomes are eliminated remains a critical challenge in our community. Every child deserves the educational experience that we would want for our own children.
The percentage of students in a district eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
The percentage of students in a district who are English Language Learners. English learners (ELs) are students whose English proficiency is not yet sufficient to provide the students with the ability to successfully participate and achieve in classroom settings where the language of instruction is English. Districts must provide additional services for ELs to ensure that they meet the state's proficient level of achievement on state assessments, successfully achieve in classrooms where the language of instruction is English, and participate fully in the school setting. Note: The state of Missouri uses the term “students with Limited English Proficiency. The state of Illinois uses the term “English Language Learners.”
The percentage of students in a district who are homeless. (The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless students as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The term includes students who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing or economic hardship, living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations, living in emergency or transitional shelters, or living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings.)
Percentage of students in a school in a given year that moved into or out of a school for reasons other than academic promotion.
The percentage of students in a district who receive special education and related services in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Each special education student receives an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that specifies supplemental services, modifications, and accommodations available to that student.
This ratio is calculated using the fall enrollment for the school year divided by the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers and excludes special education teachers.
: Missouri defines “Average Current Expenditures Per ADA” as the average current expenditure per pupil, in average daily attendance (ADA), for the district. In Illinois, the “Operating Spending Per Pupil” includes all costs for overall operations, including instructional spending, but excluding summer school, adult education, capital expenditures, and long-term debt payments.
The percentage of third grade students who are proficient/advanced in English language arts as measured by annual state tests. Note: The state of Missouri uses the terms proficient/advanced. The state of Illinois uses the terms met/exceeded. Please note that Missouri and Illinois use different tests to monitor student achievement and progress and therefore the results of Missouri school districts cannot be directly compared to those of Illinois districts. However, these test results give us some indication of how many students in each district are “on track” overall.
The percentage of eighth grade students who are proficient/advanced in mathematics as measured by annual state tests. Note: The state of Missouri uses the terms proficient/advanced. The state of Illinois uses the terms met/exceeded. Please note that Missouri and Illinois use different tests to monitor student achievement and progress and therefore the results of Missouri school districts cannot be directly compared to those of Illinois districts. However, these test results give us some indication of how many students in each district are “on track” overall.
The percentage of students who graduated from high school within four years with a regular high school diploma. (The four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate is the number of students who graduate in four years with a regular high school diploma divided by the number of students who form the adjusted cohort for the graduating class. From the beginning of 9th grade, students who are entering that grade for the first time form a cohort that is subsequently “adjusted” by adding any students who transfer into the cohort later during the 9th grade and the next three years and subtracting any students who transfer out, emigrate to another country, or die during that same period.)
The percentage of students who graduated with a regular high school diploma from a public high school and enrolled in a two-year or four-year college in the U.S. within six months (for Missouri districts) or 12 months (for Illinois districts).
Positive youth development opportunities, especially for youth who face the most significant challenges, can have a dramatic impact on improving child well-being and producing healthy, productive adults. Providing the conditions for positive youth development is a responsibility shared by families, schools, and communities.
The percentage of infants born to women under 20 years of age.
Illinois provides the percentage of students who are removed from the local enrollment roster before the end of a school term. Dropouts include students in grades 9-12 whose names have been removed for any reason, including moved not known to be continuing, transfer to GED-program, and aged out. The percentage does not include death, extended illness, graduation/completion of a program of studies, transfer to another public/private/home school, or expulsion. Missouri defines the dropout rate as the number of dropouts divided by the total of September enrollment, plus transfers in, minus transfers out, minus dropouts, added to September enrollment, then divided by two.
Many factors contribute to safe neighborhoods and strong communities that ultimately support, or undermine, the well-being of children and their families. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, healthy home located in a strong, vibrant neighborhood.
The percentage of children under age six tested for lead who have blood lead levels over 5 micrograms per deciliter.
The percentage of households spending more than 30 percent of monthly income on owner housing costs (including mortgage) or gross rent payments.
The percentage of total housing units that are vacant.
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A Data Book for the Community
Vision for Children at Risk informs the community with data and information on child well-being in the St. Louis area, builds and drives collaboration and strategic action for children, and advocates for policies and investment in children that support child well-being.
Decision makers from each key system will be convened in the Network of Practice to develop the infrastructure necessary to facilitate better communication amongst collaborative partners involved in the CMHI Project.
These SOC enhancements will help meet an existing priority of collaboration between all involved CMHI partners to decrease SED amongst at risk youth, with an emphasis on black/brown youth, unhoused youth and the LGBTQIA+ youth population by detecting their mental health needs early enough to provide the appropriate level of support/treatment. MOUs will be obtained from each Network partner to outline how each system will advance the SOC Approach, including providing services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and trauma informed.
Mia was first introduced to VCR when a friend invited her to a Community Café. She had heard the cafés were impactful and looks back now to say that it truly was life changing! She sees a real opportunity for positive change by the way these cafés center the conversations of change around community voice.
At the end of 2019 Mia joined the VCR family. She now serves as a Family Engagement Specialist with PACT-STL, bringing life experience, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, energy, and passion to supporting families navigating behavioral health needs.
Outside of VCR you might find Mia and her daughter roller skating and also embracing all the wonderful and exciting events in the St. Louis area.
Jawana first connected with VCR through the Project LAUNCH initiative as a council member and joined the staff team in 2020. As the System of Care Project Director, she oversees the collaborative network of organizations, agencies, and families committed to a family-driven and youth-guided approach to providing care for children and youth with mental health challenges. The System of Care is working to ensure children and youth can thrive by getting the total support they need to become physically and emotionally healthy at home, in school, and in their communities.
Outside of VCR Jawana enjoys listening to music and fashion design.
vcr@visionforchildren.org(314) 534-6015
Anita first connected with VCR by utilizing the CMSL Data Book, finding the data impactful and helpful. Anita later joined the VCR team in 2018 to focus on improving access to and coordination of early childhood screenings. She now serves as VCR’s Compliance Coordinator, helping manage the applications, data, and reporting for our federal and local grants.
Outside of VCR Anita enjoys spending time with her husband and family. If she’s not doing that, you can find her watching reality TV and pretending she’s viewing it through an anthropological lens.
Alicia joined VCR’s team in 2020, already familiar with and connected to VCR’s collaborative efforts and MO Project LAUNCH (2012). As the Project LAUNCH Behavioral Health Coordinator, Alicia drives our work integrating behavioral health into primary care health and early care and education. She works to increase and integrate the use of screening tools and mental health consultation for children’s well-being.
Outside of VCR Alicia enjoys anything outdoors in the sun with a special appreciation for the Caribbean. She loves eating and trying new restaurants, travel, sand in her feet, water, and blue skies. Alicia also enjoys spending time with family and her grandchildren that keep her young.
Liz, a VCR team member since 2007, coordinates the overall data and research functions for the agency. This includes production of the Children of Metropolitan St. Louis Data Book (CMSL) as well as community assessments and special reports on key policy issues for community organizations and collaborative groups. She also provides customized child well-being focused data to various entities including local foundations, legislators, and numerous community initiatives and organizations. These data are used in everything from securing grants to informing funding and policy decisions.
Outside of VCR Liz enjoys exploring her neighborhood by foot and the city by bike.
Isaac connected with VCR because of our prevention work with children and families. Having worked on the intervention side previously, he truly sees the importance and impact of prevention and early intervention. Isaac joined the team in 2020 as our Education Coordinator with Project LAUNCH and now serves as the Project LAUNCH Director.
Outside of VCR Isaac enjoys being outside with his significant other and dog, jiu jitsu, reading, and playing games with his brother. Isaac also loves to cook and bake and has some pretty great skills thanks to his mother. He is notorious for modifying the recipe every time.
Bree joined VCR in 2015 as the Project LAUNCH Activities Coordinator. Since that time, Bree’s role has shifted, but she remains dedicated and motivated by the mission of VCR. She now serves as VCR’s Communication Coordinator and loves being able to help share the story of VCR (alongside all of our awesome partners and families) working toward child well-being.
Outside of VCR Bree and her family can be found playing ultimate frisbee, hiking, and learning and advocating alongside their church family.
Ruth was a VCR Board member before fully joining the VCR family in 2013. She started out coordinating the Family and Community Partnership (now known as St. Louis Child Abuse and Neglect Network), served as the VCR Advocacy Coordinator for many years, served as the Interim PACT-STL Director, and now continues to support VCR as a consultant.
Outside of VCR Ruth enjoys reading, playing the piano and flute, playing tennis, and spoiling her dog.
Sam joined VCR in 2013 as a MO Project LAUNCH team member and is now serving as a Family Engagement Specialist with Parents & Children Together St. Louis (PACT-STL). He helps connect families to resources and opportunities, and to think strategically about how they can strengthen their family. Sam leads the Parent Cafes and is a certified trainer.
Outside of VCR Sam enjoys being in nature, gardening, building connections with others, and spending time with his family.
Katina joined VCR in 2019 excited and motivated to help families, parents, and children by sharing her life experiences, prior work experience, and her education. She serves as a Family Engagement Specialist through PACT-STL, which involves connecting with families throughout the community to reduce entry into foster care. She helps connect families to the resources that can help families be their best version of themselves.
Outside of VCR Katina enjoys spending time with her four boys, expressing their spiritual beliefs, and networking and meeting new people from all walks of life.
• The purpose of the Critical Case Staffing Team (CCST) is to support the referring agency in determining what system barriers exists in cases where resources have been exhausted.
• The referring agency should be able to resolve most issues prior to referring to CCST by utilizing community resources.
• However, when system barriers prevent the delivery of services and/or additional needs have been identified for which services do not exist, a referral to the CCST may be appropriate.
Connie joined VCR in 2020 as a Family Support Partner for the System of Care (SOC). She brings professional training to her work, as well as personal experiences from raising her daughter. She walks alongside families in their journey navigating behavioral health and social emotional supports for their child(ren).
Outside of VCR Connie enjoys reading, planting flowers and herbs, and spending time with her family and friends.
Shelnise joined the VCR family in 2020 and serves as the Project Coordinator/Lead Family Coordinator for the System of Care. She has spent most of her career working with children and adolescents around mental health and is passionate about serving her community, empowering others to live better lives. She works alongside organizations, families and caregivers, and the community committed to strengthening the systems of support. Shelnise also supports the Family Support Partners walking alongside families who are connecting to and navigating mental health services.
Outside of VCR Shelnise enjoys spending time with her family and friends traveling and exploring new journeys.
Yolanda first engaged with VCR as a board member of COCAN (now STLCANN) in 2012. She went on to serve as the Board Co-Chair of STLCANN before joining the VCR team in 2021 as the PACT-STL Director. Yolanda now oversees the work of Parents and Children Together St. Louis (PACT-STL), a federally funded initiative through the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF). She is leading this initiative focused on developing, implementing, and evaluating strategies that prevent child maltreatment, reduce entry into the public child welfare system, and enhance overall well-being outcomes of children and families.
Outside of VCR Yolanda enjoys spending time with her family and God, reading, listening to music, and watching TV.
Integrated Family Treatment is a multi-generational approach to mental health care. The client is the family unit, not only the child or adult separately. The goal is to improve family relationships, functioning, and well-being. Evidence-based mental health services and trauma focused treatment will be provided by Places for People and Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis.
Family Support Partners (FSPs) provide peer support to families as they connect to and navigate mental health services. The FSPs have lived experience as a parent or family member of a child with a serious emotional disorder, as well as a deep connection to the communities in the St. Louis Promise Zone. FSPs are certified by the Missouri Dept. of Mental Health and employed by Vision for Children at Risk.
An individual with a diagnosable mental, behavioral or emotional disorder that interferes with or limits daily functioning.
Tyree originally connected with VCR in 2015 when he attended his first Parent Café. He stayed connected and officially joined the VCR family in 2022 as a Family Engagement Specialist for PACT-STL. He serves as a family mentor and assists families with understanding their rights and helping them navigate the child serving systems. He works alongside families that have either been hot-lined already or are at risk of being hot-lined.
Outside of VCR Tyree enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, and listening to music.
Jamila first engaged with VCR when she attended a Parent Café Training Institute. After this experience she went on to become an active Project LAUNCH parent leader and gained experience hosting Parent Cafés at Clay Academy of Exploration and Civics. She officially joined the VCR family in 2022 as a Family Engagement Specialist for Project LAUNCH, walking alongside parents and caregivers, connecting them to helpful resources and supporting them as they strengthen their family.
Outside of VCR Jamila enjoys attending family friendly events with her children, along with all the adventures, laughter, and joy that comes with being a parent of multiple children under age 8.
Alexis first joined the VCR family in 2022 as a practicum student. She enjoyed working with the team, serving families, and believed in the mission so deeply that she joined the team afterwards. Alexis serves as a Family Support Partner (FSP) for the System of Care (SOC), walking alongside families that have a child or children with a Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), mental health concern, or behavioral health concern.
Outside of VCR Alexis enjoys cooking/baking, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Carmenlita joined VCR is 2022 as a Family Support Partner (FSP) for the System of Care (SOC). She is passionate about empowering others and giving back to her community, helping families and children navigate their everyday life. She brings her own lived experience, work experience, and educational experience to her role as an FSP where she compassionately walks alongside families, providing peer support as they connect to and navigate mental health services.
Outside of VCR Carmenlita enjoys mentoring and tutoring children, being a mother and a nana. She also enjoys decorating, cooking, and traveling with family and friends.
Sanaria became Executive Director of Vision for Children at Risk in 2018, leading VCR’s efforts to promote the well-being of children, youth, and families. She joined Vision for Children at Risk in 2013 as director of Project LAUNCH, a federally funded program to improve young child wellness in north St. Louis. The success of Project LAUNCH allowed VCR to secure three new federal grants, all aimed at supporting families. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of VCR and overseeing the federal grants, Sanaria also serves on the board of Kids Win Missouri.
Outside of work at VCR, Sanaria loves to travel around the world with her two beautiful children to learn about different cultures, learn different languages, and try new food.
