AUGUSTA – Maine dropped a spot to 16th in the annual Kids Count survey, but there’s some good news for the state.

The report on the health and well-being of America’s youth found that the number of Maine juveniles detained for crimes is three times lower than the national average. It found that the number of violent crimes committed by Maine juveniles is three times lower, as well.

“Maine recognizes that children must be treated differently than adults when they break the law,” said Dean Crocker, executive vice president of the Maine Children’s Alliance. “Young offenders can turn their lives around if they get the help they need, quickly and comprehensively.”

Crocker said that Maine has taken a more effective course with juvenile offenders than most states, part of a comprehensive response to children’s issues. “Exemplary practices in the Department of Corrections can help get kids back on course, and ensure that they successfully complete high school rather than remain in juvenile institutions,” he said.

The report indicates Maine has the second-lowest percentage of high school dropouts, the sixth-lowest teen birth rate, and 10th-lowest rate of low birth weights. Still, low birth weight babies, infant mortality and teen death rates were up from last year.

The Maine Children’s Alliance expressed concern over the report’s finding that the number of Maine children living in poverty has risen sharply since 2000.

“Although child poverty is still average by national standards, in the past we have been able to do much better,” said Elinor Goldberg, president of the Maine Children’s Alliance.

Between 2000 and 2006, the most recent year for which data were available, the number of Maine children living in low-income homes rose from 12 percent to 18 percent.

New Hampshire scored the best overall ranking in the national survey. At 16th, Maine was second to last among New England states, behind only Rhode Island. Lowest ranked overall was Mississippi.