First Focus

When children get more resources, they do better. But across the US, there exists enormous variation in public investments made in children – and as a result, enormous variation in child outcomes across states and regions. Which states consistently rank high on measures of child well-being, and why? Which states have made the most gains over the past decade? And what policy measures are most closely linked to changes in child well-being?

First Focus, in conjunction with Senator Robert Menendez (NJ) and the Foundation for Child Development, hosted a discussion on the various factors that influence state decisions on children and how placing a priority on child well-being at the state level can improve the outlook for children nationwide. The event featured a new Foundation for Child Development report: Investing in Public Programs Matters: How State Policies Impact Children’s Lives.

MODERATOR:
Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus (First Focus Campaign for Children Fact Sheet: Children's Budget Act) (Fact Sheet: 2012 Appropriations for Kids) (Fact Sheet: Children's Budget 2011)

PANELISTS:
• William O’Hare, Annie E. Casey Foundation (Presentation)
• Tom Gais, Rockefeller Institute (Presentation)
• Chris Watney, Colorado Children’s Campaign (Presentation)
• David Sciarra, Education Law Center (Presentation)

PHOTOS:


First Focus President Bruce Lesley talks about the importance of creating a Children's Budget.

Bill O'Hare reviews the Foundation for Child Development's Child Well-Being Index.

Tom Gais of the Rockefeller Institute answers a staffer's question about policy options to improve child well-being.

Colorado Children's Campaign CEO Chris Watney talks about why and how they created a Children's Budget.

David Sciarra of the Education Law Center takes a question on early education.