Wednesday, Aug 24 2011 3:09PM
Roughly 4 percent of U.S. children have been affected by foreclosures in recent years.
The number of disadvantaged children living in the United States increased nearly 20 percent between 2000 and 2009, according to a recent study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book.
The report states the number of children living in low-income families jumped 7 percent in the last decade. States which ranked poorly include Wyoming, Hawaii, Montana, Colorado, Idaho and New Mexico.
"The research and data tell us that children who grow up in low-income families are less likely to successfully navigate life's challenges and achieve future success," said Casey Foundation CEO Patrick T. McCarthy. "To decrease the numbers of children who are at risk for bad outcomes as a consequence of economic hardship, we must invest in strategies that can help children reach their full potential."
Laura Speer, associate director for Policy Reform and Data at the Casey Foundation, stated the housing crisis has substantially affected low-income children. According to the report, 4 percent of U.S. children have been affected by foreclosure in recent years.
Additionally, Lauren Necochea, project director for Idaho Kids Count, told the Associated Press the state's poverty rates will likely have long-term consequences on children.