The National Children’s Study is designed to examine the effects of environmental influences on the health and development of more than 100,000 children across the United States, following them from before birth until age 21. The goal of the Study is to improve the health and well-being of children. Researchers would analyze how these elements interact with each other and what helpful and/or harmful effects they might have on children s health. By studying children through their different phases of growth and development, researchers would be better able to understand the role of these factors on health and disease. Findings from the Study would be made available as soon as possible as the research progresses. The Study can also allow scientists to find the differences that exist between groups of people, in terms of their health, health care access, disease occurrence, and other issues, so that these differences or disparities can be addressed.

The National Children’s Study is designed to be a rich information resource available for answering questions related to children s health and development and would form the basis of child health guidance, interventions, and policy for generations to come.

In support of the National Children’s Study, seven contracts to Vanguard Study Centers to pilot the first phase of the Study were awarded in Fall 2005. A contract for a Study Coordinating Center was also awarded. The Congress is currently considering appropriations for fiscal year 2007. No funds are included in the President’s Budget Request for FY 2007 for the National Children’s Study. The Study planning activities that are ongoing under contract in FY 2006 will be brought to a close by the end of the fiscal year. There are no plans for the NIH to continue to pursue the full scale study in FY 2007.

For more information, visit the NCS website.

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