NCJ Number
163274
Date Published
1996
Length
60 pages
Annotation
This working paper assesses the current body of knowledge about what children need to develop successfully; identifies factors that have prevented the implementation of the knowledge we have; and proposes a plan designed to improve children's lives, particularly those residing in disinvested neighborhoods.
Abstract
The paper first notes that the well-being of American children, particularly those of color and those residing in disinvested neighborhoods, is worsening. This is occurring even though policymakers should know what it takes for children to succeed at high levels. The conditions that contribute to success include nurturing and supportive families, economically and socially robust neighborhoods, and effective public service systems. There is sufficient knowledge of the essential conditions for high rates of success to take concerted actions to produce them. Very little is being done to finance efforts that promise success. Although policymakers should know that what is needed are more community-based, flexible, family-focused, asset- based, and comprehensive services and supports, most of the services that receive funds are fragmented, categorical, reactive, deficit-oriented, and remote from the lives of those they are designed to help. It will take much more public-sector investments or redeployments of funding to create the needed new services, supports, and opportunities for vulnerable children and families. It will take a new vision at the national level, as well as State and local levels to secure these needed investments, and it will require a much broader base of support at the grassroots level to implement them.