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Reduce Child Poverty

Poor children are disproportionately exposed to a variety of risk factors – including inadequate nutrition, substandard housing and untreated illness – that can affect their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Research shows poor children are more likely to experience chronic health conditions, mental health problems, and educational challenges, among other negative outcomes. Creating economic opportunity for families ensures that they can earn adequate income and build assets that will enable them to avoid poverty and its risk factors. Because the economic well-being of children and their parents is inextricably linked, successful policy strategies will promote opportunities for both parents and children.

Helly Lee, Stephanie Schmit and Liz Ben-Ishai from CLASP contributed their expertise to this report. 

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In the United States, the poverty threshold for a family of four is measured at $23,850 annually, though families need twice that amount in order to meet their basic needs, such as food, clothing and shelter.
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Effective job training and work supports can help low-wage workers climb the ladder to economic success.

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To achieve economic success, low-wage families must be able to keep more of what they earn. Tax relief, effective work supports and protection against predatory financial practices can help.
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Read CSSP's corresponding report on policy strategies to reduce child poverty.
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The economic well-being of children and their parents are inextricably linked, so successful policy strategies will promote opportunities for parents and opportunities for children at the same time.