This KIDS COUNT data book details statewide trends in the well-being of Missouri's children in the areas of economic security, school success, child health, child safety, and adolescent success. The statistical portrait is based on the following indicators: (1) students enrolled in free/reduced price lunch programs; (2) births to mothers without a high school diploma; (3) low birth weight; (4) infant mortality; (5) child deaths; (6) child abuse and neglect; (7) out-of-home placement; (8) high school dropouts; (9) births to teens; and (10) teen violent deaths. Following an executive summary and brief profile of the state and its minority populations, the second section of the data book provides information on the state as a whole by outcome measures. Special sections highlight the importance of early investment for better outcomes and direction for utilizing the county pages. The bulk of the second section provides data by county, including outcome measures, county trends, composite county rank, demographic information, economic information, family supports, and health information. The data book's three appendices include raw data for indicators, data notes and sources, and county ranks for 1995-1999. (SD)