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
A Snapshot of Children in Poverty in 2018
Cara Baldari | October 7, 2019 |
According to the Census Bureau’s Official Poverty Measure (OPM), 16.2 percent of children were living in poverty in 2018. View our fact sheet to …
CPAG Webinar: Child Poverty Census Data and the Current Policy Landscape
Cara Baldari | September 27, 2019 |
The U.S. Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) webinar referenced below aired on September 25, 2019. Please click the link below to access the recording. …
Census says: Tax credits, SNAP and other benefit programs work. So let’s make them stronger.
Cara Baldari, Michelle Dallafior, Rachel Merker (Former Staff), Campaign for Children | September 20, 2019 |
The U.S. Census Bureau released annual data on child poverty in the United States on September 10 that shows benefit programs are particularly effective …
WEBINAR: Child Poverty Census Data and the Current Policy Landscape
Event September 25, 2019 |
Sep 25 2019 Ended WEBINAR: Child Poverty Census Data and the Current Policy Landscape Wednesday, September 25, 2019 3:00 PM — 4:15 PM The …
We Know We Can Cut Child Poverty in Half, So Why Aren’t We?
Cara Baldari | September 10, 2019 |
Today, the U.S. Census Bureau released its annual national data on poverty in America and it paints the picture that we know all too …
Alarming 2018 Census data spurs new call for national poverty targets
Michele Kayal | September 10, 2019 |
CONTACT: Michele Kayal, MicheleK@firstfocus.org, call/text: 703-919-8778 WASHINGTON — Data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau illustrates the failure of our government to lead …
Children’s Budget 2019
| September 10, 2019 |
First Focus on Children is proud to introduce the 13th annual release of its signature Children’s Budget publication, a comprehensive analysis of how kids …
Explainer: What to Know About the Final “Public Charge” Rule
Cara Baldari, Carrie Fitzgerald, Drew Aherne, Kristen Torres, Rachel Merker (Former Staff) | August 16, 2019 |
The Trump administration has finalized a rule that will expand the definition of a public charge when determining eligibility for individuals applying for admission …
Press Release: First Focus on Children calls public charge rule “morally reprehensible, economically foolish”
Michele Kayal | August 12, 2019 |
Urges Congress to block funding The Trump Administration’s new public charge rule, finalized today despite historic public opposition, imposes sweeping changes on long-standing, bipartisan …
CPAG Webinar: State Strategies to Reduce Child Poverty
| July 12, 2019 |
Note: This U.S. Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) webinar aired on July 11, 2019, but you can view the recording and materials below. View …