Poverty & Family Economics

One in five children live in poverty today. Economic insecurity in childhood can often lead to lifelong disadvantages, ranging from poor health to low achievement in school. Federal investments like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit lift millions of children and families out of poverty every year, but yet children still continue to bear the brunt of the recession’s effects. The good news is that we know how to reduce child poverty.

Modeled after the United Kingdom's efforts, the Child Poverty Action Group is a network of organizations committed to setting a child poverty target through a coordinated strategy of investments for children, measures to make work pay, and efforts to increase financial support for families. We need to build on what works and help families provide the security that is essential so that all children can fulfill their potential. Sign up to receive updates from the Child Poverty Action Group to learn how you can be part of ending poverty among children and families. 

Resources


Keep Up the Fight to Improve the Tax Code for Kids

Event June 15, 2023 |

Jun 15 2023 Keep Up the Fight to Improve the Tax Code for Kids New research continues to emerge about the positive impact that


For Every Kid’s Future – Investing Today in Baby Bonds

Event June 13, 2023 |

Jun 13 2023 For Every Kid’s Future – Investing Today in Baby Bonds U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, SVC 202-203, Washington, DC Hosted by Prosperity


Congress Must Protect TANF in debt ceiling talks

| May 16, 2023 |

Extensive research shows that tax credits and cash transfers influence positive parent-child interactions, improve child development outcomes, and have a bigger impact than any


WATCH: Advocates Rally for #CareNotCuts

| April 26, 2023 |

Faith leaders, service providers, and advocates joined members of Congress today in holding a rally and press conference opposing the House budget plan. The


Work requirements work against children

| April 6, 2023 |

Work requirements snagged the spotlight on Capitol Hill this week as lawmakers began floating ideas for strengthening them as a condition of food, medical and


Policy Brief: The Harmful Consequences of Work Requirements and Other Obstacles to Services for Children and Families

| April 4, 2023 |

Each year, federal programs provide children with affordable health care, nutritious food, stable housing, and early childhood education. These programs not only lift millions


Testimony: Pass Reforms to Improve TANF

| March 31, 2023 |

First Focus on Children submitted this written statement to the House Ways & Means Committee in regard to the recent hearing Welfare is Broken:


Let’s ensure no child in the U.S. goes hungry and that every child has a safe and stable place to live

| November 15, 2022 |

This week marks Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, a time for action toward the goal of ensuring that no child in the U.S. goes


Keeping up with progress: How the U.S. can follow the world’s lead on child poverty

| November 7, 2022 |

The United States has historically had a higher level of child poverty than many other wealthy countries because we have failed to invest in


Policy Brief: The Biden Administration Public Charge Regulation —What does it mean for children in immigrant families?

| October 26, 2022 |

Approximately 1-in-4 children in the United States has an immigrant parent, and children of immigrants are the fastest-growing group of children in the United