Children in Poverty: How Are Kids in Your State Faring?

19Aug, 2011

Children in Poverty: How Are Kids in Your State Faring?

The latest numbers on poverty among U.S. children are so striking that they make you do a double take. In 2009, 31 million kids were living in families with incomes below twice the federal poverty threshold. That’s 42 percent of the kids in the United States who are just a few of mom’s or dad’s paychecks away from economic catastrophe, says Patrick McCarthy, CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which released the statistics this week as part of its latest Kids Count study.

Nearly 8 million children in 2010 were living with at least one parent who was unemployed.

You can explore more of the findings focused on children and families here. And there’s plenty of other data to pore over — about disturbing trends at the national level and what’s happening in your state.

“Before the first year at camp, it was the lowest part of my life. I had lost my mother and sister in a tragic car wreck. I was being bullied at school and was planning to commit suicide when I received an invitation with a scholarship to attend Breakaway camp. I decided to put off the suicide plan and attend camp. It was the best decision I ever made. I gave my life to Jesus at camp and then Breakaway helped me get involved with a local church. My life still has ups and downs but I know now that God has me no matter what.”

Ryan

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Breakaway Outreach. My biological father was always incarcerated and I was sent into foster care. I started camp as a tiny little camper and now I get to serve as camp nurse! I graduated from Lee University with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and I am currently working as a Nursery and Postpartum Nurse. Breakaway Outreach is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an outreach of family and community that all come together because we truly care about God’s children.”