Advocates for Children of New Jersey

New Jersey ranks No. 1 in the category of education, but No. 22 in the category of economic well-being, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

The Garden State performs rather well compared to other states in the 2022 Kids Count Data Book, but advocates suggest more must be done to protect child health and well-being.

"I believe we are in triage mode here in our great state," said Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake.

"The expanded child tax credit could potentially cut child poverty by one-third in New Jersey," said Cecilia Zalkind, of Advocates for Children of New Jersey.

Economic conditions were improving for New Jersey children through 2019, but the pandemic is likely to limit or wipe out progress moving forward, according to a pair of reports released Monday.

In a 2020 report, New Jersey had its worst showing in the domain of economic well-being.

The Garden State consistently beats national averages for each early learning metric, but New Jersey babies' health, while good compared to the rest of the United States, could improve.

"What we're desperate for at this point is an open date," said Rose Cushing, president/CEO of YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy.

While about 14% of New Jersey's child population lives in poverty, it's a reality for nearly a quarter of black and Hispanic children.

A new report shows the state places 94% of kids in foster care in family settings.