The federal government makes more than 180 distinct investments in children. These include traditional “children’s” initiatives, like education and child abuse and neglect prevention. They also include other investments that improve the lives of kids, like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps).

The children’s budget book is a comprehensive guide to federal spending on children and an invaluable resource for those seeking to improve the lives of America’s youth. This year, Children’s Budget analyzes the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on children and the consequences, as that investment runs out.