Become Informed

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Fact Sheets

Facts About Children and Youth in the District of Columbia

• In 2004, there were 11,103 children under age 5 with income below the poverty level in the past 12 months in the District of Columbia.



• In 2004, there were 22,057 children and youth between age 6 and 17 with income below the poverty level in the past 12 months in the District of Columbia.



• In 2004, there were 31,075 children in homes headed by a female with no husband present with income below the poverty level in the past 12 months in the District of Columbia.



• In 2004, there were 110,544 children and youth under age 20 living in the District of Columbia.



• In December 2004, there were 2,691 children in foster care in the District of Columbia.



• Approximately 25% of District children in foster care will reach adulthood without finding a permanent home.



• In the District of Columbia, 85% of children involved in the child welfare system have parents who have substance abuse problems.



• Of the estimated 8,960 children and youth with a mental illness in the District of Columbia, only 448 will receive treatment in FY 2006.



• The Centers for Disease Control report that more than 8,000 adolescents need substance abuse treatment in the District of Columbia.



• Of the estimated 31,500 children eligible for the Child Care Subsidy Program, 17,010 were served between October 1, 2004, and January 31, 2005.