Data and Outcomes Measures

Unless specified otherwise, the data presented in this report are for children, and youth under the age 25, and their families who live in San Mateo County (SMC).

Throughout this report, outcome measures were selected by subcategory to highlight how children, and youth in SMC are faring on a variety of measures. In some instances, outcome measures with quality data were not available, so indicators or output measures were selected instead.

While the County of San Mateo (the County) funds programs that work to improve the outcome measures in this report, the County does not have the ability to fully impact or control them. However, these measures were selected to highlight the importance of the County’s work, and help stakeholders identify gaps, celebrate gains, and inform future investments.

Criteria for Services

• Children and youth are defined as persons under age 25.
• Spending for programs where adults receive money based on the presence of a child or youth are included. A strong family unit with adult caregivers is crucial to the wellbeing of our children, and youth.
• Spending for programs that benefit the general public, even if those programs benefit children, and youth, are not included.
• Programs that indirectly benefit children, and youth are not included.
• Capital projects are not included.