Citizens'​ Committee for Children of New York’s Post

On this #FathersDay, I wanted to take a moment to talk about our children. For me, I have two boys - four and two - who, along with my incredible wife, are my life, and whose health and wellbeing I strive to support every single day. We do whatever we can to ensure the boys have access to nutritious food, are in safe environments where they can learn and play and thrive, that their colds are tended and scrapes are cared for, and that they have a warm, stable home as their foundation on which to build. It is the privilege of our life to be their parents; it is also our greatest responsibility. Every child in New York deserves such access to a safe home, healthy food, health care, quality schooling, and every opportunity to grow and succeed. But we continue to struggle to realize this imperative. In May 2024, the Office of the NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released a report on "New York Children in Need," which highlighted key statistics about children in New York State that still haunt me, including: - Nearly one in five children in New York are living in poverty. - New York has the 41st highest childhood poverty rate in the US, behind our adjacent states, as well as CA, IL, and FL. - It is an urban problem. Among our counties, the Bronx and Brooklyn top our list; while Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo ranking among the top large cities in the US with the highest rates of child poverty. - It is also a rural problem. Underrepresented in the report (IMO), rural child poverty is pervasive in NY. In Broome and Chautauqua counties, childhood poverty rates exceed one in four; NY's Southern Tier persistently struggles. This is not new news. In Dec 2021, the legislature passed and the Governor signed the Child Poverty Reduction Act, and convened a Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council to develop proposals to reduce our poverty rate by 50% by 2031. The Council (https://otda.ny.gov/cprac/) has since met on a number of occasions since it was convened in Oct 2022, together and as issue workgroups, and with help by the Urban Institute, aims to release recommendations on how the state can address #ChildhoodPoverty in late fall: nearly three years after the Act was passed. The recommendations look thoughtful, and I want to commend, Pete Nabozny of The Children's Agenda, Kate Breslin of Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, Allison Lake of Westchester Children's Association, and Vanessa Threatte of the NYS Council on Children and Families for capably representing the corners of our state. As the Comptroller's Report notes, however, outcomes for our children only continue to deteriorate; time is of the essence. These recommendations should aim for impact through permanent system change, and our state leaders should be ready to fully and public receive and consider them. Happy Father's Day, all. Time to take care of the kids. https://lnkd.in/eqT9vAWn

We can’t break the destructive cycle of crime without addressing child poverty.   This week, SHiFT’s Chief Executive, Dr Amy Ludlow, spent time in the North East, where SHiFT runs two Practices in partnership with Middlesbrough Council and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council. During her visit, Amy focused on deepening her understanding of the local communities. Ahead of the broadcast of the BBC Children in Need TV appeal this evening, and within the context of South Tees, it felt important to underscore again the relationship between child poverty and the destructive cycle of crime, that SHiFT seeks to break.     The message is clear: while most children and young people who experience poverty do not come into conflict with the law, living in persistent poverty is a key predictor of childhood offending and a predominant experience of children and young people who are in secure care and custody (see e.g. Jahanshahi, Murray and McVie, 2021; Gibson, 2021). Addressing child poverty is therefore crucial—not only to prevent young people from entering the justice system, but also to support those already in conflict with the law, helping them build safer, crime-free futures.    Growing up in South Tees is tough. The area has bright and brilliant children and young people, brimming with potential, but too many are facing systemic challenges from birth that mean they experience adversity, inequality and limited opportunity. While governments have, in different ways, committed to ‘levelling up’ in places like South Tees, the data tell us that efforts to date have not made enough difference. While investment is not all that’s needed, it’s clear to those working in the area that greater investment is essential, both to better support children, young people, and families in moments of crisis, and to move beyond reactive measures and focus on prevention.    --------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few insights from data about the experiences of children, young people and their families of growing up in South Tees include:     → In Redcar and Cleveland 28.7% of pupils claim Free School Meals (compared to 22.5% nationally), with 35.4% living in child poverty (national rate: 29%). Nearly 1 in 4 households are workless. Only 24.9% of residents hold qualifications at level 4 or above, compared to the national average of 33.8%. → In Middlesbrough, 64% of pupils meet Key Stage 2 expectations in reading, writing, and maths (compared to the national average of 75%). Nearly 25% of 10-11-year-olds are classified as obese, and infant mortality rates exceed national averages. In 2020-23 there was a 28% increase in children becoming Looked After. Of all Wards in Middlesbrough, six (30%) are in the top 1% most deprived Wards in England. → Both areas have a school exclusion rate of around 30%, three times the national average.  

Fighting Child Poverty: The Power of Head Start This ABC-TV report reveals worrying statistics about child poverty in Ohio. Families like Taisha Suggs' are working hard but still struggle to meet basic needs. Programs like Head Start are making a difference by providing critical support for both children and parents. Dr. Jacklyn Chisholm of Step Forward says it best: “At Head Start, we feed the children, we educate the children. We even educate the parents.” Addressing childhood poverty starts with giving families the tools they need to succeed. Learn more about the challenges Ohio families face and how programs like Head Start are a lifeline in ABC News 5 Cleveland: https://bit.ly/3Uh3pMV October is #HeadStartAwareness Month! #EndChildPoverty #EarlyHeadStart Step Forward @OhioHeadStart #Region5HeadStartAssociation #EarlyHeadStart

Statement from Robin Hood CEO Richard Buery on CPRAC’s Vote to Adopt Recommendations That Will Cut Child Poverty by 50% Across New York State: Today, the New York State Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council (CPRAC) voted to adopt a bold roadmap to cut child poverty by 50% by 2032. This package of proven policies—ranging from expanding the Empire State Child Credit to increasing SNAP benefits—has the power to lift 500,000 children in New York out of poverty or near-poverty. Robin Hood CEO Richard Buery, Jr., a member of the Council, emphasized the urgent need for action: “Child poverty is a crisis in New York, with 20% of children living below the federal poverty line. It’s a moral failure, and it comes with a hefty price tag of $60 billion annually. CPRAC’s recommendations offer a roadmap to help as many as half a million children escape or avoid a life in poverty. Albany must act boldly to prioritize our children, our economy, and our future.” The CPRAC recommendations are now with state leaders for consideration in the FY26 budget. Let’s put New York’s children first. Read the full statement: https://lnkd.in/euAUCi8a #FightPoverty

Election Day - I'm sure folks here have a sense of who I'm *not* voting for but as someone who had a not-so-wonderful childhood growing up in a broke, unemployed single parent household, I wanted to quickly shine a light on the rampant issue of Child Poverty, as a result of these previous fourteen years. Head over to the attached link, find your constituency and see the stats for yourself. Quick example, from my area: "30.6% of children in Bury South were in poverty in 2021/22. That's 7,405 children. And 67% of the children in poverty in this area are in working families." Whoever you're voting for and whoever becomes your local MP after this weekend, be sure to hold them accountable. My two sisters and I lived on hand-me-down clothes, cheap and poor quality food, Pound Stretcher toys at Christmas and we felt an undercurrent of shame and felt 'lesser than' because the other kids and families we knew had nicer things and a better way of life. And that was the 90s - I can't imagine how life must be now with the brutal era of austerity in the 21st century. If we want to consider ourselves a sane country, then we need to rid ourselves of any policy that brutalises children from birth; punishing them for the circumstances they’re born into. We need pay proper living wages and to guarantee that benefits feasibly cover at least the essentials of a day-to-day life. And if you're one of those 'Don't have so many kids, then' d*ckheads - putting your monstrous lack of empathy aside for a minute - the knock-on effect of kids growing up in poverty contributes to the social decay around us, which can be a whole article in of itself. So, at the very least, look at it as a human investment in creating a better, safer, happier future for the communities across the country. It's crazy to me that I have to even argue this to some people. Anyway. I'm done. Go vote. https://lnkd.in/evtg7Fin

A recommended read from Birmingham Live and an extremely telling one. This statement is the absolute truth and it’s beyond saddening: “Almost half of our city’s children are growing up in real, sustained poverty. In the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods, three in every four youngsters are affected. For a city which proudly touts its credentials as ‘the youngest in Europe’, with a quarter of a million aged under 16 (23.4% of our population), we have to face up to a hard truth. We are failing our children. Forged in the fires of Conservative austerity, when a billion pounds was stripped from local budgets over 14 years, and exacerbated by welfare cuts, rising costs, low pay and widening inequality, child poverty has gripped Birmingham. From Bordesley Green to Handsworth, Acocks Green to Perry Barr, Lozells to Yardley, kids are feeling the impact. This is not about mere discomfort, or families unable to afford the latest trainers for their kids, or fancy holidays. It’s about life altering and, in some cases, life-threatening poverty. Children are dying, or condemned to a shorter life than they ought, because of poverty. Our findings suggest this is a political choice, and avoidable.” https://lnkd.in/enR_GCYR

#Alabama has made some strides in its fight against poverty but substantial challenges remain, according to a new report from the group Alabama Possible. The annual Barriers to Prosperity report, which examines poverty, food insecurity, educational attainment and health coverage across all 67 counties, revealed mixed progress. Chandra C. Scott executive director of Alabama Possible, said while there are signs of improvement, many issues demand urgent attention. "We're no longer the sixth-poorest state in the nation. We're the seventh," Scott, pointed out. "We're seeing some positive uptick there, but that still accounts for over 798,000 of our neighbors that are in poverty. And unfortunately, the number of children that sits within that is 237,000." The report highlighted increasing food disparities, with the percentage of food-insecure children rising from 18% last year to 23% this year. The report showed slight gains in educational attainment among those in poverty, with an increase in individuals earning associate and bachelor's degrees. However, Scott argued more resources are crucial for those seeking higher education. "Of course we have federal aid," Scott, acknowledged. "But we as a state, we have to figure out how do we close the gap for students to be able to have degree attainment without financial constraints." Scott pointed to opportunities identified in the report, particularly the need to re-evaluate the federal poverty threshold for a family of four, currently set just below $30,000 annually. She asserted the figure may not accurately reflect the true cost of living and the essential needs of families. Disclosure: Alabama Possible contributes to our fund for reporting on Civic Engagement, Education, Poverty Issues, and Youth Issues. 

Statement from NYSCAA (New York State Community Action Association. A big thanks to the NYSCAA staff for the invaluable guidance they provide year round that make all community actions better! Today, we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, a key piece of legislation that laid the foundation for alleviating poverty and uplifting low-income individuals and families across the country. On August 20, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared an “unconditional war on poverty” by signing this landmark act, and from that moment forward, Community Action Agencies (CAAs) have been at the forefront of the fight for economic justice and equity.   At the time, approximately 19% of Americans lived in poverty, a stark reminder of the challenges many faced in accessing basic needs like food, housing, and education. In New York, the poverty rate was even higher, with an estimated 21% of residents living below the poverty line. Today, while the national poverty rate has fallen to around 11.5%, and New York's rate has decreased to approximately 14%, poverty remains a persistent challenge. Many communities, particularly in rural areas and among marginalized populations, continue to face disproportionate economic hardships.   Through education, employment opportunities, housing assistance, and so much more, Community Action serves as a catalyst for positive change in New York and beyond, but there is still much work to be done. To fully realize the promise of the Economic Opportunity Act, we must continue addressing the root causes of poverty and expanding access to opportunities for all. The spirit of the Act endures in today’s work—whether through expanding affordable housing, healthcare, or education—ensuring that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has a fair chance to achieve economic stability and success.   As we reflect on six decades of service, let this anniversary renew our commitment to ensuring that every person in our state and nation has the opportunity to thrive. Our mission is far from complete, but with continued passion and determination, we will move closer to a future where poverty is no longer a barrier for anyone in our communities.

Child poverty is on the rise—and it’s affecting more children than ever before. Recent reports show that child poverty has surged in many parts of the world, with staggering implications for the futures of millions of children. In the U.S., for example, the child poverty rate skyrocketed from 15% to 25%, impacting nearly one in four children. That’s over 17 million children facing economic hardship—many of whom are also grappling with food insecurity, unstable housing, and lack of access to quality education. The increase in child poverty is not just an economic issue—it’s a human rights crisis. Children raised in poverty face long-term challenges that affect their health, education, and future opportunities. Poverty during childhood can lead to higher rates of chronic illness, lower academic achievement, and fewer career prospects, creating a cycle of disadvantage that is passed down from generation to generation. It’s crucial that we act now. Addressing child poverty requires comprehensive solutions: better access to affordable childcare, stronger social safety nets, increased access to quality education, and policies that support working families. Every child deserves a chance to grow up healthy, educated, and empowered. It’s time to break the cycle of poverty and invest in the futures of our most vulnerable. 💡 What can we do? Support local and global initiatives that fight poverty, advocate for policies that help working families, and ensure that the most vulnerable children receive the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Here at Xavier Mission we serve children and families each week. By donating or signing up to volunteer, you are actively fighting against child poverty and for a more just and equitable world for children. #EndChildPoverty #InvestInChildren #FutureOfOurKids #EquityForAll #BreakTheCycle

We’re pleased to be part of the conversation on tackling child poverty 🤱🏽👶🏻👧🏿👨🏾🍼🧒🏼 We’ve been excited to find out more from the UK government’s Child Poverty Unit as they begin the development of a new strategy aimed at reversing child poverty trends. Since 2009, IncomeMax has worked tirelessly to help vulnerable individuals and families across the UK access financial support. Over the years, we’ve unlocked over £48 million in financial assistance, helping more than 130,000 families gain stability and build resilience in tough times. At IncomeMax, we tackle child poverty by… - Increasing Incomes Supporting families to maximise their income is key, whether that’s through work, benefits, grants, or other financial entitlements. - Reducing Essential Costs By working with partners like Nationwide, EDF Energy, OVO, E, British Gas Energy Trust, Utilita, and more, we work to help families reduce essential living expenses. - Building Financial Resilience Through debt advice and budgeting support, we empower families to manage unexpected financial shocks and build a more secure future. We know these areas align closely with the government’s child poverty strategy, and we’re excited to share our data-driven, human-centered approach to support its development… but.. …we also know there’s no easy fix. Many families face complex challenges, e.g. disability, health issues, caring responsibilities, housing pressures, unmanageable debt and more. At IncomeMax, we see this firsthand every day, and we know that in many cases, it’s essential for people to receive expert, compassionate, and personalised support that can truly make a difference. The issue of child poverty is deep and complex. It’s vital to understand the interplay between the system and the choices available to families. Whether it’s being a single parent, a carer, managing a disability, or dealing with housing or community issues, each situation is unique. I would love to see the child poverty strategy develop a nuanced understanding of these issues so they can be addressed directly. At IncomeMax, we’re committed to helping as many people as we can, but if we can also support this strategy to be as impactful as possible, we’re fully on board. #ChildPoverty #IncomeMax #FinancialSupport #VulnerableFamilies #SocialImpact #PovertyReduction #FinancialResilience #IncomeMaximisation #CommunitySupport #Impact #GovernmentStrategy