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Children’s HealthWatch is a nonpartisan network of pediatricians, public health researchers, and children’s health and policy experts committed to improving children’s health in America.

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Coronavirus could put 1.5 million U.S. families on cusp of homelessness

Originally published on Reuters. NEW YORK (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The economic blow of the coronavirus could push 1.5 million U.S. families to the brink of homelessness, housing experts warned, not only increasing poverty but accelerating…
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3 ways landlords can be a resource for struggling tenants

Originally published on Atlanta Agent Magazine. Everyone in the multifamily sector is feeling the pain of the COVID-19 outbreak right now, from owners to residents to maintenance workers. “There’s a lot of stress out there,” Doug…
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Housing prescriptions improve health outcomes in children, anxiety and depression in adults

Originally published on EurekAlert. BOSTON - Results of a study show that enrollment in a program that supports housing and health needs of medically complex families was associated with improved child health and parent mental health within…
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Social safety net integral to good health, researchers find

Originally published on Modern Healthcare. Housing and integrated social services improved the health of children and adults in medically complex families, a new study found. Priority placement in affordable housing coupled with case…
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Housing Intervention For Medically Complex Families Associated With Improved Family Health: Pilot Randomized Trial

Abstract The effects of housing instability and homelessness on child and adult health are well documented. However, few studies have explored health and housing interventions for families with children with the objective of health improvement.…
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Failure to Thrive and Coronavirus: Efforts to Support and Protect Children With Community Resources, Policy, Advocacy

Originally published on BMC Health City. Under the best societal conditions, children from families who face barriers to their basic needs may struggle to get the necessary developmental nourishment to keep them healthy and thriving. As…

Massachusetts Principles For Healthy And Affordable Housing

Children's HealthWatch, through the Alliance for Community Health Integration, endorsed the Massachusetts Principles For Healthy And Affordable Housing, lead by the Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA). * * * * * We, as the Massachusetts…

Letter to the Federal Communications Commission to Ensure People Have Access to Cell Phone And Internet Service

On March 23rd, Children's HealthWatch and over 250 organizations sent a letter to Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly, Carr, Rosenworcel and Starks to ensure people have access to cell phone and internet service during the COVID-19 crisis. The…

Our Policy Focus Areas

Children’s HealthWatch research and policy analysis specifically focuses on the child health and developmental impacts of economic hardships with a particular focus on food insecurity, unstable housing, health care hardships and inability to afford adequate household energy.

  • Food Security

    Consistent access to food for all family members is crucial for ensuring children are healthy. Food and nutrition assistance programs are an essential cornerstone in supporting the health and well-being of low-income families. To read our SNAP/Farm Bill 2018 Legislative Priorities, click here.

  • Housing Stability

    Stable housing supports healthy growth and development among young children, and means families are not behind on rent, moving frequently, doubled up, overcrowded, or homeless. Policies that create affordable housing options that provide access to safe, stable housing help ensure young children and their families can thrive and be successful in life.

  • Energy Security

    Maintaining consistent utility services so homes are heated in the winter and cooled in the summer is critical for children’s health and safety. Energy supports protect families from the harmful health effects of having their utilities shut off.

  • Health Care Hardships

    When families are forced to choose between paying for health care, such as medical care and prescriptions, and other basic needs such as food, rent, child care, or utility bills, that decision can have an effect on the health and wellbeing of young children. Providing supports necessary to care for children, especially those with special health care needs, is crucial for improving child health.

  • Poverty

    Alleviating economic hardships for families with young children will require comprehensive policy solutions including improvements to nutrition assistance programs, increasing access to affordable housing, providing energy assistance, making work pay through reducing cliff effects and increasing  and expanding access to the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, providing affordable child care to all children, and supporting the health and development of all children.

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