Indicators: How Can You Measure Progress?

Policymakers can measure progress toward preparing youth to succeed in life by tracking data regarding both risk factors and positive youth development. Used to measure results in these areas, the indicators below are available by state and nationally over time, allowing policymakers to gauge their state’s progress toward youth outcomes.  While all indicators have limitations, they provide a starting point in understanding the extent of an issue; additional measures, such as research and an appreciation of communities’ specific needs, complement these data to provide a more complete picture of what youth need to succeed in life.

Youth Risk Indicators

• Juvenile detention:   Measures the rate of youth detained, incarcerated or placed in residential facilities.[1] A sub-indicator some jurisdictions may want to track is juvenile arrests.

• Pregnancies and births to teens : Birth rates for youth 15-19 years. [2]

• young people transitioning from foster care : percentage of young people exiting foster care without legal, permanent families. [3]

• High school dropout rate : Percentage of teenagers who are not enrolled in high school and are not high school graduates.[4]

Positive Youth Development Indicators

• Young adult voting history:  Youth civic engagement through reported voting and registration. [5]

• Young adults enrolled in or completed college : Percentage of young adults enrolled in college or who have completed college.[6]

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[1] Sickmund, Melissa, Sladky, T.J., and Kang, Wei. (2008) "Census of Juveniles in Residential Placement Databook."
[2] Kids Count Data Center.
[3] Automated Foster Care and Adoption Reporting System.
[4] Kids Count Data Center.
[5] U.S. Census Bureau.
[6] Kids Count Data Center.