Poverty, Welfare Reform, and Disproportionate Rates of Disability Among Children

Abstract

The relationship between poverty and risks associated with childhood disability were explored. I examined some recent findings in various states regarding people who have remained dependent on Temporary Assistance for Needy Persons for support and the national prevalence studies of disability among children, derived from the National Longitudinal Transition Study and the National Health Interview Survey. Implications were identified. Recommendations for action include expanding access to health care and quality early-childhood care for these at-risk children, promoting the use of behavioral health services, lowering eligibility standards, and recruiting more actively to increase income maintenance through Social Security Income (SSI) benefits for children with disabilities. Recommendations were also made about securing vocational training for mothers who are long-term recipients of cash benefits through public assistance.

Levels of Psychological Distress Experienced by Family Carers of Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities in an Urban Conurbation

“…1999; Sproston & Nazroo 2002). The association between poverty and health is particularly important as families supporting a child with intellectual disabilities are at a markedly increased risk of experiencing poverty (Fujiura 1998; Fujiura & Yamaki 2000; Birenbaum 2002; Park et al. 2002; Emerson 2003) as a result of: (i) the well‐established link between poverty and the incidence of mild/moderate intellectual disability and, possibly, severe intellectual disability (Leonard & Wen 2002); and (ii) the additional costs associated with bringing up a disabled child and the impact caring has on impeding mothers' entry into the workforce on the family's risk of descending into and escaping from poverty (Meyers et al.…”

“…2000; Shearn & Todd 2000; Seltzer et al . 2001; Birenbaum 2002). Emerson (2003), for example, reports that 44% of 5–15‐year‐old children with intellectual disabilities in UK are living in poverty.…”

The Perceptions of Welfare Reform by Michigan Families Whose Children Have Disabilities and Welfare Caseworkers

“…Though conclusive evidence for this assertion has yet to emerge, there is evidence that increasing numbers of barriers to work, including low levels of education, little previous work experience, transportation difficulties, personal health problems, or caring for a child with a disability, lessen one's chances of becoming employed (Danziger et al, 2000;Zedlewski, 1999). Several researchers have noted specifically that being a parent of a child with a disability is related to increased difficulty finding employment while on welfare or to an increased length of time on welfare rolls (Birenbaum, 2002;Brandon & Hogan, 2001;Danziger et al, 2000;Zedlewski, 1999). Further, this may be cyclical over time in that "poverty poses both biological and environmental risks to children that result in disabilities" (Birenbaum, 2002).…”

“…Several researchers have noted specifically that being a parent of a child with a disability is related to increased difficulty finding employment while on welfare or to an increased length of time on welfare rolls (Birenbaum, 2002;Brandon & Hogan, 2001;Danziger et al, 2000;Zedlewski, 1999). Further, this may be cyclical over time in that "poverty poses both biological and environmental risks to children that result in disabilities" (Birenbaum, 2002). This subgroup of the welfare population may gain increasing attention as other recipient groups, with fewer barriers to employment, are increasingly cycled through the welfare system, and program administrators continue to seek strategies to further decrease their caseloads.…”

Human rights, development and disability

“…They are less likely to be as healthy, or to live as long as their peers without disabilities. The effects are widespread: a trend towards the proportion of children living in poverty and greatest concentration of poverty among single parent households – mainly headed by the mother – is exacerbated in households with a child who has a disability (Birenbaum 2002, p. 216). In the face of persistent inequity, is recourse to human rights worthwhile?…”