NCJ Number
166184
Date Published
1990
Length
41 pages
Annotation
Relevant data were compiled from public opinion polls and a telephone survey of 1,000 Americans registered to vote was conducted in June 1990 to document public attitudes toward children's issues.
Abstract
Americans perceived a profound deterioration in the quality of children's lives. They were upset by problems facing children, including drugs, poor schools, and lack of health care. Americans said they would be more likely to vote for a political candidate who supported increased spending for children's programs, even if it meant increased taxes. Gender was less important than parenting in determining support for children's issues, and children's issues appealed strongly to occasional voters and nonvoters. Although public support for children's issues was strong, actual knowledge of the facts about children was not widespread. Americans still considered the elderly to be more impoverished than children, awareness of Federal programs for children was low, and strong support for children's health initiatives was tied to perception of need. Americans were aware a significant number of children lacked health insurance and believed the working poor deserved help from government programs. It was determined that children's issues may provide the needed incentive to reverse current voter apathy trends and that children's advocates should educate the public about the real status of children and increase public awareness of children's needs. Public awareness strategies are noted, a how-to list for child advocacy is included, and a list of publications and other educational tools is provided. Tables and figures