Editorials

One of the most stinging indictments of our state government has been the way children, our greatest resource, often get less or left out. In the just-released Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count report, Alabama was ranked 47th in the nation in the well-being of children — an improvement from 48th, but still near the bottom.

So, when efforts on behalf of kids pay off, it's proper to acknowledge the effort and result.

Recently, a report by The Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation based in New York City, looked at the way states deliver health care to children; Alabama's system ranked No. 14 in the nation. Alabama was the only Southeast state in the top 50 percent.

Alabama rated high in the innovative way it provides health insurance to low-income children, the quality of care provided, and the way costs are contained. The Commonwealth Fund, which works to promote high-performing health-care systems, was especially impressed with how well Alabama did despite our state's poverty ratings.

Add to this the results of a recent federal review of our Child and Family Services that found that in Alabama, children are "first and foremost, protected from abuse and neglect." Although our state still needs improvement in many of these listed federal outcomes, the Alabama Department of Human Resources not only exceeds national standards in child safety, but it rates above national standards in reuniting children with birth parents or other relatives. That's a significant improvement since 2002.

While there is much work remaining, things have been accomplished that will make Alabama a better place for children.

That is good news, indeed.