National, state and local governments have agencies to protect the most vulnerable members of society, such as children. There are several government organizations that directly help children in the areas of health, education and family issues.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
In 1962, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development was created to investigate developmental disabilities and fetal development concerns. The organization has sponsored research which has directly led to the decline of infant death rates by 70 percent. Further research efforts include respirator technology which has increased survival rates for some respiratory diseases from 5 percent in the 1960s to 95 percent as of October 2010. The Back to Sleep education program has reduced the rate of sudden infant death syndrome by more than 50 percent. NICHD also has collaborated with other agencies to see HIV transmissions from birth mothers to newborns drop from 25 percent to less than 2 percent.
Department of Health and Human Services
Working with state and local entities, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services aims to protect the health of citizens, providing human services. The agency mandates that each state improve overall well-being for children and families who receive state assistance. Child and Family Services reviews state conformity with these requirements. For example, the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families oversees a variety of services for youths, including adoption, child welfare, day care, foster care and juvenile corrections.
Early Head Start
Early Head Start programs offer help to pregnant women and low-income households with young children. The government offers the program on a state-by-state level. The program promotes prenatal care, healthy family dynamics and the educational and emotional development of children. Each state determines its eligibility criteria with family income typically being a factor.
Administration for Children and Families
The Department of Health and Human Services oversees the Administration for Children and Families, which in turn manages federal programs that encourage the social and economic well-being of young people. ACF focuses on economic productivity, community strength, community partnerships and a commitment to all types of disadvantaged people.
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