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Child and Adolescent Health

happy children running
Childhood and adolescence are a critical period of growth and development and a child's experiences, behaviors, and health problems can have long-term impacts. 1

1. Children Healthy People 2030. 12/1/23.

Quick Links

Teen Obesity report linkFood Insecurity report linkChildhood Immunization report linkPoverty among Children Under Age Five report linkUninsured Children report link

Why It's Important

Timely developmental screenings and recommended health care services are key to identifying health problems early, when they're usually easier to treat. Positive health behaviors, such as getting enough sleep and eating healthy, can help prevent diseases and injuries. Safe, stable, and supportive relationships are critical for children's health, development, and well-being. 2

Adolescents are at risk for many preventable health problems, such as substance use disorders, STIs, and motor vehicle-related injuries. They also experience developmental changes that can affect their physical and mental health. Many behaviors that can affect health and well-being later in life start during adolescence. Positive health behaviors - like getting preventive care, using birth control, and getting enough sleep - can help adolescents stay safe and healthy. 3

2. Children Healthy People 2030. 12/1/23.
3. Adolescents Healthy People 2030. 12/1/23.

What's Known

In New Jersey,
  • One in six children ages 6-17 is obese.4
  • One in seven children under age 5 live in poverty.
  • Thirteen percent of children under age 18 are food insecure.
  • The leading cause of death among children aged 1-17 years is unintentional injury, mostly due to motor vehicle crashes and drowning.
4. 2022-2023 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) data query. Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health. 11/27/24.

Who's at Risk

There are disparities in healthcare access, healthy behaviors, and related health outcomes by race/ethnicity and family income.5,6

5. Children. Healthy People 2030. 12/1/23.
6. Adolescents. Healthy People 2030. 12/1/23.

How It's Tracked

Child and adolescent health outcomes are tracked in "all ages" datasets such as the American Community Survey, birth certificates, hospital discharges, STD reports, and death certificates.

Surveys specifically about child and adolescent health include:

Other Data and Information Resources

New Jersey Department of Health

Other New Jersey State Agencies

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services