How to influence social policy affecting children and families.

Discusses recent legislative trends in child and family policy, sociopolitical forces behind those trends, and ways in which pro-children's groups can affect ongoing or future legislation. The effects of budget cuts in federal funding for daycare, child nutrition, and child support programs are described. It is asserted that, to make significant progress affecting children and families, a broader coalition of children's groups, encompassing members of both political parties and the interests of children whose mothers work at home and whose mothers are part of the work force, must be formed. Strong and effective federal agencies are needed to provide the focal point for developing and implementing policy. (6 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)