Child poverty and homelessness have increased significantly in recent decades in the US. The number of children living in poverty grew from 11.6 million to 15 million between 2000 and 2015, with over 20% of children now living below the federal poverty level. Additionally, between 1-2% of children experience homelessness at some point, a number that rose due to the recent recession. Growing up in poverty puts children at greater risk of physical, cognitive, emotional and social problems. However, politicians and policymakers often disagree on the causes of and solutions to child poverty, leading to vigorous public debate.

1. Child poverty and homelessness are two of the most complex
problems faced by society today. Since 2000, the number of
children living in poverty has increased from 11.6 million to 15
million. Today, over 20% of all children live in families with
incomes below the federal poverty level. In addition, it is
estimated that 1% to 2% of children are homeless, a number that
has surged as a result of the recent global recession and the
ensuing financial strain it has placed on many families. Because
growing up in poverty increases children’s risks of suffering
physical, cognitive, emotional, and social problems, reducing
rates of child poverty is a priority. However, politicians and
policymakers often disagree on causes and solutions to child
poverty, sparking vigorous debate. In this Discussion, you will
consider your own thoughts on how child poverty might be
addressed. Reflect on the following:
Based on what you have learned this week and your past
experiences, what specific policies, initiatives, or programs do
you think should be implemented to effectively reduce child
poverty/homelessness and/or ameliorate its consequences?
Consider at least three.
How and to what extent should technology/media be used for
educational purposes? For example, should teachers integrate
technology as much as possible in their lessons? Should parents
encourage children to study using educational software and the
Internet? Or are more traditional learning methods preferable?
Are there any policies, initiatives, or programs aimed at
combating child poverty and/or homelessness with which you
strongly disagree? Why?
Article:
Southwell, P. (2009). The measurement of child poverty in the
United States.
Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment
,
19

2. (4), 317
–
329.
Retrieved from the Academic Search Complete database.
Web Resource:
Moore, K. A., Redd, Z., Burkhauser, M., Mbwana, K., &
Collins, A. (2009, April).
Children in poverty: Trends, consequences, and policy options
(Publication No. 2009-11). Retrieved from the Child Trends
website:
http://www.childtrends.org/wp-
content/uploads/2013/03/PovertyRB.pdf
Web Resource:
Valladares, S., & Moore, K. A. (2009, May).
The strengths of poor families
(Publication No. 2009-26). Retrieved from the Child Trends
website:
http://childtrends.org/wp-
content/uploads/2009/05/Child_Trends-
2009_5_14_RB_poorfamstrengths.pdf