Who We Are
Evidence and analysis from the front lines of pediatric care.
Children's HealthWatch works to improve child health by bringing evidence and analysis from the front lines of pediatric care to policy makers and the public. Our research is grounded in the experience of pediatrician researchers who see first-hand in clinics how economic conditions and public policies are reflected in the health and well-being of their youngest patients.
Very young children are uniquely vulnerable to deprivation. The health and learning potential of too many of our nation's youngest children are put at risk because of hardships associated with poverty – not enough food, unstable housing conditions, and inadequate home heating or cooling to name a few. Children's HealthWatch works to bring timely scientific evidence about the links between these conditions and children’s health into the public policy arena.
Our network of pediatricians and public health researchers collects data on children up to the age of three in emergency rooms and clinics at
Our Vision
A nation where local, state and national policies support the healthy development of all our young children.
Our mission
To improve child health by bringing evidence and analysis from the front lines of pediatric care to policy makers and the public.
Our methods
Primary adult caregivers accompanying children under three years of age are invited to participate in the Children’s HealthWatch survey and are provided with resource and referral assistance if they identify unmet needs as part of the interview. At present, we have records on over 32,000 children and their families, with 4500 new records added each year. This sentinel sampling allows us to identify early warnings of harm to a wider population of children.
Learn more about our research and methodology.
Resources
Latest Publications:
Energy Insecurity is a Major Threat to Child Health, February 2010
Child Care Feeding Programs Support Young Children's Healthy Development, January 2010
WIC Improves Child Health and School Readiness, January 2010
Rx for Hunger: Affordable Housing, December 2009
Funding Shortfall for Housing Vouchers Could Have Serious Health Consequences for Children, September 2009
Latest Press:
Amy Goldstein
Missing more than a meal
The Washington Post
December 12, 2009
Chris Berdik
Grow Clinic and Food Pantry See Too Many
BU Today
September 28, 2009
Nancy Cole
Study finds lack of food plaguing more families
Arkansas Gazette
May 1, 2009
