America in the 21st Century: Social and Economic Support Systems.

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)