Analyzes the complex nature of child poverty in the United States today, using a varity of perspectives: case studies, demographics, human capital theory, and casual analysis. Also discusses the problems and opportunities involved in harnessing public support for policy action on behalf of poor children, analyzing the record of the 101st ("children"s") Congress and a range of social policy approaches more generally. Intended for analysts, students, and professionals whose focus is working with children in the education, social service, and health care sectors, and other readers interested in understanding the full dimensions of what it means to be young and poor in America.