Affordable childcare, including after-school programs to keep children safe and out of trouble, is essential in assisting parents who are struggling to raise their children, often balancing parental and work responsibilities. Yet, nationwide, only ten percent of families who qualify for federal childcare assistance receive help. Many states have tens of thousands of families on waiting lists. While efforts to enact broad childcare measures failed in the 105th Congress, nationwide advocacy generated a groundswell of support, promising renewed attempts to pass legislation in the year ahead. At the same time, some 11.5 million low-income children remain without healthcare insurance.

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Children living in working families with incomes just above eligibility for Medicaid may qualify for health coverage under the Children's Health Initiative Program. However, states must be pressed to draw down the available block grant funds, to offer the broadest coverage possible, and to launch outreach efforts to inform families.

The JCPA will join with children's advocates nationwide to ensure that states respond and that the funds are allocated in a manner consistent with First Amendment principles regarding separation of church and state. (See "Charitable Choice" in section on Jewish Security and the Bill of Rights.)