One in five American children lives in a household with income below the poverty line--$22,050 for a family of four. Not only are the daily lives of poor children difficult, but experts worry that many will suffer lifelong effects from early deprivation. Concern about child poverty has grown especially strong amid a push in Congress for sweeping budget cuts, including reductions in spending on food stamps and other anti-poverty programs. As child poverty continues to rise amid the nation's persistent economic woes and high unemployment, a long-simmering debate over the problem's root causes is heating up. Liberls argue that fewer children would fall into poverty if the government safety net were stronger and more jobs were available for struggling parents. Conservatives, on the other hand, say child poverty largely stems from parent behavior--particularly a growing tendency to have children out of wedlock. Read more...
About 150 people from different parts of the community came together at the Center for Urban Families on Wednesday, July 20. They engaged in a deep and honest discussion about workforce development and how to increase acess to good jobs for people in our communities. Thanks to everyone who took part in the discussion!
We will be releasing a follow-up policy brief soon, so stay tuned! If you were at the Conversation and didn't have a chance to fill out the Evaluation form, you can find that form here. Please email completed forms or other feedback about the event to Patrick Hart (phart@cfuf.org).
The belief that the welfare system undermines poor families has been entrenched in the public mind for decades. Now, with new fatherhood initiatives at public-housing authorities nationwide, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is seeking to debunk that idea. Read More...
Though just 22 percent of single-parent households in Maryland are led by men, the data suggest more parity than ever before. Experts attribute the change to a more flexible court system where joint-custody arrangements are far more common, and to broader career options for women. Read More...
