RecessionPaperEconomic realities for America’s children have changed dramatically for America’s children — and not for the better. This paper, by Urban Institute researchers Julia Isaacs and Olivia Healy, examines three key indicators of children’s economic well-being: the number of children living with an unemployed parent; the rate of SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) nutrition assistance; and a predictive measure of child poverty. The conclusion: the recession continues to hit America’s children — and especially children in some states — hard.

The paper also observes that federal investments in children have made a real difference, avoiding even greater harm and lessening the recession’s impact for kids. The First Focus Campaign for Children has released a companion paper recommending additional steps Congress and the President can take to strengthen protections for kids.

This report was made possible with the generous support of the Foundation for Child Development.