Parental Unemployment & Relationship Breakdown Key Factors In Child Poverty.

Monday, 31 May 2021 09:42

ESRI study finds 40% of young people experienced at least one spell of poverty between 2007 and 2017,

Relationship breakdowns and parental unemployment are key factors that can drive children into poverty.

That's the finding of new research from the ESRI which shows poverty in childhood often leads to poor health and wellbeing.

Join us on Monday morning to hear about our new @ESRIDublin @dcediy report on child poverty. Delighted that Minister @rodericogorman will be launching the report and @Tanya_Ward @ChildRightsIRL will be commenting on the findings.
Register here https://t.co/8EWfAZ2OHJ pic.twitter.com/V2GtzduOJ1
— Helen Russell (@helenrussell32) May 28, 2021

4 in 10 young people surveyed experienced at least one spell of poverty between 2007 and 2017, peaking during the economic crash.

Research Professor Helen Russell from the ESRI explains:

Children from large or one parent families are more likely to experience poverty.

The ESRI research also reveals a direct link between childhood poverty and the employment status of parents.

Living in poverty, especially over a protracted period of time, has far-reaching consequences for children’s development and wellbeing. Read the report here: https://t.co/X7OY6pE2bm
— Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) (@ESRIDublin) May 31, 2021

The study has found children who are exposed to poverty, even on a short term basis, have worse outcomes.

Research Professor Helen Russell from the ESRI explains the affects it can have:

"Nearly half of all children are poor at some point in their childhood, underlines need to urgently act on the issue." We couldn't agree more. Launch of latest @ESRI report looking at dynamics of child poverty in Ireland. @rodericogorman
— Barnardos Ireland (@Barnardos_IRL) May 31, 2021

Suzanne Connolly, CEO of Barnardos, says they see the impacts on education, development and mental wellbeing.