NCJ Number
241465
Date Published
February 2012
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This overview of the impact of poverty on children identifies the specific harms linked to poverty, the increase in concentrated poverty, variation in poverty by location, and what is needed to address poverty and its impact on children.
Abstract
The most recent data available from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey show that after poverty declined in the United States between 1990 and 2000, both the percentage and the number of children living in high-poverty areas increased over the last decade. Children living in poverty-stricken locations increased from 9 to 11 percent over the past decade. Research has shown that even when family income is held constant, families in areas of concentrated poverty are more likely to struggle to meet their children's basic material needs. Children living in areas of concentrated poverty are also likely to experience harmful levels of stress and severe behavioral and emotional problems than children living in higher income communities. A number of approaches can improve the chances of success for families in high-poverty. One approach is to promote community change efforts that integrate physical revitalization with human-capital development. Another approach is to build strong, supportive communities for children and families by leveraging "anchor institutions." Other approaches are to promote proven and promising practices in the areas of work support, asset building, and employment; link neighborhood improvement to city-wide and regional efforts; and increase access to affordable housing in safe, opportunity-rich communities for low-income families, particularly families of color. Relevant resources are listed.