LANSING (AP) -- A new report details how Michigan's long economic slump has pushed more children into poverty.
The latest Kids Count in Michigan report was released Tuesday.
The report says that the percentage of children under 18 living in poverty statewide rose from a little under 14 percent in 2000 to about 19 percent in 2007.
The number of confirmed child neglect victims also has increased in recent years. More children are receiving food stamps and free or reduced price lunches at schools.
Michigan has had the nation's highest annual average unemployment rate since 2006.
Kids Count reports are released twice a year. They are put together by the Michigan League for Human Services and Michigan's Children.
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