Only time will tell if the increase is a statistical blip or the leading edge of a trend, advocates said.

Teen births are one of several indicators of a child's well-being measured in the 2007 Kids Count survey, which was released Thursday by Voices for Utah Children.

The annual survey provides a snapshot of the demographics, economics, health and educational status of Utah children.

The increase in teen births is one several noteworthy findings in this year's survey.

Teen births increased about 1 percent, said Terry Haven, Kids Count director. In 2004, there were 854 births - 14.9 per 1,000 - to teens ages 15 to 17. In 2005, that increased to 917 births, or 16 per 1,000 girls in that age group.

The 2005 data is the most recent available.

"It is enough that I'll look at it again next year to see if it's a trend," Haven said.

Another indicator drawing attention: Despite Utah's strong economy, the percentage of children living in poverty remained the same.

"For most of the children in poverty, their parents don't own homes and haven't seen wage increases," Haven said.

Policies that would help children in poverty include raising the minimum wage and adopting a state earned income tax credit program, she said.

"There are things that can be done," Haven said. "We just need to look at how we can lift people out of poverty, not just service their needs for food and shelter."

Ensuring that all children get a good education also would make a difference in poverty rates, she said.

That is the impetus behind a bill currently before the Utah Legislature that would provide funding for a voluntary all-day kindergarten program in Title I programs statewide.

"It would target those kids who are not performing as well as their peers," Haven said.

brooke@sltrib.com