This report focuses on programs for low-income children, covering health, nutrition, education and income maintenance. The number of children below the poverty line in each United States county, using 1980 Census data, was compared with the number of impoverished children reached in 1984 by three critical programs: Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), Head Start, and the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Findings include the following: (1) three million more children have become impoverished since 1979; (2) programs are not available to most impoverished children; (3) existing programs are reaching a lower percentage of impoverished children than before the increase in poverty; (4) counties with the highest child poverty are not getting important children's programs; (5) there are wide disparities among states serving impoverished children; and (6) impoverished children are losing income supports. Included are statistics demonstrating the findings and dissenting minority views. (PS)