Report: More NE Minn. children living out of home

DULUTH -- A new report shows northeastern Minnesota has a higher percentage of abused or neglected children and those living out of their homes than the rest of the state.

The 2012 Kids Count report also says access to health care, food, jobs and child care is limited in many non-metropolitan regions of the state. Health-care shortages for primary care were noted in 62 counties, in 67 counties for dental care and 77 counties for mental health care.

The report, sponsored by the Children's Defense Fund, shows about 18 of every 1,000 children live in foster care, group homes or residential treatment centers in northeastern Minnesota. That's twice the statewide average.

The Duluth News Tribune says the region also has the highest rate of abused or neglected children with about 6 out of every 1,000, also about twice the statewide average.