The Annie E. Casey Foundation has released its annual Kids Count report, which shows Georgia has improved from 42nd to 37th place — the state’s best-ever ranking. The private charity is dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports officials and advocates say the report’s new format may have helped Georgia’s standings, but they also point to initiatives that may have contributed to the improvement.

The number of children living in poverty rose from 20 percent in 2005 to 25 percent in 2010. The percentage of children whose parents lack secure employment also rose from 28 percent in 2008 to 34 percent in 2010.