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


Fact Sheet: U.S. Child Poverty Has Significantly Increased

| September 18, 2023 |

On September 12, 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the United States saw a significant increase in child poverty, with 12.4 percent of


Child poverty more than doubled in 2022, Census says

| September 12, 2023 |

Child poverty came roaring back in 2022, according to U.S. government figures released today, more than doubling to over 12% and erasing the last bits


Issue Brief: Why Children Need a National Renter Tax Credit

| August 25, 2023 |

Background Children in households that receive housing vouchers or other forms of rental assistance benefit in a variety of ways. For example, vouchers reduce


Child Investment Research Hub

| June 15, 2023 |

Children make up approximately one-quarter of the U.S. population and all our nation’s future. Ample evidence confirms that investing in children results in near


Sen. Cory Booker & Rep. Ayanna Pressley join children’s advocates to highlight need for wealth equity

| June 13, 2023 |

Children’s Week partner Prosperity Now hosted an event on Capitol Hill today to highlight and build support for Baby Bonds and the American Opportunity


Keep Up the Fight to Improve the Tax Code for Kids

Event June 15, 2023 |

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


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

Event June 13, 2023 |

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


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