Critical Needs, Critical Choices: A Survey on Children and Families in America's Cities

• NCJ Number: 162955
• Author(s): J Meyers; J E Kyle
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 92 pages
• Corporate Author: National League of Cities
• Sale Source: National League of Cities
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: An executive summary is also included. OJJDP PR Initative.

Annotation

A national survey that received responses from 780 cities revealed that city governments throughout the United States are actively involved in responding to the needs of children and families.

Abstract

Ninety-four percent of the cities reported some involvement in matters affecting children and families; 63 percent are involved in each of the 34 issues examined in the survey. Fifty-seven percent are spending more than they did 5 years ago to meet the needs of children and families. Thirty-five percent reported improved overall conditions for families and children, while 26 percent reported that those conditions worsened. Ninety-six percent of the cities are engaged in collaborative efforts with community groups, nonprofit organizations, or neighboring local governments. However, 57 percent anticipate that meeting the needs of children and families in their communities will become more difficult as a result of changes in Federal and State policies, funding, and other actions affecting their communities. For children from birth through age 14, child care or before and after-school child care led all other needs in all regions of the countries and in all sizes of cities. Tables, endnotes, and list of participating cities