The Great Recession has dramatically increased the number of children with an unemployed parent, as well as the number of youth themselves who are unemployed. This fact sheet details statistics and policy recommendations on the recent rise in unemployment and its toll on children, youth, and families.

This is it—the final push. With only one more day until the election, campaigns and candidates are making their final petitions to voters. Recently, a number of news articles, including stories in The New York Times and The Washington Post, noted that in these final days candidates have spent more time exhibiting themselves as parents and being accompanied by their children on the campaign trail. Political consultants call this type of campaign tactic “ending positive,” a removal from the months of attack ads to focus on more positive imagery, like families and children.

Throughout the election season, First Focus has been urging campaigns to make the needs of children a topic of the political debates taking place across the country. While we’re thrilled to finally see candidates embracing their roles as parents and care takers of the next generation, we’re disappointed that conversation around improving the lives of children did not occur sooner. The truth is, there are serious challenges facing our next generation and voters deserve to know where candidates stand on these critical issues.

In our nation today, one in five kids is born into poverty, nine million kids are living without health insurance, and 1.2 million students are dropping out of school each year. There are real solutions to each of these problems, but realizing them takes true leadership. We’ll soon choose the men and women who will decide how – or even whether – we respond to these issues. Will we have representatives in Congress who see kids only as a photo opportunity? Or will we have representatives who understand that supporting our children isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s one of the best investments we can make as a nation?

Tomorrow, the choice is up to you.

For more information on children and political campaigns:

• The New York Times, “Children as a Campaign Tool”
• The Washington Post, “Candidates Use Children to Make Final Pitch”

Washington D.C. – Today, the First Focus Campaign for Children, a national, bipartisan child advocacy group, released the names of Members of Congress identified as the most valuable leaders on issues important to children. The announcement today launches the group’s inaugural campaign to recognize the top 100 Members of Congress who make improving the well-being of children a national priority.

Of the 100 Members of Congress recognized by the group today, 50 Members were named “Champions for Children” on account of their extraordinary efforts to protect and improve the future of America’s next generation. An additional 50 Members were awarded the title “Defenders of Children” and are being recognized for their support of policies that advance the well-being of children.

“We applaud our Champions and Defenders of Children for their unflagging commitment to protect our nation’s future,” said Bruce Lesley, president of the Campaign for Children. “Children cannot vote, hold press conferences, or donate to political campaigns to thank the Members of Congress that support them and protect their interests. And because of that, today we are honoring those Members on behalf of children. This award is intended to give recognition to our nation's top public officials who take action to make children a national priority. We look forward to working with our Champions and Defenders to continue protecting America’s next generation of leaders.”

In selecting the Champions and Defenders honored today, the First Focus Campaign for Children took note of leaders who introduced, co-sponsored, and voted for legislation that would best meet the needs of children. In addition, the organization considered Members who demonstrated extraordinary initiative by spearheading activities such as sponsoring hearings or garnering the support of their colleagues to improve the health and well-being of children.

Learn more about our Champions for Children Campaign.

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The First Focus Campaign for Children collaborated with messaging expert Dr. Drew Westen, to identify messages that effectively communicate the needs of America’s children in a way that will resonate with policymakers, media, and the public. This PowerPoint presentation outlines the results from our research and provides examples of effective messages.

Public schools kept nearly 800,000 homeless students in school during the 2007-08 school year with the support of the Education for Homeless Children and Youth program. The number of homeless students entering our classrooms continues to grow, and school districts need additional support to help these children and youth stay in school even though they have
lost their homes.

Since the beginning of the Great Recession, 26 states collectively report an increase of over 221,000 homeless students, or 50 percent. Although these children are at risk of health/mental health problems and are less likely to succeed in school, we know how to help them succeed.

As Congress considers a Jobs Bill, at least $100 million should be included to save/create nearly 3,300 jobs to address the continued increase in homeless children and youth – many of whom became homeless due to their parents’ job loss. With additional federal support, we can help thousands of homeless children continue in their education and achieve the American dream.

One in seven American children has an unemployed parent as a result of the current recession, known by many as the "Great Recession." These 10.5 million children are more likely to experience homelessness, suffer from child abuse, fail to complete high school or college, and live in poverty as adults than other children.

The economy is technically emerging from the recession and is likely to recover in the coming years. However, the same may not be the case for our children without a concerted effort to address their needs and provide them with every opportunity to work hard and attain the American Dream. This brief analyzes the number of children and youth who are impacted by the recession, examines the consequences, and recommends policy solutions.

The United States is facing a deep recession with an unemployment rate of ten percent. 15 million Americans are out of work and nearly six million have been so for six months or more. Unemployment not only tightens a family’s budget, but directly impacts children’s futures. Studies have shown that a parent’s unemployment has negative effects on a child’s education, future earning potential, and emotional well-being. In addition, workers in their teens are bearing the brunt of this current economic downturn with an unemployment rate that is more than two and a half times the national rate.iii This report outlines initiatives that will create jobs and help our nation’s children and families.