The number of children living in poverty has increased by a half million in one year. With recent work requirements for low-income parents, this study seeks to identify how much time children in low-income families spend with their parents and if the lack of time contributes to behavioral problems for these children.

This article provides a cost-benefit analysis of the Maryland Reentry Partnership Initiative, and compares outcomes of prisoners who received the program, and those that did not. The Urban Institute evaluated the program’s outcomes by looking at the prevalence of criminal justice contact after release.

Engaging employers is key in supporting youth transition in the workforce and foster job retention and advancement. This paper, from the Center for Children at the University of Chicago, provides the findings from interviews with youth program providers, employers, and policy makers. Researchers conclude by identifying disconnects in the service delivery and offer recommendations on how providers can expand employer involvement.

MDRC authored this report on poverty trends -- since 1973, the poverty rate has remained relatively constant in the U.S. Authors assert that this is due to falling wages and the increase in single parenthood. This article provides information on poverty reduction initiatives such as the Earned Income Tax Credit.

From Corporate Voices for Working Families, this article reviews a study conducted on the corporate perspective on job readiness of new entrants into the workforce based on educational attainment. Authors provide a Workforce Readiness Report Card on applied skills of the workforce that are “very important” according to employer respondents.

The report, from the New York City Employment and Training Coalition and the Pratt Center for Community Development, provides an overview of how linkage policies facilitate urban revitalization and reduce poverty among urban areas. Authors found that low-income populations benefit from linkage initiatives, and offer recommendations to utilize urban redevelopment activities to address unemployment and poverty.

The Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) maintains this comprehensive map of all State child support enforcement web pages.

Senators Paul Wellstone (D-MN) and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced legislation in Fall 1999 aimed at protecting the youngest victims of domestic violence. The Children Who Witness Domestic Violence Protection Act of 1999 (S. 1321) includes many of the same provisions as Title II of the Violence Against Women Act of 1999 (H.R 357), as well as authorization for new grant programs. The bill provides for partnership-building between domestic violence service agencies and child welfare agencies; training for child welfare workers and police officers; and training for elementary and secondary school officials on recognizing and meeting the needs of children and teenagers who are witnessing or experiencing domestic violence in their homes or relationships. The "Children Who Witness" bill also makes funds available for the creation of supervised visitation centers and crisis nurseries for victims of child abuse. This bill is not yet legislation.

For more information on S. 1321, contact National Coalition Against Domestic Violence 's Public Policy Office at (202) 745-1211 or ncadv2@sprynet.com

The U.S. teen birthrate has continued to decrease over time -- although it is the highest among industrialized countries. This research reviews the impact of teen pregnancy and how this rate can affect the public. It is estimated that teen childbearing costs taxpayers around $9.1 billion annually; costs included public health care, child welfare and prison system costs.

From the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, this research brief provides an overview of the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative. Since 1999, Oklahoma's Initiative has been in place and successful due to the large public and private collaboration in the State. This brief is the first in a series to define promising strategies from Oklahoma.