Children make up approximately one-quarter of the U.S. population and all our nation’s future. Ample evidence confirms that investing in children results in near and long-term positive outcomes for them and the country’s overall economy, yet First Focus on Children’s annual Children’s Budget illustrates they historically have not received anywhere close to their fair share of government funds.

We have seen the game-changing, positive outcomes stemming from increased resources dedicated to children and families. Improvements made to the Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan Act nearly cut the U.S. child poverty rate in half in 2021 and reduced racial economic disparities. Despite the success and popularity of the Child Tax Credit payments, they expired at the end of 2021.

The fight continues to reinstate improvements to the Child Tax Credit and increase overall investments for children. The evidence is on our side, and it is a critical tool in building the political will needed for lasting progress.

As a result, First Focus on Children created the Child Investment Research Hub, as a one-stop-shop where child advocates and decision-makers can access the full array of research available on the positive consequences of investing in our children.

We will be updating this resource as frequently as possible. Please send any feedback to Cara Baldari at carab@firstfocus.org letting us know how this hub can be most useful to your work or if you see any resources missing from this list.

U.S. Census Bureau: Child poverty more than doubled in 2022

Categories of Research:

Updated as of September 12, 2023