It was an occasion of pride for the denizens of Vermont when it was ranked third in an annual survey of well-being of children. While Arkansas, Louisiana are ranked lowest, Minnesota and New Hampshire clinched the top positions.

The co-coordinator at Voices for Children, Vermont, Nicole Mace was really happy that the policies and programmes of the state had a positive impact on the section targeted. The state scored in terms of lower infant mortality rate and lower teen deaths. But the number of children living in poverty and with a family without steady income is a matter of concern there.

Windham County showed figures that were erratic and irregular. While it scored high in some aspects, there were many areas which are lagging behind all others.

While birth weights and mortality rates were satisfactory, figures of teen deaths and teen births were a matter of shame for the county.

The ongoing recession has also hit the welfare programmes for family and children. In fact even before the recession economic conditions for children were not in an appreciable position. The people of Vermont are highly motivated and are determined to keep up the good work and continue making their state a better place to live for children.