This KIDS COUNT data book examines statewide trends in the well-being of Connecticut's children. After listing the regional population, racial/ethnic background, poverty status, and family setting of Connecticut's children, the statistical report examines 13 indicators of well-being: (1) percentage of children receiving welfare benefits; (2) low birth weight per 1,000 births; (3) infant mortality rate; (4) percentage of births with late or no prenatal care; (5) percentage of all births to teen mothers; (6) child death rate; (7) percentage of students meeting Connecticut Mastery Test goals; (8) percentage of tenth graders well below the Connecticut Academic Performance Test standard; (9) percentage of all students grades 9-12 who are high school dropouts; (10) juvenile violent crime arrest rate; (11) child abuse/neglect rates; (12) teen death rate; and (13) child poverty. Section 1 of the report summarizes recent brain development research and the ways development is hindered or helped by the environment. Sections 2 and 3 present child well-being indicators, organized by indicator and region, respectively. The document concludes with an explanation of terms and methodology. Findings indicate that about 19 percent of children live in poverty. In the last 10 years, there has been a slight worsening of the low birth weight rate, improvements in infant mortality, an increase in the percentage of mothers receiving prenatal care, and a decrease in the percentage of all births to teenage mothers. In 1995-96, 30 percent of sixth graders met state goals on the Connecticut Mastery Test. The dropout rate improved slightly during the past 5 years. The juvenile violent crime arrest rate per 100,000 increased from 1991-92 to 1995-96. (Contains 22 references.) (KB)