The nonpartisan Urban Institute publishes studies, reports, and books on timely topics worthy of public consideration. The views expressed are those of the authors, and should not be attributed to The Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders. The full report is available in PDF , which many find useful when printing. The problems affecting children in the nation's capital are well known.
Poverty runs high.
The majority of school children score below basic reading levels. Birth rates to teenagers and juvenile violent crime arrest rates far exceed the national average. Such data raise serious concerns about the quality of life and opportunities for children in the District, particularly for those living in the poorest, inner-city neighborhoods. Because research shows that neighborhood characteristics and local institutions affect the overall well-being of children and youth, the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the Urban Institute undertook a study of the institutional factors that make a positive difference in the lives of children and families in local communities. The selection of neighborhoods began with three criteria that affect community infrastructures at the local level.