It takes a village is so true. Children are something society as a whole should invest in, and fails to do so at risk to it's own future.

By society, I mean every one of us that plans to grow old instead of an early death.

Wouldn't it be nice to have two or three or ideally more generations of well adjusted people that grew up not fearful of hunger, nor lack of basic shelter, medical care?

Also, providing quality child care for any time the parent(s) are working frees up quality workers to do that... though a better work life balance would also help society.