Children in “Newly Poor” Families: Coping with the Economic Crisis (PN #23)

Abstract

We are now experiencing one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression. How children cope within a family environment that has lost the confidence that comes with a steady income is not fully understood. Interviews with School Social Workers, “Homeless Liaisons,” and staff of community agencies provided this edition of Practice Notes with an outline of issues. The experiences they shared reminded all of us engaged in assuring the well-being of children how acute the suffering may be of a child whose expectation of a safe, comfortable, predictable world has been shattered when parents lose their homes, their jobs, and their roles as providers.