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AWARENESS OF THE CAUSE

CHILDREN IN THE U.S. There are nearly 74 million children younger than age 18 in the United States, accounting for 23 percent of the total population. POPULATION

The number of children in the country has grown since 1980, when there were 64 million children, and this number is projected to continue to increase to 80 million in 2050.

• According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are 98,817 public schools in the United States. Source: Children’s Bureau.

• There are 34,576 private schools in the United States. Source: Council for American Private Education. • On any given day, there are nearly 438,000 children in foster care in the United States. Source: Children’s Bureau.

POVERTY • About 15 million children in the United States—21% of all children —live in families with incomes below the federal poverty threshold. • Poverty can impede children’s ability to learn and contribute to social, emotional, and behavioral problems. • Poverty also can contribute to poor physical and mental health. Source: NCCP.

CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT FATALITIES

Age 12-15 3.2%

Age 8-11 5.9%

Age 16-17 2.5%

Age 4-7 11.4%

Age 1-3 32.5%

Under 1 year 44.4%

Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway.

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