CRS Issue Statement on Child Well-Being (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Revised Jan. 13, 2010 |
| Report Number |
IS40281 |
| Authors |
Adrienne L. Fernandes, Coordinator, Analyst in Social Policy |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
The nation’s future depends in large part on its children’s ability to develop into contributing adult members of society. For that reason, and for what many would consider a society’s moral responsibility to care for the young and vulnerable, Congress and the nation take an interest in promoting children’s well-being. It can be argued that children are the nation’s most valuable resource, constituting the next generation of workers, taxpayers, and parents. Their well-being and ability to develop into productive adults in an increasingly competitive global economy is influenced by a variety of factors, and public policies can affect these factors to varying degrees.
A host of players, including parents, relatives, teachers, doctors, and social workers promote children’s well-being by fostering their development. Public policies and government programs can also promote child well-being and foster aspects of child development. Child development encompasses a multitude of areas and life stages, and is often assessed according to a complex set of outcomes, divided into broad domains of health (physical development) and safety; mental and cognitive development; social and emotional development; and economic and material wellbeing.
