1. Springfield KIDS COUNT 2010 SYMPOSIUM Nov. 15, 2010

2. 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

3. Unemployment Rates 20082010 (12 mo.)(9 mo.) Illinois6.5%10.8% Sangamon County5.8%8.6% Springfield5.9%8.7%

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Child Poverty Rates in Illinois by Age, 2009 Under age 621% Ages 6-1119% Ages 12-1716%

8. Child Poverty Rates in Illinois by Race/Ethnicity, 2008-09 White9% Black39% Latino25%

9. 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)

10. 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 million  June 2010: 1.65 million (27% increase) Food Stamps and federal EITC are the most effective programs in lifting children above poverty level

11. Homeless School-Age Children Homeless students in Illinois public schools  2006-07: 19,800  2008-09: 26,700 Evidence that homelessness has become even worse since then

12. 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

13. Securing the Future for Children and Families Policy challenges:  Protect families in need  Build on successful policies  Strengthen foundation for prosperous future

14. Illinois Kids Count 2010 Report View at www.voices4kids.org/library/kidscount.html

15. For more information Kathy Ryg President Voices for Illinois Children www.voices4kids.org 312-516-5550 kryg@voices4kids.org