Increasing Equity for Children by Targeting the Vulnerable: U.S. Child Policy Since 1960.

Basic racial, cultural, educational and economic needs of children are met by the family and local community, with public costs being met through locally controlled budgets. Advocates for federally funded programs have found it necessary to justify the contention that specific identified need. are not being met. The argument has been successful in regards to: education for handicapped children; investigation and treatment for abused and neglected children, and ensuring their right to a permanent family; preserving the cultural heritage of American Indian children; and ensuring that children of divorced or separated parents have adequate economic support. This paper will discuss the laws developed to meet these identified needs, their cost, numbers served, and implementation issues, and evaluate this approach to child policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]