A newly formed childhood poverty task force is meeting to discuss current trends and data on childhood well-being in Kansas.

The group was formed earlier in November by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback and met Monday to hear how Kansas ranks nationally in a number of childhood indicators.

More than 18 percent of Kansas children live in poverty. Since being elected in 2010, Brownback has made it a goal of his administration to improve children’s health by reducing poverty, strengthening families and boosting educational opportunities.

The task force was told about efforts by state agencies and the private sector to address the causes of childhood poverty, including the need to reduce the number of children living in foster care.