[Ohio] More kids in poverty

from The Marietta Times

By Kate York, kyork@mariettatimes.com

A new study shows that one in five rural Ohio children is living in poverty, a number local education and health officials say is a challenge but not a surprise.

Ohio was one of five states to have at least a 5 percent increase in children living in poverty in rural areas since 2000, according to a report by the University of New Hampshire’s Carsey Institute, which analyzed 2000 and 2005 census data. Ohio’s increase was 5.6 percent.

Another report, released in August by the National Center for Children In Poverty at Columbia University, reveals that the Midwest had the most dramatic jump in children living in poverty, at 29 percent. The national increase was 12 percent.

“The only thing that doesn’t surprise me is that the number isn’t higher,” said Bill Wotring, principal at Matamoras Elementary School. “It’s so unfortunate that children do not all start off on an equal playing field but it’s never been that way and we’ll probably never have that.”

A loss of high-paying manufacturing jobs in the area may account for some of the increase in the Midwest, said NCCP Deputy Director Nancy Cauthen.

The region was the only one where poverty increased among children with employed parents.

“The story from the Midwest makes it painfully obvious that work at low wages is not enough to keep families out of poverty,” Cauthen said. “It’s time we address the challenges associated with low-wage work.”

Locally, too many lost jobs have been replaced with lesser-paying jobs, said David Brightbill, executive director of Washington-Morgan Community Action.

“Wages are not keeping up with costs so the numbers don’t surprise me,” he said. “What’s considered poverty level is pretty low so if you would look at the reality of what you need the numbers would be even higher.”

For 2006, the federal poverty level is $20,000 for a family of four, but some research suggests families would need an income of twice that amount to meet their basic needs.

The end result for children can be anything from going to bed hungry to increased illnesses due to stress, said Kathy Boersma, director of Family Health Services.

“They could be living in a household where it’s uncertain whether rent can be paid or for those who had a decent income and then a plant closed, may lose their house,” she said. “We’ve seen a lot of that here and it’s issues some didn’t have to deal with before.”

Free or reduced cost health services are one of the best things communities can do for children living in poverty, Boersma said.

“Sometimes parents can’t afford medication or preventive visits, like well baby checks,” she said. “They may also be delaying taking a child to the doctor because they can’t afford it.”

Free and reduced breakfast and lunch programs at school also play a part in combating the problems poor children face, said Wotring.

“If a child is hungry certainly their mental attention is on food, not on reading, math or anything else,” he said. “Their basic physical needs have to be met first.”

Even after that, there are challenges, said Wotring.

“You always have to accept a child as the child is and try to give them experiences they may not have had,” he said. “Poverty affects background experience, preparation students come to school and myriad other things so you may have to afford those children more learning opportunities. It takes time and resources.”

Many communities may also benefit from more outreach programs, as was done in Washington County, getting the word out about food stamps, Brightbill said.

“All of us in the social service field can always do a better job in letting people know what’s out there, from HUD vouchers to food stamps to WIC,” he said. “Even if you can’t actually bring their income up it can make it possible for them to afford the necessities in life.”

Families living in poverty

For 2006, the federal poverty level is $20,000 for a family of four. Some research suggests families would need an income of twice that amount to meet their basic needs.