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

kryg@voices4kids.org