Communities need to focus on eliminating child poverty

A new fact sheet, Supporting Child Well-being through Eliminating Childhood Poverty, details what communities, schools, parents and policymakers can do to make a difference.

The publication shows that growing up in poverty is detrimental to a child’s overall well-being, affecting virtually every area of their life. When the cycle of intergenerational poverty is stopped, children have an increased opportunity to attend a post-secondary program, achieve higher incomes, live in stable housing, and have better quality and length of life.

When the cost of childcare, economic safety net programs and tax burdens placed on low-income workers is considered, the percentage of families living in poverty has increased since 2015. Adults in households that are struggling, often work as cashiers, nursing assistants, laborers and security guards, and any change in expenses may push them into poverty.

Studies show that 70 percent of single female with children households, don’t have enough income to make ends meet, but earn too much for safety net programs.

Food insecurity and housing instability plague children in poverty, but the pandemic makes it more difficult for families to provide basic needs. Families of color are having a harder time providing basic needs than white families.

What can be done to help?

Parents can encourage and support children to complete high school, and avoid risk factors for poverty.

Communities can remove barriers to child-care and transportation, so adults have access to more job opportunities.

Schools can teach children how to build strong relationship skills, to ensure successful school and employment outcomes, while policymakers can raise the minimum wage and Earned Income Tax Credits.