Springfield KIDS COUNT 2010 SYMPOSIUM
Nov. 15, 2010
Introduction
• The most visible signs of recession don’t reveal full impact on children
• Children are hidden casualties of the economic crisis
• Recessions have lasting effects on child poverty
Unemployment Rates
2008 2010(12 mo.) (9 mo.)
Illinois 6.5% 10.8%
Sangamon County 5.8% 8.6%
Springfield 5.9% 8.7%
Effects of Unemployment
Children with unemployed parent:• 2007: 3.5 million nationwide• 2009: 7.2 million nationwide
When parents lose a job, children are more likely to:
• Struggle in school• Repeat a grade• Have behavior problems
Long-Term Effects of Child Poverty
Children growing up in poverty are likely to have:
• Lower levels of educational attainment
• Diminished employment prospects
• Greater health problems
Children in poverty: 590,000 (530,000 in 2008)
Child poverty rates:
– Illinois: 19% (2009); up from 17% in 2008
– Sangamon County: 18% (2008-09)
– Springfield: 23% (2008-09)
Child Poverty in Illinois, 2009
Child Poverty Rates in Illinoisby Age, 2009
Under age 6 21%
Ages 6-11 19%
Ages 12-17 16%
Child Poverty Rates in Illinoisby Race/Ethnicity, 2008-09
White 9%
Black 39%
Latino 25%
Lasting Effects of Recession
Poverty expected to continue rising even after economy begins to recover
• Child poverty in U.S. projected to reach 24% in 2012
• Expected rate in Illinois: 22%
(more than 650,000 children)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps)
• About half of SNAP recipients in Illinois are children
• Total SNAP recipients in Illinois:June 2008: 1.31 millionJune 2010: 1.65 million (27% increase)
• Food Stamps and federal EITC are the most effective programs in lifting children above poverty level
Homeless School-Age Children
• Homeless students in Illinois public schools2006-07: 19,8002008-09: 26,700
• Evidence that homelessness has become even worse since then
Key Investments for Illinois Children
• Early childhood care and education
• Health care coverage
• Child care assistance for working families
• Mental health services
• Child welfare and prevention strategies
Recession and state fiscal crisis put these investments in jeopardy
Securing the Future for Children and Families
Policy challenges:Protect families in needBuild on successful policiesStrengthen foundation for prosperous
future
Illinois Kids Count 2010 Report
View at
www.voices4kids.org/library/kidscount.html
For more information
Kathy Ryg
President
Voices for Illinois Children
www.voices4kids.org
312-516-5550