Rural Child Poverty Rate Jumps to Nearly 29 Percent in the Second Year of the Recession

A recent report by the Carsey Institute titled, Young Child Poverty in 2009: Rural Poverty Rate Jumps to Nearly 29 Percent in Second Year of Recession, addresses the impact of the recession on children, particularly young children under the age of 6.  Using data from the American Community Survey, the report shows nearly 5.7 million children under age 6 live in poverty and over one million of these poor children live in rural America.  For example, in the rural Southern United States nearly three out of ten young children are poor.

According to the report, childhood poverty can have devastating consequences for young children. Early childhood health problems, for example, are more likely to follow a poor child through to adulthood. Early childhood poverty also correlates with fewer years of completed schooling. Unfortunately, experts predict overall poverty rates will continue to rise through 2010 and 2011 due to high rates of unemployment.

Through targeted policy efforts, the report argues the “Great Recession” serves as an opportunity for policy-makers to invest in the long-term success of children. By renewing crucial provisions from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and by advocating for poverty alleviation measures, policy-makers can truly make a difference in the lives of children and families. Communities can learn more about effective policy strategies for achieving measurable results for children and families by visiting policyforresults.org.