[TRUNKS]

Protect the most vulnerable in the nation: Poor children


During this season when people are most apt to consider the welfare of others, they shouldn't forget that the hard times many families are going through fall hardest on the least among them. A new edition of "Homeland Insecurity" provides a grim reminder that poor children remain the most vulnerable segment of the American population.

The report should become a call to action for Congress and President-elect Barack Obama as they consider programs to expand health and child care, preschool and after-school education, and efforts to assist children whose parents are in prison.

A horrible economy is moving millions of children into crisis, said Michael Petit, author of "Homeland Insecurity" and president of the Every Child Matters Education Foundation. The sobering statistics he cites include 2 million children with parents in prison, 8 million without health insurance, 13 million in poverty, and millions of children reported in abuse and neglect.

"Homeland Insecurity" notes that the successful Head Start program serves only half of the eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. Fully funding Head Start should anchor a new set of national investments in children by providing more equal educational opportunities. Up to 90% of a child's brain development occurs by age 5.

To be sure, more government money isn't the whole answer. To the extent they are able, parents must measure up to their responsibilities as protectors and providers. But an economy that throws millions out of work has made that increasingly difficult while creating the worst child poverty rate among developed countries.

Last year, federal spending -- per person -- was nearly seven times greater for those 65 or older than for those under 18. While no one disputes the priority of care for the elderly, investments in children programs have to be a higher priority, especially since there's such a payoff. High-quality preschool programs aimed at disadvantaged children, for example, return to society, over 20 years, an estimated $8-$17 for every $1 invested. That return comes in wages earned and taxes paid, as well as lower social service and criminal justice costs.

The federal government spends billions of dollars a month to meet its obligations in Iraq, and billions more to help major corporations. It also has a responsibility, as well as a compelling national interest, to assist those who ultimately will determine how the nation fares in this 21st Century.

Can anyone help me. If you can that would mean lot for me. Thank You

[RickJ]

What is it that you need help with?

[TRUNKS]

I just wanted to anybody's opinion on what the question is saying. How you feel about it?

[NeedKarma]

Taken from here: Firedoglake » Mortgaging The Nation's Future: Child Poverty And Abuse On The Rise, Part II