The recession has taken a serious toll on American workers, businesses and homeowners. But now the trickle down effect of the economic climate can be seen in the country’s most vulnerable members: children.

According to a new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, child poverty in the US increased 18 percent over the past decade. In 2009, nearly 15 million children — or 20 percent of the juvenile population — were living in poverty.

While poverty rose in 38 out of 50 states, Nevada had the highest rate of children whose parents were unemployed or underemployed and the most children affected by foreclosure. New Hampshire, Minnesota and Massachusetts had the lowest rates of child poverty while Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama had the highest. In fact, Mississippi has ranked in last place for child welfare for 10 straight years.

The foundation bases its annual report on data from many sources, including the US Census Bureau, the National Delinquency Survey and the Mortgage Bankers’ Association. Where does your state rank?

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