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This national and state-by-state study reports on the well-being of America's children and promotes discussion on ways to secure better futures for all kids. The Data Book ranks states on 10 key indicators and provides information on child health, education, and family economic conditions. This year, the Annie E. Casey Foundation also explores how early childhood development prepares children for success in school and life, and how to support family-based child care providers. This 17th annual KIDS COUNT Data Book essay looks at a critical component in the continuum of child-care options that millions of families, especially low-income families, use. It is a form of child care that is referred to herein as "family, friend, and neighbor care," which is offered in a home-based setting outside a child's own home, by both regulated and unregulated providers. It is also referred to as home-based and family-based care. It includes the many local caregivers who are paid to work with small groups of children in their homes and who do so as a business enterprise that contributes to the economic and social fabric of their communities. This report examines why family, friend, and neighbor care is so vital to the well-being of millions of kids and why we need to do much more to support and strengthen it. The report also illustrates a number of promising efforts across the country that are taking on this challenge in new and creative ways.

Between 1990-2000, there was a decrease in the number of children living in high-poverty neighborhoods, but the picture provided by the decrease in poverty levels alone is incomplete and potentially misleading. Using a more comprehensive measure of neighborhood quality, researchers found that the number of children living in severely distressed neighborhoods increased significantly between 1990-2000. Severely distressed neighborhoods are defined as census tracts with at lest three of the four following characteristics: high poverty rate (27.4 percent or more); high percentage of female-headed families (37.1 percent or more); high percentage of high school dropouts (23.0 percent or more); and high percentage of working-age males unattached to the labor force (34.0 percent or more). Despite the booming economy of the 1990s, the number of children living in severely distressed neighborhoods increased from 3.4 million in 1990 to 4.4 million in 2000. The number of adults living in such neighborhoods also increased, from 7.7 million to 10 million during the 1990s. Of the 4.4 million children growing up in severely distressed neighborhoods, 54 percent are black, and 30 percent are Hispanic. Almost a quarter of all black children, and more than 1 in 10 Hispanic children, live in severely distressed neighborhoods, compared with 1 percent of non-Hispanic white children. (SM)

This report provides an overview of American children based on the first data released from the 2000 Census. Overall, at 72.3 million in 2000, the number of children recorded in the 2000 Census was the largest in U.S. history. There was a substantial increase in the number of children during the 1990s as the under-18 population grew 8.7 million over the past decade. Minority children accounted for 98 percent of the growth in the child population during the 1990s. State-level changes in the number of children ranged from a 72 percent increase in Nevada to a 9 percent decrease in West Virginia. Besides West Virginia, four other states and the District of Columbia also saw a decrease in the number of children over the decade. Racial diversity among children is increasing at a fast pace. Minority children accounted for 39 percent of the population under age 18 years in 2000, compared with 31 percent in 1990. Racial and Hispanic minorities accounted for a significantly larger share of children than of adults. In 2000, about 39 percent of children were minorities compared with 28 percent of adults. (SM)

This report addresses issues that data users will face in using, interpreting, and presenting new data on race from the 2000 census, which allowed multiple racial responses. Changing how the census collects data on race is not new. Almost every census for the past 200 years has collected racial data differently than the previous census. New federal standards of collecting data on race were implemented to reflect increasing racial diversity in America and the growing number of multiracial people (particularly children). The new racial data collection standards provide a more realistic and accurate portrait of the United States. The number of people who identify with more than one race is likely to increase as interracial marriages increase and more people acknowledge their multicultural backgrounds. The new standards of collecting data on race will affect children more than adults, with more children being born to parents of different races. Data from the 2000 census show that 4 percent of children under age 18 years are multiracial, compared with 2 percent of adults. Data on race from the 2000 census cannot be directly compared with 1990 census data. Therefore, interpreting changes by racial categories from 1990-00 should be done cautiously. (Contains 26 references.) (SM)

This brief focuses on the role of fathers in contributing to children's well-being. The brief notes that collecting better data on fathers is vital to federal and state efforts to reform the welfare and child support systems and that understanding fathers' roles in their children's lives could help parents and social service providers better understand child development and meet children's needs in single-mother households. The brief reports findings contributing to the growing consensus among social scientists that fathers make unique contributions to their children's lives. Also cited is research suggesting that engaging fathers in the lives of their children, whether they can pay child support or not, has positive effects on the children and may motivate fathers to help support their children. Noting that information on fathers most likely to have a child on welfare is lacking, the brief describes three research efforts of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: (1) finding "missing men," testing ways to identify individuals such as fathers with no fixed address who are often missed in Census counts; (2) understanding fragile families by locating fathers at hospitals in the hours after their child's delivery and tracking the father-child relationship during the child's early years; and (3) learning from the Early Head Start program, examining the impact of efforts to involve low-income fathers in the lives of their young children at Early Head Start sites. The brief also describes the work of the Fatherhood Initiative seeking to foster greater father involvement and to improve the collection of data on fathers. (KB)

Men are taking a more active role in child care. By 1991, 20% of preschool children were cared for by their fathers while their mothers worked outside the home--an increase since 1988, when only 15 percent of preschoolers were cared for by their fathers. This report summarizes the latest findings on child care arrangements of mothers who work outside the home and explores the trend in father-provided child care since the late 1970s. Discussions cover the following topics: (1) fathers as child care providers; (2) family changes in child care arrangements; (3) child care costs; (4) parental employment; (5) family work schedules; (6) parental availability for child care; (7) the need to juggle work and child care; (8) characteristics of fathers who are likely to become child care providers; (9) single mothers; and (10) trends in paternal child care. The findings reveal that fathers are the single most important source of family-provided child care for preschool children when mothers work outside the home, and that changes in the United States economy since 1988 have made paternal child care both more feasible and more of a household necessity. Current trends suggest that flexible work hours and work arrangements may encourage more fathers to play stronger roles in providing child care for their children. (SM)

This study uses data from the U.S. Census' 1980 and 1990 Current Population Survey to examine characteristics of the underclass populations in rural and urban areas. The analysis assesses changes of metropolitan and nonmetropolitan underclass populations between 1980 and 1990, with special attention to race and geographic area. Underclass populations are defined as adults who: (1) have not completed high school; (2) receive public assistance; and (3) are single mothers or long-term unemployed. The prevalence of the underclass in rural areas (2.4%) was less than that in central cities (3.4%), but significantly higher than the level in suburban areas (1.1%). The rural poverty rate, like that of central cities, is above the national average. In rural areas, 55 percent of the underclass population is white, compared with only 17 percent in the cities. Females account for 47 percent of the rural underclass, compared with 60 percent in central cities. The rural underclass has proportionately fewer young adults (48%) and more people of preretirement age (59%). The likelihood of underclass membership among rural minorities (Blacks and Hispanics) is higher than it is for those in central cities. The rural underclass is highly concentrated in the South, whereas the urban underclass is evenly divided among census regions. The data support the idea of a black underclass migration from the rural South to Northern cities. This data requires further testing before any conclusions can be drawn. (TES)

The study of demography must begin with an understanding of the three sources of population changes: fertility, mortality, and migration. This paper leads prospective demographers--or anyone interested in population--through the dynamics of these three variables, introducing them to the forces that cause populations to grow or decline, and that determine the age, sex, or ethnic composition of a society. The effects of fertility, mortality, and migration in changing the geographic distribution of people in the world and in the United States are studied. The unprecedented global population growth that has occurred within the past few centuries is noted, as well as the prospects for future growth. Finally, the many critical population-related issues facing the world today are surveyed. A list of discussion questions concludes this document. (Author/DB)

The African American population has made remarkable progress since the 1960s, but recent trends may derail the progress of many American blacks. Compared to previous years, United States blacks, who number 30 million in 1991, are more educated, earn higher salaries, work in more prestigious jobs, and participate more fully in politics. However, large gaps remain between white and black Americans on most indicators of social and economic progress. In some areas, the gaps are widening. Average life expectancy for blacks has fallen slightly since 1985, while it has increased for whites. White men can expect to live over 7 years longer than black men. Median income for black families in 1989 was slightly below its 1969 level, after adjusting for inflation. While the number of affluent blacks blossomed in the 1980s, the net worth of blacks averaged only one-tenth that of whites in 1989. As African Americans enter the 1990s, high rates of birth to unmarried mothers, family instability, poor educational performance, and other factors continue to hinder progress for many African Americans, while others earn advanced degrees and high salaries. The report contains 10 tables, eight figures, a list of 72 references, a list of 20 suggested readings, and 9 discussion questions. (Author/JB)

Newly available statistical data from the March 1990 Supplement of the Current Population Survey (CPS) indicates that Asians and Pacific Islanders were the fastest growing minority group in the United States during the 1980s. While the size of the Asian American population trails behind the Hispanic American and Black populations, changes in immigration law and the increasing number of immigrants from Southeast Asia are likely to add to their diversity and growth. Even though Asian Americans are often viewed as an economic success story, they are not rewarded economically at a level consistent with their educational attainment. Asian Americans have slightly higher average family incomes than Whites, but they also have much higher poverty rates. The large number of Asian Americans currently enrolled in graduate and professional schools indicates that their average family income should rise during the 1990s. However, the prospects for some of the more recent immigrant groups from Southeast Asia who have less education are not promising. The economic success of Asians makes them likely targets for the frustrations of other minority groups as well as Whites, who fear the growing economic power of the Asian-Pacific rim countries. While Asian American are perceived by Whites as the "model minority," subtle employment discrimination in the form of the "glass ceiling" prevents Asian Americans from achieving their full economic potential. Statistical data are presented in one table and five graphs. A list of 27 references is appended. (FMW)

For people in the United States, the risk of dependency upon social and economic support systems is generally associated with demographic characteristics--age, sex, race or ethnicity, geographic location, marital status, family composition, education, and income. In order to address the needs of dependent populations both now and in the century ahead, a better understanding of the realities of demographic change is required. This report looks at the circumstances of several of the most vulnerable population groups in the United States--children at risk, families in need, the frail elderly, and persons with disabilities. A number of tables and figures containing population data are included, as is a 16-item list of background readings. (DB)

In the 1980s the outmigration from rural areas of young and well educated adults was prompted by the decline of rural industries and the resultant economic stress. This paper examines the issue of selective migration during the 1980s by comparing young people who left their hometown to those who stayed behind. Longitudinal survey data collected in the High School and Beyond datafile (1980-86) are used to analyze the individual and community level factors affecting the probability of migration from a hometown. Of the rural youth who were seniors in 1980, 40% had moved at least 50 miles from their hometown by 1986 and had gained advantages in education, income, and occupational status. Comparison of data between these migrants and those who did not migrate indicate that migrants: (1) continued their formal education at a higher rate than nonmigrants (77% compared to 54%), with 30% completing a four-year college program (compared to 10% of nonmigrants); (2) held professional or managerial jobs at a higher rate than nonmigrants (38% compared to 15%); (3) earned about 10% more than nonmigrants; (4) came from homes with better educated parents (64% compared to 46%); (5) had taken college preparatory classes (45% compared to 23%), and (6) had taken either the SAT or ACT (73% compared to 45%). Separate logistic regression analysis of community factors indicate: (1) youth in the rural Midwest and West are more likely to migrate than those in the South and Northeast; (2) higher average per capita income in the home county decreased the probability of migration; (3) higher high school expenditures per student increased migration probability; and (4) the greater the distance of the nearest four-year college, the more probable was eventual migration. Includes 17 references and 12 data tables. (ALL)

In the 1980s, the falling incomes and climbing poverty rates characterizing young workers in rural America were closely linked to rapidly changing national and international economic systems. Findings of a recent Senate Budget Committee study indicate that between 1979 and 1987 the share of young workers (ages 16-34) with low-wage jobs increased nationally by 4.7%. Further analysis of the committee data reported in this document shows that the share of young rural workers having low-wage jobs increased by 11% in those years compared to 4% for young urban workers. The mean earnings of young rural workers fell by 13% compared to an increase of 1% for young workers in urban areas. The decline in wages for young rural workers was pervasive, although men, blacks, and part-time workers experienced a bigger decline in wages than did women, whites, or full-time workers. Wages of young rural workers in every sector declined, but those in extractive industries, manufacturing, and trade experienced the biggest decrease in earnings in every region except New England. The wage decrease for young workers is related to the rise of the poverty rate for young rural families (those headed by persons ages 18 to 29) from 19% in 1979 to 32% in 1986. The rise of poverty for young rural families along with the shifting economic fortunes of male and female workers in rural America are likely to have ramifications for marriage and family. This report, which bears on the issue of school to work transition in rural areas, contains statistical tables and 28 references. (ALL)

The deterioration of industries in rural America in the 1980s has placed rural youth in a difficult situation. Those who remain in rural areas face a scarcity of good jobs, while those who leave face competition for employment against better-educated metropolitan youth. A study was conducted to: (1) examine the educational experiences of both metro and nonmetro youth by their senior year in 1980; (2) analyze what had happened to these same seniors six years later in terms of education, income, and occupational status; and (3) determine the impact of migration on the senior class of 1980. Using the data file of the High School and Beyond survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, the study determined that metropolitan youth had several advantages over nonmetropolitan youth by their senior year in high school. The 1980 data show that metro seniors were more likely to (1) have well-educated parents; (2) have taken a curriculum that better prepared them for college; and (3) score higher on tests of cognitive skills. Follow-up data from 1986 show that metro seniors tended to: (1) continue formal education; (2) have higher incomes and earnings; and (3) be more likely to work in white-collar jobs than nonmetro seniors. The difference in occupational status was evident at nearly all levels of education. Rural youth have diminished opportunities which have often made a successful transition to adulthood more difficult. Data tables are included in the appendix. (ALL)

This briefing paper describes research findings on factors linked to children's school achievement and emotional adjustment. The findings are based on the Child Development Supplement of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, a nationally representative, longitudinal study of children and families conducted at the University of Michigan and supported by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The study found that parents who have high expectations for their children and spend time with them have children who achieve at higher levels than other children. The paper discusses: (1) the factors linked to achievement and adjustment (warm relationships, reading versus television, school involvement, school stability); (2) other family factors related to child well-being (parents' education levels, family size and structure, and health); and (3) changes in how children spend their time from 1981 to 1997, which indicate that children have less time to spend in free play. (EV)

The future is filled with demographic change for the State of Texas. As the population becomes more ethnically diverse, the Texas demographic, economic, and sociocultural profiles also will change. This volume presents a wide range of demographic information on the State of Texas. The 10 chapters look at: (1) the population of Texas: past, present, future; (2) Texas-1980; (3) the ethnic composition of Texas: 1985-2035; (4) changing age composition in Texas; (5) regional distribution of the population; (6) education and the future of Texas; (7) labor force and the economy; (8) other impacts of demographic change; (9) Mexican population--implications for Texas: and (10) Texas in the 21st century. Numerous tables and figures conveying data appear throughout this book. (DB)

In the past, many family planning and population organizations have paid relatively little attention to black fears of birth control coercion and to the writings, speeches, and attitudes that have resulted. Nor have they considered the history and reasons for black sensitivity on the subject of planned family size. This bulletin puts some of these issues and concepts into context within the American scene. It explores the present spectrum of opinion among black leaders and the cultural and political backgrounds that have influenced current thought. The responses of blacks in putting family planning into practice are also outlined, together with some probable trends in family size. It is concluded that, at present, black women are more influenced in the practice of rejection of family planning methods by the practical considerations of bearing and raising children than by any abstract political and philosophical questions on either side. But, some black men may look at issues differently. A New England study indicates that black males under 30 are both more likely to concur with the genocide-conspiracy theory and be more hesitant about condoning the limitation of black family size than are older black males. (Author/JM)

Welfare programs and the people who use them have a bad public image. Any attempts at welfare reform should include the dissemination of factual information to eliminate the misconceptions. This information should include the following facts: (1) only 60% of poverty stricken households receive welfare; (2) most government services and funds to households are for social security, Medicare and veterans' benefits; (3) welfare programs require applicants to demonstrate need through a means test; (4) most welfare benefits are services rather than cash; (5) the groups most likely to receive welfare are minorities and women with dependent children; (6) states with more generous welfare programs do not attract recipients from other states; (7) only a minority of recipients become long-term welfare families; (8) welfare programs do not contribute to the breakup of families; and (9) welfare does not pull many families above the poverty line. Current initiatives to reform the welfare system are focused on more uniform state eligibility rules, and incentives and training for jobs. (VM)

Dramatic demographic and socioeconomic shifts have occurred in rural areas over the last decade, increasing poverty among America's rural population. Analysis of the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey indicates that outmigration from rural areas, which has grown steadily since 1980, reached almost 1,000,000 between 1986 to 1987. Those leaving in the largest numbers were young adults and the better educated, people most needed to revitalize rural economies. Between 1979 and 1986, real median family income fell by 10% in rural areas and less than 1% in urban areas. In 1986 rural unemployment exceeded urban unemployment by 26%, and the rural poverty rate was 18%, 50% higher than the urban rate. Hardest hit have been young adults and their children; a quarter of rural children were living in poverty in 1986. About 62% of poor rural adults and 54% of poor urban adults, aged 18 to 44, held a job at least part of 1986. Most of the rural poor did not receive cash assistance or food stamps, did not live in public housing, and were not eligible for Medicaid. About 80% of young rural adults had finished high school, and 13% had graduated from college, compared to 85% and 23% for young urban adults. However, rural/urban differences in educational attainment and the quality of educational systems do not explain differences in poverty rates. Some problems faced by young rural adult workers stem from changing demographics and the growth of low paying jobs in rural areas. Many observers feel that the problem of rural poverty requires federal intervention, such as tax relief, welfare reform, or new economic development strategies. (SV)

This issue discusses world population trends and their implications for more and less developed countries. There have been two periods of major population expansion since 1750 with the first lasting almost 200 years and the second surge occurring after World War II. Growth rates in industrialized countries are now very low with fertility below replacement levels. High growth rates persist in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Latin America and South Asia, but indications exist that these regions will soon follow the world trend toward lower growth rates. The fact that the projected increase in the world population growth will come in less developed countries (LDC) raises the possibility that population growth will restrict efforts to raise living conditions among the LDCs' poorer populations. Organized efforts to increase access to family planning information and supplies are associated with significant increases in contraceptive prevalence and declining fertility in LDCs. Since organized interventions to increase family planning awareness involve basic and often conflicting human values, population policy remains a controversial area. Graphs, charts, black and white photographs, and a 20-item selected bibliography are included. (DJC)