The State of New York’s Children: Annual Report

On January 13, Schuyler Center held a briefing for state leaders on the latest data that reveals the State of New York’s Children in the areas of child care, child poverty, food insecurity, child health, oral health, and child welfare. Our policy analysts examined the state policy strategies needed to ensure that all New York children have the resources they need to thrive, especially in the face of federal program rollbacks and cuts. These are the issues and policies we will be monitoring as state budget negotiations begin. 

Materials from the 2026 data briefing:

• View the presentation slides
• Event recording

Download the full State of New York’s Children 2026 Data Book or find links to specific sections below.

 The 2026 Data Book includes the latest data and policy recommendations on the following:

New York State’s Children – Demographics on New York’s current population of children.

Upholding New York’s Commitment to Reduce Child Poverty – Far too many children (nearly 20%), in all corners of NYS, live in poverty, which can have long-reaching impacts on children’s lives. There are steps the State can – and should – take now to reduce poverty and alleviate its impacts on NY children.

Map – Child Poverty in New York State by County

Creating Economic Opportunity for Families through Tax Credits and Cash Benefits – Refundable tax credits are among the most effective ways to reduce poverty and alleviate tax burdens for NY families. In response to this evidence, and at the recommendation of the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council, New York State expanded its Empire State Child Credit in the FY2026 State Budget, increasing the amount and eliminating the income phase-in that had previously excluded New Yorkers with very low incomes from receiving the full credit.

Building a New York in Which No Child Experiences Hunger – All children and families in New York have access to nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and cultural traditions, fortifying them to lead active, healthy lives. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)— the nation’s largest and most effective anti-hunger program—was subject to federal funding cuts and administrative changes beginning at the end of 2025. The changes are expected to cause more New Yorkers, including children, to endure hunger.

Map – Food Insecurity Among New York Children by County

New York’s Commitment to Children’s Health – New York State is a leader in providing affordable, comprehensive health insurance coverage to children through Medicaid and Child Health Plus, covering 44% of the state’s children, and nearly 80% of children living in poverty and near poverty. The 2025 federal tax and budget reconciliation bill—H.R. 1— instituted deep cuts to Medicaid and other health coverage assistance that will cause people to lose coverage, reduce access to care, and force states to make significant decisions about how to maintain health coverage and care with far less federal funding.

 Map – Children Covered by Medicaid/CHP in New York by County

Ensuring Oral Health Care for All Children – Tooth decay is largely preventable, yet dental caries remain the most common chronic disease of childhood, especially for children experiencing poverty. All children deserve to be free from the pain and lasting impacts of dental disease. Families should have easy and affordable access to preventive and treatment services to maintain good childhood oral health.

Transforming New York’s Child Welfare System by Investing in Families – Transparency and accountability are needed in New York’s child welfare system. Over 75% of reports to Child Protective Services are unfounded, a determination made only after the family has undergone an invasive, stressful, often traumatic investigation. When families have easy access to economic supports and trusted resources in their community, children thrive – even when their parents earn low incomes. 

Prioritzing Low-Income Families in the Rollout of Universal Child Care – New York has made important strides in expanding access to child care, however significant barriers remain in the way of accessing child care and early education that works for families and meets the developmental needs of children. Without assistance, the cost of child care is out of reach for nearly all New York families.

Map – CCAP Enrollment Status by County

Universal High-Quality Child Care Requires Paying the Workforce a Thriving Wage –Well-compensated, well-supported educators perform the essential work of making high-quality universal child care a reality for New York’s children and families. Currently, child care educators earn less than 96% of occupations in New York State.

View all data sources.

Find more on Schuyler Center’s 2026 Policy Priorities for Child and Family Wellbeing.