While economic indicators in recent years have shown an unprecedented level of prosperity, social indicators tell a different story: growing economic disparity, increasing numbers of Americans lacking health insurance, increased levels of poverty among our youngest and oldest citizens, and an anti-entitlement political climate that has eroded assistance to those most in need. In this era of "devolution," the federal government has been increasingly removed from the provision of services and support to vulnerable populations. This book presents a framework for understanding the impact of these...

While economic indicators in recent years have shown an unprecedented level of prosperity, social indicators tell a different story: growing economic disparity, increasing numbers of Americans lacking health insurance, increased levels of poverty among our youngest and oldest citizens, and an anti-entitlement political climate that has eroded assistance to those most in need. In this era of "devolution," the federal government has been increasingly removed from the provision of services and support to vulnerable populations. This book presents a framework for understanding the impact of these...