[UK] One-in-five children in poverty for long period

from The Irish Examiner

By Niall Murray
ALMOST one-in-five Irish children experience poverty for lengthy periods, according to the shocking findings of new research.

Despite our booming economy, the study for the Combat Poverty Agency (CPA) suggests that tens of thousands of our children are spending their formative years in very poor circumstances.

The findings of the research by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) show that 17% of Irish children live in income poverty for five years or more.

The team of Richard Layte, Bertrand Maitre, Professor Brian Nolan and Christopher Whelan examined the length of time children spend in poverty, the factors which cause children to move in and out of poverty and the causes of inter-generational poverty.

Prof Nolan said a successful strategy to tackle child poverty includes child income support but must go beyond it.

“The education, employment and health of the adults in their household are key determinants of the persistence of poverty for children,” he said.

The research found that children in lone-parent households spend substantially more time in poverty than children in two-parent homes. It also showed that the age of children and family size affect the duration of poverty for children, while the employment, education and health status of parents are also critical factors influencing child poverty risk.

“Ensuring that at least one parent in a couple-headed household is in paid work should be a policy priority, as this is one of the most effective and efficient ways to end child poverty. Measures to ease the transition from welfare to work, such as tapered income supports, employment and education supports and accessible and affordable childcare are essential,” said CPA director Helen Johnston.

“We have also determined that education is a crucial factor in preventing the inter-generational transmission of child poverty so early childhood care and education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds is imperative,” she said.

The study has culminated in the publication of a report, Day in Day Out — Understanding the Dynamics of Child Poverty, being officially launched today by Social and Family Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan on behalf of the agency.

Ms Johnston said the research presents a clear indication of the direction which should be taken in formulating and implementing policies to effectively address the issue of child poverty.

“There is no single solution to the problem of child poverty,” she said.

“The response needs to be broader than simply providing child income support.

“Increased Government funding in this area is having an impact but investment must be complemented by a multi-dimensional approach if real success is to be achieved.”