A product of a year-long Governors' Campaign for Children initiative of the National Governors' Association (NGA), this report uses examples from several states in the NGA to describe the state of children and their needs. The Governors' Campaign for Children has sought to: (1) increase public awareness of the needs of young children; (2) simplify and improve federal and state programs to once again focus on the needs of children and their families; and (3) help communities better respond to the needs of young children. One in four children below age 6 lives in poverty. Children living in poverty are at greater risk for health and developmental problems throughout childhood. They are more likely to go hungry; to have inadequate clothing, shelter, and medical care; to be born at low birthweight; to be abused or neglected; to drop out of school; and to be involved in criminal or delinquent activities. Each chapter reflects the initiatives of a particular state involved in the NGA. The following issues are addressed in the chapters: (1) "Child Poverty"; (2) "Adolescent Pregnancy"; (3) "Child Abuse and Neglect"; (4) "Foster Care"; (5) "Absent Fathers"; (6) "Parent Support"; (7) "Working Families"; (8) "Child Care"; (9) "School Readiness"; (10) "Preschool Participation"; (11) "Family Literacy"; (12) "Infant Mortality"; (13) "Lead Poisoning"; (14) "Prenatal Care"; (15) "Childhood Immunizations"; (16) "Health Care Coverage"; (17) "Children and Violence"; and (18) "Public Apathy". A list of program contacts is included. (BGC)