Brookings: Topics - Children & Families

Mama Says: A National Survey of Mothers’ Attitudes on Fathering

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 01, 2009, 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM

On December 1, the National Fatherhood Initiative will release “Mama Says: A National Survey of Mothers’ Attitudes on Fathering” at an event sponsored by the Center on Children and Families at Brookings. The report shows that mothers say stable, well-functioning marriages are extremely important to good fathering, yet over half of mothers say fathers are replaceable by single mothers and nearly two-thirds of mothers say that fathers are replaceable by other men.

Spending on Children and the Elderly

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The United States spends 2.4 times as much on the elderly as on children, measured on a per capita basis, with the ratio rising to 7 to 1 if looking just at the federal budget, Julia Isaacs finds. She looks at expenditures on children and the elderly in the United States compared to other countries and, from a life-cycle perspective, asks whether these spending patterns makes sense for the long-term good of our country.

Encouraging Marriage Helps Everyone

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Can marriage decrease poverty? Higher marriage rates among the poor would benefit poor adults themselves, their children and the nation, says Ron Haskins. He argues that non-coercive programs that are delivered by community-based agencies can be effective. By helping couples who want to marry, the payoff to them, their children and society is potentially enormous.

Five Myths About Our Land of Opportunity

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Americans have always believed that their country is unique in providing the opportunity to get ahead. Ron Haskins and Isabel Sawhill deconstruct five myths about economic mobility in the United States, saying that we need better policies to help create a true opportunity society.

Health Care and Health Insurance for Childhood Disorders

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 23, 2009, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

On October 23, Brookings host eda discussion featuring a group of individuals committed to the cause of childhood health care. In particular, the discussion focused on health care and insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders and vascular birthmark issues, which together affect over two million Americans.

Is the American Dream a Myth?

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:24:00 GMT

Despite its status as one of the world’s leading economies, the United States is faced with high poverty rates and less economic opportunity than many other affluent countries. Senior Fellows Isabel Sawhill and Ron Haskins, argue that it will take a combination of personal responsibility along with smarter and better-targeted government policies to make the American Dream a reality for children and families now stuck at the bottom.

Can Parent Training Reduce Abuse, Enhance Development, and Save Money?

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This policy brief, a companion to the volume of The Future of Children devoted to child maltreatment prevention, the authors examine evaluations of home-visiting programs designed to improve parenting and reduce child maltreatment and how policy makers are using social science evidence to identify and support successful programs.

Social Science Rising: A Tale of Evidence Shaping Policy

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In this policy brief, a companion to the volume of The Future of Children devoted to child maltreatment prevention, the authors examine evaluations of home-visiting programs designed to improve parenting and reduce child maltreatment and how policy makers are using social science evidence to identify and support successful programs.

Preventing Child Maltreatment

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:15:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 01, 2009, 9:15 AM to 11:15 AM

The Obama administration has proposed a new initiative that would fund home-visiting programs in which trained professionals visit new mothers in their homes to provide advice and assistance with child rearing and related topics. On October 1, The Future of Children, a joint project between Princeton University and Brookings, released a new edition of the journal, “Preventing Child Maltreatment,” at an event featuring Representative Jim McDermott and former Representative Nancy Johnson to discuss this and related programs.

Poverty and Income in 2008: A Look at the New Census Data and What the Numbers Mean

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 10, 2009, 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM

On September 10, the day the U.S. Census Bureau releases its new report on poverty and family income for 2008, the Brookings Center on Children and Families held its seventh annual briefing to discuss the new figures and their implications for families and policymakers.

Kids with Autism Deserve Better

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon and Marc Thiesen write that school vouchers could free special needs students from a public education system that is ill-equipped or unwilling to serve them. They also believe health reform must ensure that insurance will cover well-documented associated with autism.

The Sequence of Personal Responsibility

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ron Haskins discusses personal responsibility and the three areas of personal decision-making in which the nation’s youth and young adults most need to learn and practice personal responsibility: education, sexual behavior and marriage, and work.

A New Goal for America’s High Schools: College Preparation for All

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In this policy brief, a companion to the volume of The Future of Children devoted to high school reforms, Ron Haskins and James Kemple examine the steps high schools should take to help low-income students prepare for and succeed in college. Specifically, they argue, high schools should boost students’ subject matter knowledge and study skills and counsel students on how to select colleges and obtain financial aid.

Promoting Economic Mobility by Increasing Postsecondary Education

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many low-income students miss out on college because they don’t know how much it actually costs or how to get access to billions of dollars in financial aid, says Ron Haskins. That’s why improving the equality of educational opportunity—a traditional American value—is one key to promoting economic mobility for disadvantaged students.

Wisconsin Poverty Report

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In the first Wisconsin Poverty Report, Julia Isaacs and Timothy Smeeding examine poverty in Wisconsin and ask key questions, including: Where is poverty highest? How does Wisconsin poverty compare to that of its neighbors? Where is poverty growing—or receding in the state?

Federal Expenditures on Infants and Toddlers in 2007

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Despite extensive research documenting the benefits of investing in young children, infants and toddlers are underrepresented in the federal budget, researchers from the Brookings and the Urban Institute found. The nation’s 12.5 million children under age 3 are 4.2 percent of the population, but they received just 2.1 percent—$44.1 billion—of federal domestic spending in 2007. Domestic outlays, which exclude defense, homeland security, and international affairs, totaled $2.1 trillion.

Insufficient Funds: Savings, Assets, Credit and Banking Among Low-Income Households

Mon, 04 May 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 04, 2009, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

More low-income families now need assistance on how to find financial vehicles that will allow them to more effectively manage debt, savings and their financial lives. Brookings hosted a discussion on how recommendations from Insufficient Funds: Savings, Assets, Credit, and Banking among Low-Income Households—a new book edited by Rebecca M. Blank and Michael S. Barr—might be realized in this current economic environment.

The Fiscal Effects of Investing in High-Quality Preschool Programs

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Children living in families with low incomes and those with poorly educated parents are much more likely than other children to grow up to be adults with less education, lower incomes, poorer health, and shorter lives, all of which severely impact federal, state and local budgets. William T. Dickens and Charles Baschnagel examine the effects of investment in selected prekindergarten education programs in a growth model of the U.S. economy to judge the impact they would have on these budgets.

Building a Healthier America

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Despite unprecedented biomedical achievements, Americans are sicker than they should be and are dying far too young. From the standpoint of our economy, our future and our families, Mark McClellan and Alice Rivlin discuss why the need to improve Americans' health is greater than ever.

The President’s Education Agenda

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Russ Whitehurst assesses President Obama's education speech and applauds his commitment to regaining our international lead in education by addressing the "crazy quilt of state standards and assessments." But, he argues, "the proposal to provide incentives to states that improve their standards is a far weaker prescription than is desirable or politically possible."

President Obama and Autism Hopes

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon and Karen Driscoll discuss moves President Obama can make during the first 100 days of his term, and beyond, to combat Autism.

Keep Politics Away from the Promise of Family Planning

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Just before the House approved its version of the stimulus bill, it was stripped of a controversial provision that would have given states the option to expand a Medicaid-funded program subsidizing family planning services for low-income women. Adam Thomas and Isabel Sawhill agree that the family planning provision was rightly stripped from the package, but argue that it is an important program that has the potential to limit the number of unplanned pregnancies, reduce the incidence of abortion, improve child well-being and actually save money in the long-run.

Michelle Obama’s Balancing Act

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michelle Obama stepped into the policy spotlight as first lady on Thursday at President Barack Obama’s signing of the equal-pay bill. How might Mrs. Obama bring her voice to issues of work-life balance? Rebecca Blank comments on what issues Mrs. Obama should elevate.

Demographic and Economic Trends in the National Capital Region and their Effects on Children, Youth and Families

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Greater Washington Research at Brookings presented information on the demographic and economic trends of the Washington Rregion to Venture Philanthropy Partners, a regional philanthropic organization. The analysis focuses on the stresses and challenges facing a region that is generally prosperous but with some geographic areas and populations in economic distress.

Policy Proposals to Help Support Young Children and their Families

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Julia Isaacs outlines three policy proposals that have proved cost-effective and that can help to reduce burdens on young families.

How to Reverse the Trend of Concentrated Poverty

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Alan Berube urges policy-makers to evaluate short-term opportunities and set long-term strategies in order to help Cleveland’s next generation of residents overcome the challenges of concentrated poverty.

Fighting Poverty in the Land of Opportunity

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With unemployment rising, more families feel squeezed this holiday season than ever. Rebecca Blank urges the new president to consider a plan to support low-wage workers, ensure an effective safety net and create opportunities in high-poverty neighborhoods that might guarantee American families more on their tables in the seasons ahead.

Preschool Programs: What Are We Getting? What Should We Expect?

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ron Haskins gave the keynote speech “Intersection of Early Childhood Education, Poverty and Policy” and discussed cost effective early childhood policies that improve outcomes for children at the Early Childhood Public Engagement Summit.

Memo to the President: Decrease Poverty and Increase Opportunity

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A major economic slowdown adds to the problems of lower-income Americans, who have not shared in the economic growth of the last decade. Greater investments in economic mobility and opportunity are needed. Rebecca Blank offers policy solutions and priorities for the president-elect to make greater investments in economic mobility and opportunity.

The Limits On Economic Mobility

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The past few decades have led to more inequality in both income and wealth than we have seen since the late 1920s. Despite this, Americans seem to care more about equality of opportunity than about equality of outcomes. Julia Isaacs and Isabel Sawhill describe ways to ensure greater equality of opportunity and economic mobility.

Keeping Adolescents Out of Prison

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ron Haskins and Laurence Steinberg, in this companion to the new edition of The Future of Children devoted to juvenile justice, examine the problem of youth confinement in correctional facilities, including adult jails and prisons. They pay special attention to why harsh punishment of adolescents is not only often unjust but also counterproductive and make recommendations for more appropriate and cost-effective responses to youth crime.

Juvenile Justice

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 15, 2008, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

After a decade of declining juvenile crime rates, the forces that fueled the “get-tough” reforms of the 1990s have waned, as has enthusiasm for the reforms that eroded the boundaries between juvenile and criminal court, exposing juvenile offenders to harsh punishments. The antisocial acts that bring young people into contact with the justice system are often accompanied by other problems, most of which the justice system alone is ill-equipped to address. A slate of panelists, will discuss reforming juvenile justice to reflect these differences between adolescent and adult offenders.

Poverty Reduction Strategies for the Next Decade

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 29, 2008, 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM

On September 29, several prominent scholars and policy advocates outlined their key recommendations for improving the quality of life for people at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder, including proposals to improve employment and earnings, strengthen families, enhance opportunities for children, and improve neighborhoods. Discussions of the proposals were followed by comments from policy experts.

How Can We Reduce the Rising Number of American Families Living in Poverty?

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this testimony, Rebecca Blank argues for the need to modernize our poverty statistics so that we may have a better understanding of who is poor and how these numbers are changing over time. She discusses anti-poverty strategies for the next decade.

Healthy Marriage in Culturally and Racially Diverse Populations

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 19, 2008, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Since 2002, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families has provided substantial funding for healthy marriage and relationship programs, which are increasingly reaching out to serve African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, refugees and immigrants from many different cultures. On September 19, the Brookings Institution and the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center will host a discussion to focus on what is being learned about how these programs need to be designed, and curricula adapted, to be relevant to ethnically, racially and culturally diverse populations.

Supporting Young Children and Families: An Investment that Pays

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Julia B. Isaacs details how the growing evidence about the importance of children’s early years is changing public attitudes toward early childhood programs. Adopting a well-designed package of investments in children from birth to five will improve children’s health, school achievement, and opportunities for future economic success.

Paying for Investments in Children

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Advocates for children are hoping that with a new administration and a new Congress in 2009, investments in children will get enhanced priority. Isabel Sawhill argues that we need a new intergenerational contract that invests more in people when they are young, but then expects them to assume somewhat greater responsibility for their own support during their retirement years.

Making Work Pay – Again

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ron Haskins offers ways policymakers could create an entitlement to housing assistance that would more fairly distribute housing benefits and convert housing into a more effective element in the nation’s work support system. The goal of reform would be to get the most out of the resources now devoted to housing by providing at least some benefit to all eligible families that want a housing subsidy.

Impacts of Early Childhood Programs

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Julia Isaacs and Emily Roessel assess the effects of five early childhood education programs—State Pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Model Early Childhood Programs and Nurse Home Visiting—that have had positive impacts on children’s cognitive skills and/or school outcomes.

High Priority Poverty Reduction Strategies for the Next Decade

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The poor in American cut across all groups, but are disproportionately represented by single mothers and their children, by persons of color, by immigrants, by less-skilled individuals, or by those with physical or mental disabilities. Many working poor and near-poor families face problems with low wages or unstable jobs. This paper by Rebecca Blank outlines three strategic areas where policy and research attention should focus over the next decade.

A Plan for Reducing Poverty

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A host of demographic and economic trends in the United States are making it difficult for the nation to make progress against poverty and income inequality. However, Ron Haskins argues, government policies that raise work levels and provide public benefits to supplement earnings have proven to be effective in fighting poverty among female-headed families. But further progress against poverty and economic inequality seems unlikely unless more poor adults work, reduce the number of births outside marriage, and marry at higher rates.

Invest More In Students Under Age 5

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Julia B. Isaacs calls for both presidential candidates to consider effective preschool programs in their domestic policy platforms.

Mobilizing the Community to Help Students Succeed

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hugh B. Price shares the lessons learned during his tenure as president of the National Urban League and explains how educators can collaborate with others to reverse poor motivation, reward student success, and realize higher achievement in even the most challenged school districts.

Poverty and Income in 2007: A Look at the New Census Data and What the Numbers Mean

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

August 26, 2008, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

On August 26, the day the Census poverty report was released, the Brookings Center on Children and Families held its sixth annual briefing to discuss the new figures and their implications for families and policy-makers.

Supporting Young Children and Families: An Investment Strategy That Pays

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Julia Isaacs details the evidence supporting the long-term benefits of investment in early childhood education, along with prenatal care and greater access to health care for very young children in impoverished families. In a new Opportunity 08 paper, she proposes federal policies for the next President that will provide big returns.

Reducing Unplanned Pregnancies through Medicaid Family Planning Services

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this paper, Melissa Kearney and Phillip Levine analyze the impact of state policies that expanded eligibility for Medicaid family planning services to women who do not meet regular Medicaid eligibility criteria. The results of their research show that the expanded eligibility policies had a significant impact on reducing unplanned births.

Promoting Safety Together: Domestic Violence and Healthy Marriage Programs

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 18, 2008, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

On July 18th, the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center and the Center on Children and Families hosted panels discussing effective models for creating bridges between domestic violence and healthy marriage and relationship programs, as well as emerging curricula and approaches to helping individual women and men avoid abusive relationships.

The Pentagon and Autism

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Karen Driscoll and Michael O'Hanlon note that Americans are increasingly aware of autism and its effects. Unfortunately, they write, there is still little that is done for most children with the disorder. They argue that the Defense Department has an opportunity to set a precedent and help military families in need by providing funding for treatment and creating a model for other insurers and health plans to follow.

Promoting Inclusive Growth: Building Skills and Enhancing Income

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:20:57 GMT

This panel discussed proposed federal policy reforms designed to: foster greater innovation and entrepreneurship in the provision of elementary and secondary education; stimulate and support community compacts that provide high school graduates with financial guarantees for higher education; and build a stronger platform for post-secondary student success, especially in the urban community colleges that serve much of the nation’s diverse future workforce.

Periodic Payment of the Earned Income Tax Credit

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many low-income working families would benefit from a streamlined ability to access the proceeds of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) throughout the year as they pay for ongoing expenses like housing, child care, and transportation. The federal government should consider adopting a model for direct periodic payment of the EITC, as most other countries with in-work tax credits provide.

Metro Raise: Boosting the Earned Income Tax Credit to Help Metropolitan Workers and Families

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Slowed economic growth and rising prices for necessities like food, transportation, and child care threaten to exacerbate the challenges already facing America's low-income workers and their families. The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) could do more to help close the growing gap between stagnant wages and rising prices. "Metro Raise" demonstrates how an expanded and modernized EITC would benefit families and communities in the nation's major metropolitan areas.

Directing Foreign Aid for Basic Education: Taking Account of Political Will

Sat, 31 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

At least 77 million children worldwide do not attend primary school, a problem which is often fueled by a lack of resources but also by a lack of political will. In a new Brookings Global policy brief, Stephen Kosack examines the issue of political will and its affect on primary education access.

Moving to Opportunity

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jeffrey Kling talks about housing policy, in particular about the use of housing vouchers in a speech given to the French Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Solidarity.

Healthy Marriage, Strong Families and Child Wellbeing

Fri, 16 May 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 16, 2008, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

The National Healthy Marriage Resource Center and the Center on Children and Families at Brookings Institution are cosponsoring a series of three seminars to share the lessons learned to date from research and the experience of over 300 healthy marriage and relationship programs located across the USA serving diverse populations. In this seminar on May 16, researchers, program administrators and program participants focused on key lessons learned about the economic factors that affect couples' lives.

Candidate Issue Index: Children

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Compiled by Brookings Institution experts, this chart is part of a series of issue indices being published during the 2008 Presidential election cycle. In this index, candidates' views on children's issues are presented.

Helping Disconnected Single Mothers

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

There are a growing number of low-income single mothers who are long-term welfare recipients or are without steady employment. They tend to face more barriers to stable employment, with less education, younger children, higher rates of mental and physical health problems and substance abuse, and a history of domestic violence. In this brief, Rebecca Blank and Brian Kovak propose a new program to link these mothers to medical and economic support and give them greater assistance in securing employment.

Helping Disconnected and Hard-to-Employ Single Mothers

Wed, 07 May 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 07, 2008, 9:00 AM to 11:15 AM

The Center on Children and Families and the National Poverty Center at the University of Michigan's Ford School of Public Policy held a forum to discuss the policy challenges posed by single mothers who have not been able to find stable employment and who may have used up their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families eligibility or face sanctions. These women head the families that are most vulnerable to the current economic downswing.

About-Face! A Case for Quasi-military Public High Schools

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hugh B. Price offers a new approach to educating young people who are faring miserably in public schools. He makes a case for quasi-military public high schools because they offer a safe environment, academic excellence and a surprising focus on the whole child.

The Impact of the Mortgage Crisis on Children and Their Education

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In a new paper from Brookings and First Focus, Julia Issacs and Phillip Lovell show that nearly two million children will be directly impacted by the mortgage crisis. When forced from their homes, children’s education is disrupted, their peer relationships crumble, and the social networks that support them are fractured.

Planning for Quality Schools: Meeting the Needs of District Families

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The District of Columbia is struggling to attract and retain families with children. Most newcomers are singles and childless couples. The total number of school-age children has declined slightly. Many of the city’s schools suffer from long-standing physical, management and academic problems. The availability of quality public schools, near affordable family-friendly housing, will help determine the city’s success.

High Time for a Helping Hand for Strapped American Families

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Americans are gloomy about the economy these days. Despite widespread economic malaise, writes Elisabeth Jacobs, little has been done to strengthen the safety net for American families in financial duress. And though some presidential candidates have begun to call for action, evidence suggests that the American people need action now.

Children and Electronic Media

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 23, 2008, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

On April 23, a slate of panelists, including researchers, media representatives, and advocates discussed the role of government and the private sector in making media a positive force in the lives of young people. Video clips from several positive media campaigns designed to improve the health and well-being of the nation’s youth were presented.

Business Champions for Early Child Development

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 22, 2008, 5:30 PM to
April 23, 2008, 3:00 PM to

On April 23, 2008, the Wolfensohn Center for Development, in cooperation with the Committee for Economic Development, held an International Early Child Development Conference in The Hague, The Netherlands. The conference focused on raising awareness of early child development in emerging markets and developing countries and fostering support from the European business community.

Using the Media to Promote Adolescent Well-Being

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Parents are worried that teens are drowning in messages about sex, smoking, drinking, consumer goods and a host of other behaviors and products that threaten their well-being. This brief advocates using creative media to provide youth with positive messages that counteract the negative damaging messages to which they are exposed.

The Costs of Benefit Delivery in the Food Stamp Program

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This study by Brookings expert Julia Isaacs compares the Food Stamp Program with eight other public assistance programs across four measures of program effectiveness—administrative costs, error payments, program access, and benefit targeting.

Economic Mobility in America

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 20, 2008, 9:00 AM to 11:45 AM

A comprehensive look at the trends and issues that drive economic opportunity in America was released last month in a new volume by Brookings experts, "Getting Ahead or Losing Ground: Economic Mobility in America." On March 20, the Center on Children and Families at Brookings and the Pew Charitable Trusts’ Economic Mobility Project held a forum to discuss the findings on gender, race, immigration, and families in addition to new findings on education, international comparisons, trends, and wealth.

Twenty-First Century Gateways: Fastest Growing Immigrant Metros

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 17, 2008, 12:00 PM to 01:30 PM

On Monday, March 17, Brookings Vice President Bruce Katz hosted a discussion on the twenty-first century gateways to discuss the trends and growth patterns that have been largely unexamined until now. The discussion featured the work of demographer and immigration expert Audrey Singer and others who highlighted the current context of immigration and local response.

Getting Ahead or Losing Ground: Economic Mobility in America

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Is America still the land of opportunity and mobility? How much opportunity to get ahead actually exists in America? Brookings scholars Julia Isaacs, Isabel Sawhill and Ron Haskins provide new evidence and summarize research on both the extent of intergenerational mobility in the United States and the factors that influence it.

Economic Mobility

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:44:37 GMT

Economic inequality across American households has been growing for a number of years. Isabel Sawhill, co-director of the Center on Children and Families and co-author of Getting Ahead or Losing Ground: Economic Mobility in America examines how upwardly mobile we really are.

How the Federal Government Can Improve School Financing Systems

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In a CCF working paper, Eloise Pasachoff argues that the federal government has an important role to ensure equal educational opportunity for all.

Mobilizing to Fight Childhood Obesity

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hugh B. Price and Oliver Sloman look at the challenge in linking community agencies like the YMCA, as well as local schools, with health care professionals who can help children and their families ward off obesity and curtail the accompanying chronic illnesses.

Investing in Early Education: Paths to Improving Children's Success

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

While the nation has been struggling to eliminate the education gap, Ron Haskins testifies on ways to improve all preschool education received by poor children.

Mobilizing Retired Physicians to Fight Childhood Obesity

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With childhood obesity climbing, kids face higher risks of heart disease, hypertension and high blood pressure in adulthood or earlier. Hugh Price and Oliver Sloman call to reverse this health epidemic by looking to retired health care professionals for assistance.

Public Oversight Roundtable on Eliminating Poverty Among District Residents

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In testimony before the D.C. City Council Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs, Alice M. Rivlin presents recommendations for reducing poverty in the District. She gives examples of education and training programs that could be funded in the FY2009 budget and reviews longer-term workforce development strategies.

The Middle-Class Squeeze

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Expert Gregg Easterbrook and Harvard Law School's Elizabeth Warren discuss the squeeze on the American middle class.

The Frayed American Dream

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

A sharp rise in income inequality in the United States has created large gaps between the haves and the have-nots. Based on new Brookings research, most of today’s adults are better off than their own parents were when they were growing up. The converse: one third remains worse off. Many middle-class families are only one earner away from poverty. Isabel Sawhill and Julia Isaacs argue that America could and should do better, through better access to education, including early childhood education.

The Future of the Hispanic Family

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 15, 2007, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Brookings’s Center on Children and Families and the Annie E. Casey Foundation held a forum to discuss trends in marriage and childbearing in the Hispanic community and address what actions policy-makers and practitioners can take to strengthen Hispanic families and improve the well-being of children in these families.

Beyond Early Diagnosis of Autism

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon and Barbara Firestone believe early diagnosis of Autism is not enough. They argue that state mandates on health insurance providers covering intervention therapies and education are the best policy option to ensure needed services are available to children in the United States.

Economic Mobility of Families Across Generations

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Julia B. Isaacs takes a comprehensive view of economic mobility, asking questions about both absolute and relative mobility.

Economic Mobility of Black and White Families

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Julia Isaacs explores the differences between white and black families with regard to economic success and income mobility.

The Odyssey Years: The Changing 20s

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

In 1960, roughly 70 percent of 30-year-olds were married, financially independent and starting a family. By 2000, fewer than 40 percent of 30-year-olds had done the same. William Galston discusses the trend and implications.

Quasi-Military Approaches to Educating Students Who Are Struggling in School and in Life

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Hugh Price suggests that the military invests more in understanding human development than any other institution on earth with the best track record in training and advancing minorities. He provides opening remarks and moderates a policy forum about the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, a quasi-military youth corps for school dropouts.

The Intergenerational Balancing Act: Where Children Fit in an Aging Society

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

In the first annual Kristin Anderson Moore lecture for Child Trends, Isabel Sawhill discusses how future generations will have to deal with the challenges of globalization and low savings rates, and emphasizes the need for higher education and fiscal responsibility.

President Bush's Veto of SCHIP Funding Increase

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 15:25:19 GMT

The president’s veto of legislation to reauthorize the popular SCHIP program has ramifications for children and for next year’s elections. Brookings’s Henry Aaron talks about what is at stake in the congressional debate about health coverage for low-income children.

The Changing 20s

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Presentation by William A. Galston (10/04/07)

Fighting Poverty through Incentives and Work Mandates for Young Men

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Wage subsidies and work requirements hold the promise of alleviating many social problems, especially poverty. Brookings’s Ron Haskins writes about counteracting the negative behaviors of adolescent boys and young men in a new brief.

The Future of Children: Fall 2007 : The Next Generation of Antipoverty Policies

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This semiannual journal provides research and analysis to promote effective policies and programs for children. This issue focuses on antipoverty policies.

Poverty and Income in 2006: A Look at the New Census Data and What the Numbers Mean for Children and Families

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

August 28, 2007, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

On August 28, the Brookings Conter on Children and Families held a briefing to discuss a new Census poverty report. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg offered a response to the report as the event's featured speaker.

Welfare to (Non-Traditional) Work?

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Ron Haskins (08/03/07)

Child Protection and Parent Training Programs

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 26, 2007, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

On July 26, the Center on Children and Families hosted panels of researchers, administrators, and child and parent advocates to discuss parent training programs, their implementation, and their effects on children who come to the attention of the child protection system.

Immigration: Wages, Education and Mobility

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Report by Ron Haskins (July 2007)

Making Markets an Asset for the Poor

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Matt Fellowes examines the higher prices lower-income workers pay for basic necessities--home loans, groceries, and financial services--and outlines a combination of initiatives that can bring down business costs.

Prospect of Child Healthcare Program in Limbo

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with William A. Galston; NPR's Tell Me More (7/23/07)

Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Early Childbearing

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Melissa S. Kearney and Phillip B. Levine take an analysis of the relationship between rates of socioeconomic disadvantage among women at birth and their subsequent rates of early childbearing.

The Importance of the EITC to Urban Economies

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Though most do not recognize it as an "urban" program, the Earned Income Tax Credit provides significant benefits to families in cities and suburbs, and stimulates local economic activity. In this presentation to Congressional staff organized by Living Cities, Alan Berube examines what Members can do to maximize the benefits of the EITC for lower-income families and communities in their districts.

Child Protection : Using Research to Improve Policy and Practice

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) is the first nationally representative study of children who have been reported to authorities as suspected victims of abuse or neglect and the public programs that protect them.Child Pro

Preserving America's Compelling Interest in School Integration

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Hugh B. Price (06/28/2007)

Father's Day Lessons

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Isabel V. Sawhill (06/08/07)

The Rise Of the Bottom Fifth: How to Build on the Gains Of Welfare Reform

Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Ron Haskins (05/29/07)

Marriage Causes Shift in Gay Culture

Thu, 17 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Jonathan Rauch, NPR "Day to Day" (5/17/07)