Research, Statistics and Data

Research is a key component in effective citizen advocacy. Being prepared to speak to the facts when you meet with policy makers will make you more confident. In turn, policy makers will recognize the legitimacy of your point of view.

However impressive a list of facts, figures, and statistics may be, policy makers are most interested in how these numbers impact or will affect their community or state. The website below offer statistical data for each state and offer some analysis on what the numbers mean for children.

For more studies on children, visit our Resources page.

• Every Child Matters    [top]
  

  The Every Child Matters Education Fund is a national nonprofit organization devoted to improving the lives of children and families by advocating for better public policy during federal and state campaigns. On this website youˆ¢ll find simple to use data about the needs of children in every state, the results of our many polls, links to numerous specialized resources, pending federal legislation and much other information.

  • Click here for information specific to children in Idaho.

  • Click here for information specific to northwest children's health issues.



• Children's Defense Fund    [top]
  

  The mission of the Children's Defense Fund is to Leave No Child Behind and to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

  • CDF provides a strong, effective voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for themselves. CDF pays particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investment before they get sick or into trouble, drop out of school, or suffer family breakdown. CDF began in 1973 and is a private, nonprofit organization supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations. The Childrenˆ¢s Defense Fund has never taken government funds.



• Child Welfare League of America    [top]
  

  The Child Welfare League of America is the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization. It is committed to engaging people everywhere in promoting the well-being of children, youth, and their families, and protecting every child from harm. The CWLA sponsors the National Center for Research and Data, available on their website.



• Welcome to the Child Trends Databank    [top]
  

  Child Trends is the one-stop-shop for the latest national trends and research on over 90 key indicators of child and youth well-being, with new indicators added each month! Provided by Child Trends, a national leader in the field for over 20 years. Learn more...
  
  They offer:

  • Child Trends Databank Continuously updated trend data with the latest national estimates for all indicators

  • Plain language reporting on trends and population subgroup differences informed by existing research

  • Color graphics and tables that can be downloaded directly into reports and presentations

  • PDF files for each indicator containing text, graphics, and tables in a concise and attractive format

  • Links that provide organized access to additional information available for each indicator including:

    • State, local, and international estimates
    • Selected current research
    • Original source documents
    • National goals (where applicable)
  
  
  

  • CrossCurrents Data Briefs
    Welcome to CrossCurrents, a new series of data briefs from the Child Trends DataBank. These briefs draw from multiple indicators to examine broad topics and special populations of greatest concern to policy makers, service providers, the media, and the general public. Download these PDF files:

    • Violence in the Lives of Children (PDF)
      
    • A Statistical Portrait of Well-being in Early Adulthood (PDF)
      
    • Indicators of Early School Success and Child Well-Being (PDF)



• John W. Gardner Center for Youth & Their Communities    [top]
  

  JGC envisions communities committed to the development and nurturing of all young people so that they are actively learning, connected and contributing to community renewal.



• Budget Challenges & Priority Choices Facing Congress    [top]
  

  2007 budget priorities are discussed, with long term consequences reviewed. This is a primer on the budget process and very helpful for thinking about the year to come.



• Model Pre-K Policy    [top]
  

  This site offers a detailed guide to quality pre-Kindergarden program development.



• Yahoo Directory of Child Advocacy Organizations