Research on vulnerable children and families has been central to our work since the inception of the Carsey Institute in 2004. Core to the work of the Vulnerable Families Research Program is an understanding of how families are faring economically across the nation, within regions, states, and across rural, suburban, and urban places. We pay particular attention to trends in child poverty rates, social safety net usage, and making work pay. We coordinate with external researchers, policy makers, advocates, and practitioners “on the ground” to ensure that our research is timely and relevant. Our accessible analyses are widely read by legislators and their staff, child and family advocates, practitioners, academics, and the media, and we frequently deliver presentations to a wide range of audiences.