History of US Children's Policy-1900 to present

Andrew Yarrow:

uring the last century--since the Progressive Era and the first White House Conference on Children in 1909--the federal government has vastly expanded its role in promoting the welfare of America's children and youth. While families remain the bulwark for successful child development, and states, localities, and a host of private entities provide services to infants, children, youth, and their families, the federal government has long supported and provided services ranging from health care to education and enforces a wide range of laws and regulations to protect and enhance the well-being and rights of Americans under age 21.3

This essay offers a brief survey of the development of federal policies affecting children and families from the early 20th century to the early 21st century. The focus is on federal legislation and important federal court decisions; state policy developments largely are excluded.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at June 9, 2009 1:01 AM
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