Here are some of the study's measures of child well-being -- and the states that did best and worst:


- Over the 1990s, 20% more children lived in a home where at least one parent had a full-time, year-round job. But one in four kids lacked a parent with a steady job. Best states: Iowa, Maryland, and Minnesota. Worst states: Louisiana, West Virginia.

- In 1990, 20% of U.S. kids lived in poverty. That fell only slightly, to 17%, in 2000. Best states: New Hampshire. Worst states: Louisiana, Mississippi, and New Mexico.

- The U.S. infant mortality rate dropped from 9.2 to 6.9 deaths per 1,000 live births. Best state: Massachusetts (4.6 deaths per 1,000 births). Worst state: Mississippi (10.7 deaths per 1,000 births).
Deaths in children aged 1-14 dropped 29% since 1990.
Best state: Vermont. Worst state: Mississippi.

- The percentage of teens not in school and not working dropped from 10% in 1990 to 8% in 2000. However, Oregon saw a 29% increase in idle teens. Best state: Utah. Worst state: Louisiana.