Children who are nurtured, protected, and thriving
This solution addresses lack of care for all children in New York City, USA for local communities
Problem Description
The City is determined to close the opportunity gap that exists for young New Yorkers, starting from the birth of every child. The infant mortality rate (IMR)—an indicator of the entire population’s health and wellbeing—was the lowest in New York City history in 2013, at 4.6 deaths per 1,000 live births. However, despite a declining rate that is nearly 25 percent below the U.S. average, there are signi cant, and in some cases widening, disparities between neighborhoods. According to NYC Vital Statistics data, in 2013 infant mortality rates were nearly double in areas with very high poverty compared to areas with low poverty (5.2 infant deaths per 1,000 live births vs. 2.8, respectively). Among racial ethnic groups, the disparity is the starkest between black and white babies. The 2013 infant mortality rate for black babies, 8.3 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, was the infant mortality rate for white babies more than 20 years ago.Building Blocks
Story
To address infant mortality disparities, the City proposes achieving a historic low of 3.7 infant deaths per 1,000 live births citywide by 2040 and dramatically decreasing the racial/ethnic disparity. The City will reach its commitment by targeting key neighborhoods with high infant mortality rates and implementing social and structural supports before, during, and after pregnancy.
High-quality early childcare and early childhood education lead to improved academic and life outcomes. High-quality pre-kindergarten promotes cognitive and academic gains that persist into adulthood, reduces involvement with the criminal justice system, increases high school graduation rates, and increases college attendance rates. When a child attends pre-kindergarten, his or her chances of reaching advanced reading levels by the third grade—a critical indicator of future success—increases by 18 percent.
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Organisations Involved
Solution Stage
One of the 7 stages of an innovation. Learn more
| STAGE | SPECIALIST SKILLS REQUIRED | EXAMPLE ACTIVITIES | RISK LEVEL AND HANDLING | FINANCE REQUIRED | KINDS OF EVIDENCE GENERATED | GOAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developing and testing3 | Mix of design and implementation skills |
|
HIGH |
MEDIUM | A stronger case with cost and benefit projections developed through practical trials and experiments, involving potential users | Demonstration that the idea works, or evidence to support a reworking of the idea |