It argues that corporate and civic leaders in many other major metropolitan areas are more involved than those in St. Louis. By not making a similar investment here, the study says, St. Louis can expect a drop in the quality of community life and lack of economic competitiveness.

Although kids in the city of St. Louis face more social problems than most others in the region, the problems themselves transcend political boundaries. Even in relatively prosperous St. Charles County, community groups are struggling to find resources to meet growing needs, including shelter for youths who are abused, neglected, homeless or emotionally disturbed. Also needed are more outpatient programs to address teen drug abuse.

Because state and federal help for addressing these problems has diminished in recent years, local communities are coming under growing pressure to find their own solutions. The study notes that some communities across the nation have turned to dedicated revenue at the local level to help children. The Missouri Legislature has given communities that option by letting them set up community children's services funds.

The next challenge is to convince voters that a genuine crisis exists. In the fall of 2002, for example, St. Charles County voters rejected a one-eighth-cent sales tax to set up a children's services fund. It would have generated $4.2 million for agencies that help children. Voters in the city of St. Louis also voted down a community children's service fund that was on the ballot in 1997.

Despite the unfavorable votes in the past, dedicated funds for children services should become part of the conversation as communities are challenged to give all children and teens equal access to health, good schools, economic opportunity and decent housing that's free of lead. When we fail to meet these needs, we not only fail our children; we also compromise the quality of life of every individual and the strength of every business and community institution in the St. Louis region.