This report on the state of children in the United States begins with a call to action that points out the destructive effects of poverty, violence, and drug use on America's children while outlining 10 needed steps that should be followed to help alleviate these problems. The greater part of the report focuses on: (1) health; (2) child care; (3) family income; (4) housing and homelessness; (5) education; (6) youth development; and (7) vulnerable children and families. The concluding sections present 1-page fact sheets on the state of children in each of the 50 states, as well as a compilation of national and urban trends and a subject index. (MDM)