Author Description

This is a special report presenting a statistical profile of child poverty in Canada. The focus is on children under 18 years of age, and data are presented for both children and families with children. The report begins by examining historical poverty trends for children & their families. This is followed by snapshots of poverty in the current year for many indicators such as family type, number & age of children in a family, and age, education, & work activity of parents. There is also a section on Aboriginal children. Data are presented on the department of poverty in children's families using indicators such as average dollars below the poverty line and family incomes as percentage of the poverty line. The sources of income of poor children's families are also noted. Finally, information is presented on the duration of poverty, as revealed from longitudinal studies. Implications of the data for family policy to overcome child poverty are discussed.