RIVERTON — Fremont County lags behind nearly every other county in the state in statistical comparisons on the welfare of children, according to a recent report.

The Wyoming Children's Action Alliance report shows that children in Fremont County are more likely to be impoverished, born to single or teen mothers, exposed to cigarette smoke before birth, enrolled in special education classes, die prematurely and drop out of high school.

The report revealed the situation isn't all bleak for Fremont County's children. Measures are being taken to address the problems they face.

For instance, only 69.5 percent of mothers statewide receive adequate prenatal care, compared to 74.6 in Fremont County. Preschool enrollment in the county is 47.2 percent, slightly higher than the state rate of 43.5 percent.

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