State Action Needed to Move Children and Families Out of Extreme Poverty

The number of American children living in families with incomes below one-half of the poverty line rose to 2.7 million in 1997, up by 426,000 from the previous year, according to an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data released by the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF). Most of the one-year increase in the number of children living below one-half of the poverty line occurred among families with single-mother parents.

The increase is especially startling because it occurred despite an unusually strong economy. Although the poorest families had some earnings gains, the loss of assistance during this period outweighed their increased earnings. Prior to the 1997 increase, the number of children living below half of the poverty line had dropped for four straight years.

“The numbers mean that states need to do more to help the worst-off families find and keep jobs. Food stamps, child care, training, and other work supports can lead to stable work, instead of deeper poverty,” said Deborah Weinstein, director of CDF’s Family Income division. For more information, see CDF’s Website:Childrens Defense Fund