What major issue did the Children's Bureau focus on investigating?

The Children's Bureau, established in 1912, was primarily focused on addressing the serious issue of child labor in the United States. This was a critical concern during that time, as many children were working in hazardous conditions, often for long hours and for minimal pay, which negatively impacted their health and development. The Bureau conducted investigations to shed light on the extent of child labor and worked to develop policies and advocate for laws that would protect children from exploitation. Their efforts played a significant role in promoting child welfare and eventually contributed to legislation that limited child labor and improved working conditions for young workers. This focus on child labor was foundational to the broader mission of the Children's Bureau, which aimed to enhance the well-being of children and families across the nation.