Preventing Child Poverty: Barriers and Solutions

Although child poverty rates in New Zealand are about average when compared with other developed nations, they are still unacceptably high given the negative outcomes they create. Childhood poverty is associated with a range of negative health, social and psychological outcomes, all of which can place a considerable burden on the individuals, their families and their communities. The negative impacts are arguably largest when poverty coincides with a child's early years. There are therefore strong humanitarian, social and economic grounds for policy that makes eradication of child poverty a priority, as well as increased investment in children's early years. Differences in child poverty rates between developed nations are determined largely by government policy. However public attitudes towards the poor, particularly beneficiaries, can be a barrier to changing government policy. Research and practice psychologists therefore have an important role to play in influencing public attitudes towards poverty and shaping policy through active engagement in the policy-making process.