Salvation Army Says Demand up for Youth Programs

A survey of Salvation Army youth programs in more than 80 cities shows more than eight in 10 saw increased demand from children and families in the past year as the nation's high jobless rate and cutbacks in government and private funding strain charities.

The survey found 56 percent of the youth programs - including camps, preschools, daycare and after-school programs - are operating at or beyond their capacity. Since 2008, 41 percent had to cut back services or close programs because of insufficient funding.

In the report, "Growing Up in a Downturn," Salvation Army Commissioner William Roberts writes that the increasing demand shows parents across the country are facing daily questions about how to provide for their children.

The report says many programs will see similar pressures throughout 2012.