NRFC Quick Statistics and Research Reviews, Brief
In 2016, more than one in four children under 21 in the United States lived in a household apart from one of their parents. In 80 percent of these households, the custodial parent was the mother and the non-residential parent was the father. The amount and frequency of financial support that both parents provide shapes household economic stability, which can also affect children’s overall health and well-being. Non-residential parents often have a legal obligation to help pay the costs associated with raising their children. However, some non-residential parents pay these costs…
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Using data from the National Survey of Early Care and Education, this brief reports differences in the child care settings foreign-born and US-born parents select for their young children. The authors explore differences in parents’ child care preferences and perceptions and how being an immigrant and having limited English proficiency, among other factors, might influence parents’ interest in and ability to access different child care. (Author abstract)
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Low-skilled men, especially minorities, typically work at low levels and provide little support for their children. Conservatives blame this on government willingness to support families, which frees the fathers from responsibility, while liberals say that men are denied work by racial bias or the economy--either a lack of jobs or low wages, which depress the incentive to work. The evidence for all these theories is weak. Thus, changing program benefits or incentives is unlikely to solve the men's work problem. More promising is the idea of linking assistance with administrative requirements…
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This brief explains that attachment refers to the continuing and lasting relationships that young children form with one or more adults and to the child's sense of security and safety when in the company of a particular adult. The importance of attachment is highlighted and characteristics of children with secure attachment relationships and with insecure attachment relations are described. Cultural differences in attachment are noted before strategies that teachers and caregivers can use to promote children's secure attachment are provided. Strategies include: help parents feel competent and…
This edition of South Dakota Kids Count Quarterly examines results of the 2009/2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (NS-CSHCN). More specifically, it compares and contrasts six outcomes identified by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau for Native Americans/Alaskan Natives in seven States: Arizona, Alaska, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota. Data on 40,242 children were obtained from the Data Resource Center for Child & Adolescent Health. Six State outcomes are discussed and data compared in the following core outcomes: families are…
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Over time, the American workforce has become more educated and the college-going population has diversified. Today’s students tend to be older and often have young children. About 1 million low-income parents who attend school or training also work. Further, many combine full-time work with full-time school attendance. This brief summarizes this population’s characteristics, how they address these competing demands, and the supports they receive while doing so. The brief suggests how existing federal policy initiatives such as the new Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the Child…
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This brief provides an overview of the history of Muslims in the United States and discusses cultural nuances to keep in mind when working with Muslim families. Drawing from experts in the field, it provides culturally appropriate tips for integration of healthy communication, conflict resolution, and parenting skills into existing service delivery models.
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This brief reviews current literature regarding same-sex couples and LGB individuals to better understand their needs, strengths, and challenges; how they differ from and are similar to heterosexual couples; existing efforts to provide same-sex focused relationship education; and suggestions for expanding and providing culturally competent same-sex relationship and marriage education.
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African American boys tend to receive more support and have better outcomes-including greater self-esteem and reduced likelihood of delinquency-when they live with married parents.
In 2006, there were almost 36 million immigrants in the U.S., representing over 12 percent of the population. Immigrant parents represent a diverse group from across the globe, and the population of immigrant fathers has varied characteristics. Immigrant fathers are less likely than native-born fathers to have a high school education--a factor associated with lower income--but immigrant fathers are also more likely to reside with their children--due to marriage or cohabitation. This fact sheet discusses the implications of immigrant fathers' diversity and its impact on involvement with…
