Noting that Rhode Island has seen a significant increase in child poverty over the last decade in the context of a national decline, this Kids Count issue brief presents an in-depth examination of the economic well-being of children in the state. The brief notes that the highest rates of Rhode Island childhood poverty are among families with young children, single-parent families, minority families, and families living in the core cities and core urban neighborhoods. Tables delineate child poverty rates for 1990 and 2000 as well as the percentage of children in poverty who are minority children, for 39 cities and towns, for 6 core cities, for the remainder of the state, and the state as a whole. The brief discusses the impact of the following strategies to meet the needs of children in poverty: (1) targeting high-poverty neighborhoods to improve conditions, link families to economic opportunities, and provide support to children and families; (2) investing in family economic success through welfare reform efforts; (3) improving parental education and employment; and (4) educating poor children to prepare them for employment in a high-skills economy. The brief concludes with a discussion of achievements, challenges, and policy implications in the areas of health care; child care; the Family Independence Program; housing; jobs and income; adult education, literacy, and English as a Second Language; and education. A list of organizational resources completes the brief. (Contains 19 references.) (KB)