The Affects of the Recession on Children
CHICAGO (Reuters) – Hard economic times are hitting the United States' youngest citizens, threatening to roll back decades worth of gains in health, safety and education, according to a report released on Monday.
It suggests the country's most severe recession in a generation, which has cost more than 5 million American jobs since it began in late 2007, is having a drastic impact on children.
"Our projections show that virtually all the progress made in family economic well-being since 1975 will be wiped out," Ken Land of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, and colleagues wrote in 2009 Child Well-Being Index and Special Focus Report.
The annual report, sponsored by the Foundation for Child Development, a private child advocacy group, measures economic, health, safety and social factors affecting children and teens.
Based on current estimates, the report projects that the current recession will pare median annual family incomes back to $55,700 by 2010, down from $59,200 in 2007.
Households run by single women will see their annual incomes fall to $23,000 in 2010, down from $24,950 in 2007.
But the steepest drop will be among single households headed by men, where median annual family income is expected to drop to $33,300 in 2010, from $38,100 in 2007.
These declines in family income will affect many other aspects of life for children in America.
"Many families that have built a life around two-earner incomes now have one income or perhaps no income, so children in those families are being impacted by the current economic environment," Land said in a telephone interview.
He said the percentage of children in poverty will rise to 21 percent in 2010, up from about 17 percent in 2006.
BLACK, LATINO CHILDREN AFFECTED MOST
The researchers said the housing crisis will disrupt social relationships for children, as job losses cause families to uproot in search of work and less-costly housing. Many families are at greater risk of homelessness.
Children's health also will suffer, they said.
They foresee increases in an already growing obesity epidemic as parents turn to cheap fast food to feed their families.
One bright spot, they said, is the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which will at least ensure that many poor children get needed health care.
Based on trends in prior recessions, they said rates of violent crime will likely rise, hurt by police force cuts and cuts in juvenile crime prevention programs.
They also predict fewer children will be taking part in early childhood education programs, which are known to raise student test scores.
Black and Latino children, whose communities tend to be more sensitive to economic fluctuations, will be affected most by these changes.
"When the economy is doing well, their well-being gains are more dramatic. When the economy slumps, they are harder hit than their white counterparts because more children of color live in poverty to begin with," Ruby Takanishi, president of the foundation, said in a statement.
This is so ridiculous!! All of these families that are already struggling to make ends meet as it is, now by next year they will be taking major pay cuts that they can't afford to take. The worst part is that children will be affected in an enormous way. So what does the government plan to do about this? I'm not a parent myself, but I have first hand seen how upsetting it is for a parent not to be capable of providing for their child. Healthcare has always been an issue, but it seems like things are becoming far worse before they are getting better. It's a shame that a child's health will have to suffer for the government's mistakes with our economy. But yet, they want us to bail out all of these auto dealerships and financial institutions? Seriously, what kind of crack are they smoking??!!!! Instead of giving these CEOs and Presidents of these Fortune 500 companies all these million dollar bonuses so they can fly in their private jets and vacation on lavish islands how about they take that money and make better use of it? Give it to these struggling families who have to stretch the pennies to put food on the table. What about giving it to those families who are one mortgage payment short of being homeless?? What about those parents with very ill children, but can't afford to get the treatment needed because healthcare costs an arm and two legs?? What about those elderly people who can't work and are on a very small fixed income?? You have to forgive me. I'm a bit on the pissed off side right now. But this is the hood so it's okay. I mean don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with having private jets and vacationing on lavish islands, but not at a time like we're in now. The middle class demographic is on the verge of being...well wiped out I guess you can say. So far, in my opinion, the government's answers to everything have been insufficient and I think they need to explore different avenues other than what has been done. Obviously what's been done hasn't worked. I know things aren't going to change overnight, but they need to get a move on because these children are suffering in an unimaginable way. Just my thoughts.
Comment
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Comment by Lac on June 3, 2009 at 3:18am -
Imagine growing up living with different people all the time. One minute you are at grandma's, then aunties, then the play-play aunties, etc., Imagine having to move every single year as a child and attending eleven different schools. Imagine hearing mental and physical abuse in the home frequently during the week as it unfolds down to you as a child.
Now imagine the kids around you and their lives. Nice clothes, plenty of food, and great relationship with their families.
Imagine the recession having NOTHING to do with this problem. This is an everyday thing with children. This is parents either not knowing how to be parents, not ready to being a parent, not wanting to be a parent, and not doing whats responsible as a parent.
Yes the recession can affect quite a few kids, but truth is majority were affected way before the recession. By the way, that child was me and quite a few of the other kids around me growing up.
My two. Peace.
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Young, Black, and Fabulous
SPOTTED: Nas OUT & ABOUT In West Hollywood
Nasty Nas is in L.A. wrapping up his upcoming Life Is Good album (dropping 7/17). And he was spotted out and about in West Hollywood yesterday with Capricorn Clark--Bad Boy's Marketing Exec. We're not sure what's going on there--but we're sure they'll maintain they're friends and/or just working together. Pics inside...
After grabbing lunch in his bright green Adidas track suit and Jordans, Nas hit the streets of West Hollywood to likely head to the studio:
It's been a big week for the sexy Mr. Jones as he dropped his brand new "Daughters" video featuring his own little girl Destiny. And he just revealed that he will be unveiling his brand new website and upcoming tour dates tomorrow.
About the meaning of his new album's Life Is Good title, Nas told Complex magazine this month it's all about getting to a point where you master your own life, and not letting thieves and money bring you down:
I never liked dealing with money. It comes between real shit. Friendship, loyalty, and love is the real shit. Money is the other shit. I have one way of dealing with money, and then you have educated people, who know how to deal with money, and we have conflicts there. It’s like in the movie Wall Street, my man Gekko says, “Pay attention. Money’s a jealous bitch. Either you’re going to pay attention to her, or she’ll find someone else that will.” And mine has definitely found other people who appreciate her more. [Laughs.] I’ve neglected her and abused her. I let a person take her from me—and I don’t mean my ex-wife, I mean some bad business from, like, six years ago that’s affecting me now. And I take responsibility for it, because it’s my problem. But I still see that as something I have to fix, because if you don’t fix money, it’ll fix your ass.
Check out more highlights and pics from his new Complex spread HERE in case you missed it.
Pics via WENN
HOTTIE ALERT: Vanessa Simmons ROCKS A Slinky CATSUIT For Sexy Photoshoot
Vanessa Simmons recently kept it extra sexy for a photoshoot with Robert Ector. See the pics inside and find out what she said about her new lingerie line.
Designer Vanessa Simmons posed for Taylor-Ector Studios photographer Robert Ector in Los Angeles, CA, for The Dark Room, recently where she dished on her new lingerie line she recently launched called "ROSE By Vanessa Jean."
When asked what inspired her to launch the new line, Angela Simmons' big sister Vanessa said, "I wanted to provide women with a fashion forward brand that understands the need of every woman to feel comfort with trendsetting style and glamour."
Loves these pics 'Nessa!
Photos via Robert Ector
Beyonce Nabs A Lead Voice In Animated Film "Epic", Blue Ivy Nabs Kelly & Michelle As Babysitters
Beyonce's summer of getting back to business just got more hectic. She's just been named as one of the lead voices for the upcoming animated film, Epic. Deets inside, plus the fashion run down on all of her and her dancers' REVEL concert looks, and Blue Ivy's famous new babysitters...
She's already got Clint Eastwood's A Star Is Born leading role in her back pocket, now, Mrs. Knowles Carter has been named as one of the voices for the animated flick Epic. The 3D CG movie is from the makers of the big budget films Ice Age & Rio.
Beyonce will voice the character Queen Tara, and plenty of other celebs are rounding out the cast: Colin Farrell as Ronin, The Hunger Games‘ Josh Hutcherson as Nod, Amanda Seyfried as Mary Katherine, Johnny Knoxville as Mandrake, Aziz Ansari as Mub, rapper Pitbull as Bufo, Jason Sudeikis as Bomba, and Steven Tyler as Nim Galuu.
According to Deadline:
The film is described as a battle deep in the forest between the forces of good and evil. When a teenaged girl finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, she must band together with a rag-tag team of fun and whimsical characters to save that world, which in turn saves the real world.
Epic will be released May 24, 2013.
And if you were wondering who was looking after almost 5-month-old Baby B.I.C. up in Revel's Penthouse while Mama Bey was downstairs shutting down the stage--it was her Destiny's Child besties Kelly Rowland & Michelle Williams.
TMZ caught up with Michelle last night and they report:
Last night in NYC, Michelle revealed Kelly Rowland also pulled a shift watching B.I. in Beyonce's hotel suite ... during B's concert in Atlantic City last weekend.
In the middle of the show, Beyonce thanked Michelle for babysitting -- but Michelle 'fessed up to us she had some help ... and even got to go downstairs to see some of the show.
Cute!
Beyonce also posted the whole fashion run down for herself and everyone else from the 4 nights of Memorial Day performances. Check it below (l-r):
Ralph and Russo, The Blondes, David Koma, Tina Knowles for House of Deréon Couture, (again) Tina Knowles for House of Deréon Couture and (again) Ralph and Russo. She rocked Stuart Weitzman shoes with each look.
Her dancers rocked Dolce and Gabbana & David Koma, while her all-female band wore Alexander Vauthier. And her trio of backup singers, The Mamas, wore Pin Up Girls Clothing. Fab!
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