Abstract: The book provides the reader with a basic understanding of the needs of children in today's society and stresses the high economic and social costs of neglecting those needs. The book is composed mainly of fact sheets containing information relevant to children and families that can be used as a foundation for developing policy and programs. Statistical data on child population and poverty, family status, maternal and child health, family income and other supports, education, and youth employment are provided for each state in tabular form.