MADISON, Wisconsin (WMTV) – Growing up in poverty adversely affects a child’s overall well-being, according to the Department of Mental Health for Children.

The office released a new fact sheet on Tuesday outlining how the community and policy makers can make a difference.

“If we stop the cycle of intergenerational poverty, children will have a greater chance of participating in a post-secondary program, earning higher incomes, living in stable housing, and having better quality and longevity,” the office said in a press release .

Compared to children who grow up in affluence, children who live in poverty have poorer physical health outcomes, suffer from greater mental health problems and, according to the fact sheet, achieve less educational achievement. They are also more likely to be dependent or imprisoned.

The fact sheet also shows that adults in troubled households often work as cashiers, caregivers, laborers, and security guards. Any change in spending could drive them into poverty.

A staggering 70 percent of single mother households don’t have enough income to make ends meet but earn too much for safety net programs. In addition, the fact sheet shows that the proportion of families living in poverty has increased since 2015.

The pandemic has made it even more difficult for families to meet basic needs – this is especially true for black and brown families.

To help, the Children’s Mental Health Bureau said parents can encourage children to graduate from high school. In addition, communities can remove barriers to childcare and transportation to improve access to adult employment opportunities.

Last but not least, policymakers can increase the minimum wage and earned income tax credit. The fact sheet shows that the national hike in the minimum wage to $ 15 an hour by 2025 will lift an estimated 1.3 families out of poverty.

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